Land Rover News: 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR Packs 550 Horsepower

[William Maley]

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Those in the market for a performance-oriented luxury SUV have a new option. Land Rover has revealed the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR, which is one of the first production models from Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO).

The SVR differs from the standard Sport model with more aggressive front and rear fascias, quad exhausts, SVR badging, and twenty-one inch alloy wheels. Inside are new sport seats, with the front getting sixteen-way adjustments; and aluminum trim. Carbon fiber trim is optional.

Under the SVR's hood is a 5.0L supercharged V8 that has been massaged to get 550 horsepower 502 pound-feet of torque. A revised engine computer and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission finish off the powertrain. 0-60 MPH is clocked in at 4.5 seconds (half a second quicker than the Range Rover Sport Supercharged) and hits a limited top speed of 162 MPH.

Under the skin, SVO modified the Range Rover Sport SVR's suspension; and recalibrated the active rear locking differential and torque vectoring system. The SVO team hasn't forgotten that SVR is still a Land Rover, so the model still features a two-speed transfer case, a maximum ride height of 9.3-inches from the air suspension, and Land Rover's Terrain Response System.

Pricing for the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR will begin at $110,475. No release date has given at this time.

Source: Land Rover

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2015 RANGE ROVER SPORT SVR

• The 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR will be the first Land Rover vehicle to wear the new high-performance SVR badge

• The Range Rover Sport SVR is the most dynamically focused Land Rover vehicle ever produced• The SVR features a 550hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 162 mph1 on the track

• Tested on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the SVR recorded a lap time of 8 minutes 14 seconds. To see the Range Rover Sport SVR in action on the Nürburgring CLICK HERE• Pricing starting at $110,4754

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – August 10, 2014 - Capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top track speed of 162 mph, the Range Rover Sport SVR will be the first Land Rover vehicle to wear the new high-performance SVR badge.

The SVR features a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine which has been developed to produce 550hp and 502lb-ft of torque – a 40hp and 41lb-ft increase over the standard supercharged V8 – while its advanced ZF® 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive chassis have been tuned to complement the astonishing performance.

Showcasing an electronically controlled two-stage active exhaust, the SVR produces an inspired soundtrack at higher engine speeds while maintaining refinement during steady-state driving. Emphasizing all-terrain capability, vehicles are equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/45 R21 all-season Continental Cross Contact tires.

The exterior design of the SVR makes a visual impact, while functionally boosting cooling and aerodynamic efficiencies. Similarly, a modified interior featuring sport seats provides visual differentiation and offers increased support during spirited driving.

Producing a lap time of 8 minutes 14 seconds on Germany's legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, the Range Rover Sport SVR unleashes the full potential of the lightweight and robust all-aluminum architecture, while retaining refinement, luxury and off-road capability.

Speaking ahead of its global premiere, John Edwards, Managing Director of Land Rover 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. It's 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 – 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 vehicles built to date. The Range Rover Sport SVR builds on the success of the Range Rover Sport. Its all-aluminum unibody reduces weight by 39 percent compared with its predecessor and provides a strong, stiff and lightweight structure on which to create the Range Rover Sport SVR. The Range Rover Sport SVR was created by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team and will be built alongside existing models and sold through the Land Rover retailer network.

Section 1 - THE MOST POWERFUL LAND ROVER VEHICLE EVER

The heart of the Range Rover Sport SVR is an evolution of the JLR all-aluminum 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. With cast-iron cylinder liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, this engine features a combination of strength, performance and refinement.

To increase performance, engineers at Special Vehicle Operations have tuned the Bosch management system and increased maximum supercharger boost pressure resulting in power and torque increases of 40hp and 41lb-ft respectively. Producing 550hp and 502lb-ft of torque, the SVR boasts a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top track speed of 162 mph.

The Range Rover Sport SVR design enhancements include larger air intakes in the front bumper to increase airflow to two intercoolers that reduce the temperature of pressurized air from the supercharger before it enters the engine.

In Dynamic mode, sport driving characteristics are intensified thanks to sharper throttle response and more incisive gearshift logic. In addition, the fuel supply is controlled on deceleration, creating a characterful crackle through the exhaust.

