THE INNOVATIVE BREED HIGH PERFORMANCE SUV
Written By Francisca Gambino
Built for speed, the new generation Range Rover Sport SVR packs a 5 liter supercharged V8 punch poised to leave the tarmac warrior Porsche Cayeene GTS in its wake. To warrant bragging rights as potentially “the fastest production SUV in the world,” the 2015 SVR cranked out a remarkable 8:41 lap time at the legendary Nring Nordschleife racetrack in Germany. A pretty impressive feat for the four-wheel luxury drive vehicle whose 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque can thrust the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Top speed sits at 260 km/h.
Created by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team, the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR unleashes the full potential of lightweight and robust all-aluminum architecture designed to retain refinement, luxury and off-road capability. The 2015 SVR design enhancements include a sharper throttle response, a faster (up to 50-percent) 8-speed ZF gearbox, increased cooling, better downforce, and reworked suspension.
On the road, the SVR makes a strong visual statement including a front bumper with muscular trapezoidal air intakes and a new grille in a dark finish that contrasts with the headlights’ LED signature lighting. At the side of the vehicle, an all-new fender incorporates a distinctively designed vent, while unique side moldings add muscularity. At the rear, prominent Range Rover Sport SVR badging and a pronounced high-level spoiler with a centrally mounted brake light signal the vehicle’s sporting intent. The unique rear bumper features a gloss black diffuser, which incorporates unique quad exhaust pipes, instantly differentiating this high-performance derivative.
Inside, the SVR features distinctive leather sports seats. Full 14-way electric adjustment is offered and the vehicle’s Sports Command Driving Position and generous rear legroom are unaffected. The rear seats have been redesigned to echo the performance-oriented front seats. The result is an eye-catching four-seat aesthetic, with space for an occasional fifth passenger. The new rear seats recline for maximum comfort and offer full 60/40 folding capability and up to 62.2 cubic feet (1761 liters) of load space. The seats are finished in luxurious Oxford leather with ribbed, quilted centers, Ebony Black top-stitching, visually appealing reflective piping, and all feature the Range Rover Sport SVR logo. As standard equipment, the vehicle is supplied with turned aluminum interior trim details, with optional carbon fiber trim for the door panels, center console, dashboard and steering-wheel bezel available.
“The Range Rover Sport SVR is the ultimate in premium performance,” said Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern. “Crafted by Land Rover’s ‘Special Vehicle Operations’, its performance-focused design revisions clearly differentiate the most powerful Land Rover vehicle ever produced from existing derivatives with its ground-hugging, assertive stance and additional road presence. This striking evolution retains the trademark DNA for which the Range Rover Sport is so widely acclaimed.”
www.landrover.com