Range Rover’s fastest and most powerful model yet, the Range Rover Sport SVR, is now available in South African showrooms. The first model to wear the SVR badge – destined for all future high-performance Jaguar and Land Rover models – made its local debut at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, in May 2015.

Performance

The Range Rover Sport SVR accelerates from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds, and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 260kph. Last year it also lapped the world-famous Nordschleife, in Germany, where it set a lap time of 8minutes 14 seconds on the 20.8-kilometre-long circuit.

The SVR’s range-topping 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine has been developed to produce 405 kW and 680 Nm – asubstantial 29 kW and 56 Nm increases over the current range-topping V8 model – without compromising fuel economy. And its advanced 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive chassis have been optimised to deal with the added performance.

The Range Rover Sport SVR is equipped with a two-stage active exhaust featuring electronically controlled valves. The system optimises sound quality, performance and aesthetics and provides a racecar-inspired soundtrack at higher engine revs.

As standard, new 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/45 all-season tyres offer all-terrain capability. A bespoke interior featuring unique sports seats provides further visual differentiation and ensures occupants are held securely in place.

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.”

SVR is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, with a low-range option for demanding terrain, and a 50/50 per cent torque split, front-to-rear. The upgraded air suspension system automatically varies between two ride heights, and the next generation of the Terrain Response 2 system automatically selects the most suitable terrain programme.

The Range Rover Sport SVR has been created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team and all SVR models need to meet key performance criteria to wear the SVR badge. Range Rover Sport SVRs will be built alongside their mainstream sibling models in existing production facilities.

Range Rover Sport SVR Video

Range Rover Sport SVR Pricing

R1865200 (incl. VAT; excl. CO2 taxes of R20725).