Range Rover Sport SVR now on sale

Land Rover India has added the top-spec Range Rover Sport SVR model to its line-up. The Range Rover Sport SVR is a direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG ML63 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Honed at the Nürburgring, the SVR has been developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations unit, which is headed by former Land Rover boss, John Edwards.

The Range Rover Sport SVR is powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that churns out a massive 542bhp. It does a 0-100kph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and goes on to a limited top speed of 261kph. The SVR’s engine is also found in some of Jaguar’s most potent models, including the F-type R Coupé and XFR-S saloon. The 5,000cc all-aluminium unit produces 69.3kgm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a revised ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or the gearstick. The torque converter is tuned for 50 percent quicker shifts, which Land Rover claims are “shorter, more visceral and audibly crisper” than in the gearbox’s standard application. Gearbox functions include the blipping of the throttle in high-speed downshifts.

Off-road ability is maintained by having permanent four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the centre differential. On-road performance is boosted by a recalibration of the Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential, which sends torque to the rear wheel with the most traction. The torque-vectoring differential effect is imitated by a Torque Vectoring by Braking function, while the dynamic stability control system is also retuned.

The SVR uses a two-stage active exhaust with electronically controlled valves, which, according to Land Rover, creates a race car-like soundtrack. At low revs and loads, the valves in two of the four pipes are closed, but under increased loads and engine speeds of around 3,000rpm, the valves open. A crackle has also been tuned on overrun. The exhaust still works with the Range Rover Sport’s 850mm wading depth.

The chassis has been tuned for improved agility, the SVR featuring air suspension and adaptive dampers, and stiffer, lighter components. Key to the SVR’s cornering ability is an Active Roll Control system, which replaces anti-roll bars with a hydraulic pump on each axle to control body roll and allow the car to “deliver a progressive breakaway on the limit”. Weight has also been added to the variable-ratio electronic steering system. Fitted as standard to the SVR are 21-inch alloys shod in 275/45 R21 tyres. Optional are 22-inch alloys equipped with 295/40R22 Continental SportContact 5 performance tyres. Stopping power comes from Brembo brakes with six-piston callipers.

The SVR is easily distinguished from other Range Rover Sports by a series of design changes. There’s a new front bumper with larger air intakes, a new grille finish, flared wheel arches, a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad exhaust pipes, and a rear spoiler. The cabin is equipped with new and luxuriously trimmed sports seats, alongside standard aluminium trim and optional carbonfibre trim. The interiors can be had in four different colour schemes.

 The Range Rover Sport SVR is priced at Rs 2.12 crore (ex-showroom).