BY PETER BARNWELL
AS though the previous model was somehow inadequate, Range Rover has turned up the wick on its new top-of-the-line Sport SV due here before the end of the year.
To clarify, the Range Rover Sport models are derived from Land Rover’s Discovery chassis, a semi-monocoque that is smaller than that used on full size Range Rover Vogue.
With the new SV, JLR upgraded the engine which now delivers more power and torque, put on bigger wheels, added more kit and revised its appearance and features.
The 2024 model switches over from a Jaguar-sourced supercharged 5.0-litre petrol V8 with 423kW and 700Nm to a BMW M5 sourced 4.4-litre twin turbo petrol V8 with 467Kw and 750Nm making it even quicker and faster than before. But the towing capacity remains at 3500kg braked.
You’ll pay plenty to drive one of the most potent factory “fourbies” on the planet with the Edition One variant going for a whopping $360,800 plus on-road costs which makes it the most expensive Sport yet.
The new model is a substantial $107K more expensive than the final edition previous SVR. That German mill under the clamshell bonnet is coded S63-series and drives all four wheels permanently via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It is capable of propelling the 2560kg beast from 0-100km/h in a scant 3.8 seconds (0.7 seconds quicker than its predecessor) and on to a top speed of 290km/h (+7km/h).
The latest model comes standard with a new air suspension system called 6D Dynamics which eliminates traditional sway bars and drops the ride height by 25mm.
Further aiding dynamics is rear-wheel steering with torque vectoring by brake (TVBB), an active locking rear differential and short-ratio electric steering rack. A multi-mode exhaust delivers a suitable soundtrack.
If the ‘base’ vehicle isn’t enough, an options list includes 23-inch carbon-fibre wheels – shaving 35.6kg from the vehicle’s unsprung mass – shod with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tyres, and Brembo-sourced eight-piston carbon-ceramic brakes – which reduce unsprung mass by a further 34.0kg.
Almost defying the forces of nature, Land Rover says the Sport SV can generate up to 1.1G of lateral force…. on its all-season rubber.
External changes over the previous model include a new front bumper with larger air intakes, remoulded side skirts and quad-tipped carbon-fibre exhaust outlets. The bonnet is also a carbon-fibre construct as is the grille frame, bonnet and wing vents, and the Range Rover’s badges.
The inside is in keeping with the premium exterior look highlighted by goodies like front seats that have built-in transducers to vibrate in time with the music being played through the 29-speaker / 1430-watt Meridian Signature sound system.
Upholstery is in Ultrafabrics synthetic suede, joining other exclusive touches like see-through shift paddles, a black ceramic gear shift knob, and a flourish of carbon-fibre garnishing.
“(The) new Range Rover Sport SV exemplifies Range Rover’s philosophy, not just as a bold evolution beyond its Range Rover Sport SVR predecessor, but also in the personalised approach we are taking with our most discerning clients,” said Range Rover managing director, Geraldine Ingham.
For the first year of production, the Sport SV will be offered in an Edition One trim the brand will offer only to “select clients to order by invitation”.
The high performance 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV joins an updated Range Rover Sport line-up which is likewise expected in local showrooms towards the end of the year. All ‘regular’ variants will offer petrol- or diesel-electric hybrid drivelines with pricing as detailed below.
Highlights of the updated line-up include new infotainment software, updated voice recognition technology, and a Country Road Assist feature which uses satellite navigation data to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed on winding roads.
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