THE fastest, most powerful and most dynamically focused Land Rover ever produced is how experts are describing the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR – destined to hit Aussie shores in April next year.
The first Land Rover to wear the new high-performance SVR badge, the Range Rover Sport SVR is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 260km/h.
The SVR’s range-topping 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine has been developed to produce 405kW and 680Nm -substantial 30kW and 55Nm increases – while it’s advanced ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive chassis have been optimised to complement the astonishing performance, whatever the weather.
In initial tests, Land Rover’s most dynamic SUV has lapped Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack in 8 minutes 14 seconds, one of the fastest times ever recorded by a standard production SUV.
The new SVR unleashes the full potential of the Range Rover Sport’s lightweight and robust all-aluminium architecture, while retaining the refinement, luxury and off-road capability for which Range Rover is world-renowned.
In two world firsts for Range Rover, an electrically controlled two-stage active exhaust provides a racecar-inspired soundtrack at higher engine revs without adversely affecting refinement during steady-state driving. Meanwhile, unique 22-inch alloy wheels with performance-optimised 295/40 R22 Continental SportContact 5 tyres complement the driver-focused chassis. As standard, new 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/45 R21 all-season tyres offer unparalleled all-terrain capability.
Exterior design enhancements ensure the SVR makes a striking visual impact, while simultaneously boosting cooling and aerodynamic efficiencies. A bespoke interior featuring unique sports seats provides further visual differentiation and ensures occupants are held securely in place during spirited driving.
Speaking ahead of its global premiere, John Edwards, Managing Director of Land Rover’s Special Operations, said: “The Range Rover Sport SVR is a natural progression beyond the core vehicle’s outstanding on- and off-road capabilities and leading-edge design. Its exhilarating performance will satisfy a particularly demanding customer set.
“A thorough range of revisions specially developed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations combine to make this premium derivative even more distinctive both inside and out, as well as taking its dynamic capabilities to the next level without impacting on comfort, refinement or all-terrain versatility. The Range Rover Sport SVR is truly the world’s most capable performance SUV.”
The Range Rover Sport SVR builds on the success of the new Range Rover Sport, with its all-aluminium monocoque -a world first in the segment – which reduces weight by 39% compared with its predecessor and provides the ideal strong, stiff and lightweight structure on which to create the Range Rover Sport SVR.
The Range Rover Sport SVR has been created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team and will be built alongside existing models and sold through the Land Rover dealer network.
Range Rover Sport SVR – designed, engineered and built in Britain – amplifies the engineering integrity, robustness and attention to detail that are Land Rover hallmarks.
The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2005, with over 500,000 examples built to date.