The engine's advanced and highly efficient design characteristics include: low internal friction; high-pressure direct injection with a centrally mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided injection system; dual independent variable camshaft timing (VCT); and an advanced intelligent Stop/Start system that stops the engine instead of idling and instantly restarts it when the driver is read to proceed.

Section 2 - DYNAMICALLY FOCUSED DRIVELINE

The smooth and responsive eight-speed ZF® 8HP70 automatic transmission has been retuned for the available performance. With a sure-footed four-wheel-drive system, the transmission receives additional torque in its lower gears to achieve a thrilling 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds1.

Equipped with eight close ratios, shift times have been reduced by up to 50 percent through the implementation of rapid and precise fuel cut-offs during upshifts. This leads to shorter, more visceral and audibly crisper shifts while utilizing engine inertia for a sense of acceleration through the shift. It also creates a more immediate connection to the vehicle, and ensures the engine is constantly within its power band.

The transmission's adaptive shift strategy monitors acceleration and brake inputs, lateral cornering forces, kickdown requests and even the severity of gradients, before choosing one of 25 pre-determined programs to seamlessly adapt to driver behavior and road conditions. Sportier driving triggers more aggressive gearshifts and defers upshifts.

To improve dynamic stability, the throttle is automatically blipped during high-speed downshifts, smoothing the transition between ratios. This function also allows the transmission to perform a series of rapid downshifts under hard braking with maximum refinement and control. Corner Recognition maintains one gear through a turn to improve stability while also ensuring a keen response once the bend straightens and the driver can accelerate. Similarly, the transmission recognizes a series of overtaking maneuvers and maintains a lower gear to ensure instant acceleration.

Despite this performance focus, there is no impact on refinement: the ZF eight-speed transmission's torque converter operates for smooth take off in first gear, but is bypassed by a locking clutch from second gear. This creates a direct link between the transmission and the driven wheels.

The transmission is controlled via either steering wheel-mounted paddle shift controls, or the gear lever. Drivers can default to full automatic mode, make occasional manual interventions, or push the gear lever to the left to gain manual control. In manual mode, gear shifts are made via the paddle shift controls, or by pushing the gear lever forwards for downshifts and pulling back for upshifts, echoing the shift logic of racing cars. In Dynamic mode, the shift strategy will not upshift at redline and will only downshift to prevent engine speeds below idle speed.

The Range Rover Sport SVR has been engineered to deliver an incredible breadth of capability. The 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 percent torque split front-to-rear.

Optimum traction is maintained with the aid of an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the center differential, which distributes torque between the front and rear axles – up to 100 percent can be channeled to either axle in extreme conditions. Sophisticated electronic traction-control systems further contribute to capability.

The transfer case offers selectable low- and high-range, using a two-speed fully synchronized shift on the move' system which allows the driver to change between the two at up to 37 mph for exceptional flexibility. High-range provides a direct drive ratio of 1:1, while the low-range ratio is 2.93:1, providing an extremely low crawl speed. This allows for an overall crawl ratio of 45.542:1.

To optimize traction and stability, the Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential has been recalibrated. The differential now locks earlier and to an increased extent, satisfying performance-minded drivers and ensuring torque is transferred to the rear wheel with most traction, increasing agility2.

Torque Vectoring is also uniquely recalibrated. It uses the car's brake system to create the effect of a torque-vectoring differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine torque between the four wheels during cornering, for improved grip and steering, and reduced understeer2.

The system monitors the vehicle 100 times per second via the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module. As the car accelerates through a corner, the system uses yaw sensors to detect the beginning of understeer. Imperceptible levels of braking are then used to correct the vehicle attitude, while engine torque is transferred to the outside wheels, which have more grip, thus maintaining traction and steering control.

Section 3 - LEADING-EDGE DESIGN

The exterior design and luxurious interior of Land Rover's premium sports SUV have been enhanced for the Range Rover Sport SVR with a range of dynamic improvements.

Designed exclusively by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the Range Rover Sport SVR makes a strong visual statement. These include a front bumper with muscular trapezoidal air intakes, dark Range Rover script on the clamshell hood, which also features revised vents, 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.

