Land Rover has pushed the performance envelope of the Range Rover Velar by shoehorning a 542bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under the bonnet.
Unlike its identically powered Range Rover Sport sibling, however, the new eight-cylinder Velar doesn’t wear the SVR nameplate, with Land Rover instead choosing to borrow the SVAutobiography Dynamic badge from the full-size Range Rover.
Available to order now priced from £86,120, the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic is capable of firing from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, and heading on to a top speed of 170mph. Despite the performance, Land Rover claims it offers “traditional Range Rover refinement and comfort” instead of the out-and-out thrills of the Sport SVR. A louder active exhaust still features, however, claimed to be 7.1kg lighter than the standard system.
The range-topping Velar also features uprated brakes (395mm front and 396mm rear) with four-piston, red-painted brake callipers, alongside firmer air chambers for the air suspension. Upgraded anti-roll bars combine with a revised variable damping system to ensure the handling matches the pace on offer.
Land Rover has also recalibrated the SVA’s steering, all-wheel drive, eight-speed transmission and active rear differential, claiming nearly 64,000 man hours of fine-tuning to the car’s control systems. A stronger transfer box has also been added to the all-wheel drive to ensure the driveline can withstand the V8’s 502lb ft of torque.
Alongside the new quad tailpipes, exterior revisions include enlarged air intakes, a new grille and reprofiled rear bumper, and lightweight 21 or 22-inch wheels. Bespoke badging and colour choices, all with a contrasting black roof, complete the look.
