The British automaker Land Rover has unveiled official performance times and images for its most potent version yet – the Range Rover Sport SVR. It’s the first vehicle to get SVR (Special Vehicle Racing) badge of LR, which will eventually adorn all future Jaguar and Land Rover models. The new Sport variant is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds with the top speed of 260km/h.
Motivation for the SVR comes from a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 engine that’s rated at 405kW of power with 680 newton meters of torque. The engine is mated to 8-speed automatic transmission. It features firmer brushings for enhancing driving dynamics, uprated suspension, 6-piston Brembo brakes and an all-aluminum architecture. Marquee items include torque vectoring technology, which balances the distribution of engine torque between the all wheels while cornering for enhanced steering and grip and a 2-stage electronically-controlled active exhaust that emits a louder soundtrack at higher revs without affecting refinement during steady-state driving. One of the unique features is the Active-Roll Control system, which further improves cornering by using a hydraulic pump on rear and front axles to limit body roll.
According to the company, it’s a combination of these elements, which helped SVR achieve an 8 minute 14 second lap of Germany’s legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife racetrack during recent in-house testing. Most seemingly, it’s suited to road driving and retains off-road capability with a 2-speed transfer case and permanent four-wheel drive. Exterior changes include pumped wheel arches, redesigned rear bumper, quad exhaust outlet, new grille and bigger air intakes in front bumper for increased airflow. The interior get a grey and black fitout.
John Edwards special operations managing director at Land Rover said: “A thorough range of revisions specially designed by the company’s Special Vehicle Operations combine to make this premium derivative even more unique both inside and out, as well as taking its dynamic capabilities to the next level without impacting on refinement, all-terrain versatility or comfort. The Range Rover Sport SVR is truly the world’s most capable performance SUV.”
Bragging rights aside, there is no doubt the SVR will be one of the fastest four-wheel drive vehicles ever when it rolls into dealerships next spring, wearing a price tag of £100,000 – not far shy.