The larger air intakes in the front bumper create additional airflow for the charge air coolers that channel air to the powerful 550hp supercharged engine.

The new rear spoiler reduces lift, and has been carefully balanced with the new front bumper. Beneath the front bumper a new NVH comb is fitted, which reduces wind noise and improves aerodynamic efficiency. It also reduces front-end lift to help the front tires retain high levels of grip during enthusiastic driving. The deeper front bumper's more aggressive lower section can also be removed for extreme off-roading.

Additional brake cooling has also been introduced for the six-piston Brembo brake set-up, ensuring optimal stopping power.

A choice of seven color palettes are available, including the striking Estoril Blue, exclusive to the Range Rover Sport SVR. A Santorini Black contrast roof is available as standard equipment and combines with body-color side moldings to emphasize the muscular stance of the SVR. Exterior trim detailed in Black and headlights with black casings round-off the design enhancements, creating a visually imposing road presence.

Inside, Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations has differentiated the SVR with distinctive leather sports seats. These comfortable seats offer additional lateral support during spirited driving. Full 16-way electric adjustment is offered and the vehicle's Sports Command Driving Position and generous rear legroom are unaffected.

The sporting theme continues with the rear seats, which 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, eye-catching reflective piping, and all feature the Range Rover Sport SVR logo. Four striking interior color options are available: Ebony Black; Ebony Black and Cirrus White; Ebony Black and Pimento Red; Ebony Black and Tan.

As standard, 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."

Section 4 – EXHILARATING SOUND TRACK

Differentiated by quad exhaust pipes, the Range Rover Sport SVR is equipped with a two-stage active exhaust featuring electronically controlled valves that optimize sound quality, performance and aesthetics. The new exhaust features larger diameter underfloor pipes – up from 2.2-inches (55mm) in the Supercharged V8 to 2.4-inches (60mm) – for enhanced flow characteristics.

A new exhaust soundtrack audibly distinguishes the Range Rover Sport SVR, with a purposeful modulation at lighter throttle openings and a higher-frequency staccato at peak performance. The electronically controlled active exhaust valves largely eliminate exhaust flow noise, creating pure engine sound through to peak engine speeds. At lower engine speeds, the electronically controlled valves close off two tailpipes. As engine speed and load increases – typically around 3000rpm – the valves open, allowing greater flow through all four exhaust pipes. A symposer enriches sound quality filtering desirable induction noise into the cabin.

Together with modified engine tuning that cuts the air charge far more quickly when the driver lifts off the throttle, the new exhaust also creates a pronounced crackle during deceleration. If desired, the driver can also select a quiet mode at any engine speed. The new active exhaust system has also been designed to maintain the outstanding off-road performance of the Range Rover Sport SVR should owners decide to use its 33.5-inch (850mm) wading capability.

Section 5 – HANDLING THAT EXCITES

The Range Rover Sport has been praised for its high levels of comfort and extremely agile handling. The SVR takes that capability to the next level courtesy of extensive development on British country roads, German autobahns and the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Enhanced suspension and steering

The Range Rover Sport SVR chassis has been tuned for enhanced agility. Constructed mainly from lightweight aluminum components, the suspension is fully independent and double-isolated, with wide-spaced double wishbones at the front and an advanced multi-link layout at the rear. A cross-linked, four-corner air suspension and Adaptive Dynamics with continuously variable magnetorheological dampers is featured in the SVR. Adaptive Dynamics active damping monitors vehicle movements at least 500 times a second, adjusting the damping force almost instantaneously in response to changing road-surface conditions and driver inputs.

The air springs feature a modified piston profile for sportier handling and composure, while the Adaptive Dynamics damper settings have been tuned for increased agility. Rear suspension subframe bushings, upgraded by 20 percent, ensure a connected response to driver inputs.

