The Sport SVR from Range Rover has been displayed at the ongoing Autocar Performance Show. The high-performance SVR is the range-topping edition of the Range Rover Sport line-up in the country. The SUV, developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division, has been honed on the Nürburgring race track and is a direct rival to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5 M and the X6 M.

Power is sourced from a 542bhp, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 which propels the SUV from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 261kph. Torque output is rated at 69.3kgm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode via the gear lever or paddle shifters.

Off-road ability is maintained by having a 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 SUV also gets a torque vectoring system that uses the brakes to manage torque delivered to the wheels.

Other mechanical changes to the SVR include a tweaked chassis, air suspension and adaptive dampers, Active Roll control system with a hydraulic pump replacing the anti-roll bar and six-piston calliper Brembo brakes.

To set it apart from the standard Sport, the Sport SVR gets 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 the standard aluminium trim and optional carbon-fibre trim.