Jaguar Land Rover is taking a page from the muscle cars of old with its latest model. A rip-roaring V8 engine has found its way into the mid-size Range Rover Velar to create this, the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition.
The newest product from Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) is quite a mouthful. Its the first Velar to feature the company’s near-ubiquitous 5.0-liter, supercharged V8, here in 550hp, 502lbft form. It isn’t the first on the platform, however: the related F-Pace got its own hot SVR version last year with the same engine.
With nearly 200hp more than any Velar before it, the SVA naturally boasts the most impressive performance figures of the line. The 0-60mph dash takes only 4.3 seconds, and the Velar won’t run out of steam until it sees 170mph.
Land Rover’s added a touch of show to pair with the increased go of the SVA. A new front bumper with larger openings help feed the eight-pot under the hood, as well as the enormous, two-piece 15.5-inch front brakes. 21-inch forged aluminum wheels are standard, weighing the same as the 20-inch items on lesser Velars. 22-inch, diamond-turned wheels are optional.
Out back a quartet of tailpipes should announce the Velar’s presence far before it breaks cover. Rather, it should if the driver wants: the SVA shares the F-Pace SVR’s lighter, active exhaust.
The SVAutobiography also gets a unique paint option in the Satin Byron Blue hue shown here.
Under the skin, SVO has tinkered with the AWD system, eight-speed transmission, and active rear locking diff. The settings are unique to the SVA, along with the steering and air suspension calibrations. According to Land Rover, the engineering team spent 63,900 hours locking in the ride/handling balance. The Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system directs torque to either end of the Velar depending on conditions, with as much as 100 percent going to the rear if necessary.
On the inside, unique cross-stitched Windsor leather is another unique SVAutobiography touch. Prospective buyers have four different interior color schemes to choose from: Ebony, Cirrus, Vintage Tan and Pimento. A sports steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters for the eight-speed auto is standard.
Like any modern car with even a semblance of sporting intentions, there’s also a carbon fiber trim option.
JLR Design head Gerry McGovern weighs in:
“Our continued evolution is driven by a relentless focus on creating highly desirable vehicles our customers will love for life. The new Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition amplifies the highly desirable nature of the 2018 World Car Design winner by introducing a compelling combination of heightened performance and luxury.”
Arriving later this year, the Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition — see what we mean?! — will be available for £86,120 in the UK. North American prices will arrive soon.
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