While offering a level of performance normally associated with performance cars, the vehicle's high levels of comfort and off-road capability have not been sacrificed: the ride quality retains its compliance and the ride height is unaltered, with an adjustable range from 2 inches (50mm) in access mode up to 9.3-inches (235mm) for off-roading. Wheel travel also remains identical, with 10.2-inches of movement at the front and 10.7-inches (272mm) at the rear. Wading depth continues to be 33.5-inches (850mm). Six Terrain Response® 2 settings continue to be available: General, Dynamic, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl. Alternatively, the "Auto" setting intelligently selects the most appropriate mode.

The revised Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system featuring variable-ratio, speed-sensitive assistance, with added weighting for a more immediate and connected feel at speed. Unlike hydraulically assisted power-steering systems, EPAS does not rely on an engine-driven pump, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

All vehicles will be equipped with Range Rover Sport SVR-specific 21-inch alloys and all-season 275/45 R21 tires.

Active-Roll Control tuned for flatter, faster corneringWorking in conjunction with air springs and Active Dynamics continuously variable dampers, the two-channel Active-Roll Control (ARC) enhances high-performance capability. Replacing traditional anti-roll bars, ARC employs actuators powered by a hydraulic pump to keep body roll in check, adapting to body accelerations up to 1000 times a second. Compared with earlier iterations with a single actuator, ARC uses two actuators to respond independently to lateral roll at each axle, providing greater precision. When the system senses vehicle roll, ARC applies an opposing torque, keeping the body level and composed. ARC allows the Range Rover Sport SVR to corner flatter and faster. Dynamic mode further reduces body roll for maximum handling capability.

While ARC is tuned to behave uniquely for the Range Rover Sport SVR during performance driving, it uses the same software map as other Range Rover Sport models when off-road use is detected by on-board sensors. This maintains excellent off-road capability.

Section 6 – DEVELOPED AT THE NÜRBURGRING

With 13 miles (20.8km) of challenging twists and turns, high-speed straights, daunting crests and compressions, the Nordschleife is the ultimate test for any performance car. The SVR was subject to exhaustive testing, with prototype vehicles completing nearly 1000 laps around the legendary circuit. During testing and development, the SVR recorded a Nordschleife lap time of just 8 minutes 14 seconds. The SVR made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, powering up the 1.16-mile course to great fanfare from the motorsports community.

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[David]

Meh, I would rather have a brand New Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum and can add the supercharger and get a better handling, more comfortable auto than this 5 person over priced sardine can.

[smk4565]

I don't think an Escalade is going to out-handle a Range Rover.  The Range Rover is a great SUV, although any 500+ horsepower SUV is sort of pointless because it isn't going to be able to perform like a car.

[Robert Hall]

Cool...sort of Range Rover's answer to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Merc ML AMG, BMW MX5 or Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Edited August 11, 2014 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[David]

I don't think an Escalade is going to out-handle a Range Rover.  The Range Rover is a great SUV, although any 500+ horsepower SUV is sort of pointless because it isn't going to be able to perform like a car.

Totally Disagree with you, my Trailbazer SS handles better than many sports cars.

[FAPTurbo]

I don't think an Escalade is going to out-handle a Range Rover.  The Range Rover is a great SUV, although any 500+ horsepower SUV is sort of pointless because it isn't going to be able to perform like a car.

 

Though I do wonder if it's possible. As the article says, RR still had to ensure the vehicle can be capable off road. An Escalade isn't expected to be an off-road performer so perhaps GM's engineers would have more flexibility to make it out-handle competitors. It'd be a bit silly though. 

Edited August 13, 2014 by FAPTurbo

[smk4565]

The Range Rover did set the Nurburgring lap time for an SUV at 8:14, but that puts it just behind a 2004 M5 or a current Porsche Boxter S.  The fastest SUV ever is still not going to match up to an average sports car, well maybe above average.

[balthazar]

Packing more HP into one of the worst reliable vehicles on the road is like putting mascara on a jackass.

[Robert Hall]

 

I don't think an Escalade is going to out-handle a Range Rover.  The Range Rover is a great SUV, although any 500+ horsepower SUV is sort of pointless because it isn't going to be able to perform like a car.

Totally Disagree with you, my Trailbazer SS handles better than many sports cars.

 

LoL....maybe 50 year old sports cars on bias-ply tires...

[Z-06]

 

 

I don't think an Escalade is going to out-handle a Range Rover.  The Range Rover is a great SUV, although any 500+ horsepower SUV is sort of pointless because it isn't going to be able to perform like a car.

Totally Disagree with you, my Trailbazer SS handles better than many sports cars.

 

LoL....maybe 50 year old sports cars on bias-ply tires...

 

 

He is not totally incorrect.

 

This was eight years ago: - Not a faint praise for a vehicle conceived in possibly the worst of GM's phase.

 

 

A 5.5-second blast to 60 mph is still quick enough to make it feel much less like a truck and more like a sports car.

 

During one such maneuver -- kids, don't try this at home -- we flicked the truck left, then abruptly right, at about 90 mph. The SS gracefully arced into a sideways slide that would do professional rally driver Colin McRae proud. We were grinning like idiots until we looked out the left-side window and noticed this tippy sport-ute was drastically leaning on its left side.

Have you ever had a brief moment of clarity when time slows to a crawl and you can seemingly foresee impending disaster? We did while we were going sideways -- at 90 mph -- in the Chevy.

But nothing happened. The SS handled the maneuver a lot like a Corvette; a little bit of countersteering and it pulled out of the slide just fine.

 

It rolls a little more in the corners, and there's a little less feedback through the steering wheel, but it's still a fun car to hustle on back roads. In exchange for some of the handling precision, however, the SS delivers a much better ride. We're still talking about sports-car firmness, but the SS doesn't bounce around like the Jeep.

[David]

 

 

 

I don't think an Escalade is going to out-handle a Range Rover.  The Range Rover is a great SUV, although any 500+ horsepower SUV is sort of pointless because it isn't going to be able to perform like a car.

Totally Disagree with you, my Trailbazer SS handles better than many sports cars.

 

LoL....maybe 50 year old sports cars on bias-ply tires...

 

 

He is not totally incorrect.

 

This was eight years ago: - Not a faint praise for a vehicle conceived in possibly the worst of GM's phase.

 

 

A 5.5-second blast to 60 mph is still quick enough to make it feel much less like a truck and more like a sports car.

 

During one such maneuver -- kids, don't try this at home -- we flicked the truck left, then abruptly right, at about 90 mph. The SS gracefully arced into a sideways slide that would do professional rally driver Colin McRae proud. We were grinning like idiots until we looked out the left-side window and noticed this tippy sport-ute was drastically leaning on its left side.

Have you ever had a brief moment of clarity when time slows to a crawl and you can seemingly foresee impending disaster? We did while we were going sideways -- at 90 mph -- in the Chevy.

But nothing happened. The SS handled the maneuver a lot like a Corvette; a little bit of countersteering and it pulled out of the slide just fine.

 

It rolls a little more in the corners, and there's a little less feedback through the steering wheel, but it's still a fun car to hustle on back roads. In exchange for some of the handling precision, however, the SS delivers a much better ride. We're still talking about sports-car firmness, but the SS doesn't bounce around like the Jeep.

 

I have had my 2008 AWD SS Trailblazer consistently in the 120-140 range and it was firm and planted and handled curvy roads.  A new Mustang could not keep up with me on the North Cascade Highway, considered one of the 10 best drives in North America. The only cars to fly by me was a Corvette ZR1 and they were thumbs up on my driving and a Porsche GT3.

 

If you have never driven a Trailblazer SS, you need to as it is an amazing ride for a SUV body on a Corvette Setup.

[A Horse With No Name]

Packing more HP into one of the worst reliable vehicles on the road is like putting mascara on a jackass.

Interesting how that works at both ends of the market, in both the range Rover and the 500 Abarth.

[A Horse With No Name]

...and in reply to both Z06 and Dfelt, this just backs up what I said about GM chassis engineering.

[Drew Dowdell]

Remember, a lot of the Trailblazer SS chassis tuning came from the Saab's team when they were preparing the 9-7x. The 9-7x and the TBSS are the two best versions of the GMT-360 platform. The Rainier didn't get the tweaks and is mostly just a reworked Bravada.

 

Nearly every review of the 9-7x looked for ways to trash it... but in the end they usually admitted, through gritted teeth, that it was pretty good.