Turn Up The Volume
autoX|May 2018

Now that you’re suitably familiar with Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations, here’s a machine that proves that they’re not just engineers but also physicists rewriting the laws of the universe.

Dhruv Behl
Turn Up The Volume

We first drove the Range Rover Sport SVR at the Buddh International Circuit in late 2015. It was clear then that the RR Sport SVR was a bit of a mental machine. It was over two tonnes in weight, but was fitted with the drivetrain of a Jaguar F-Type R and had the soundtrack to rival a Top Fuel Dragster that gulps 40 litres of nitro methane a second – of course, said dragster will reach 100km/h in half that time. But we’re not here to talk about machines that are built solely to last the quarter-mile. We’re here to discuss a Land Rover – a machine that’s ostensibly meant to allow you to take a leisurely tour of the country estate. Well, not this one! Make no mistake, it is a Land Rover, so it still has all the off-road modes that make it virtually as capable as its siblings off the tarmac, but this one is very much designed to cover asphalt as quickly as possible.

I have to admit, though, that while I was (and remain) completely seduced by the soundtrack of the Range Rover Sport SVR, I’m not sure that a racetrack was the right place to have tested the car. Sure, with 543 horsepower, it was exceedingly fast in a straight line but it just felt a little too big and heavy for a track. We also had the BMW X6 M in the same test, and that felt far more composed at the limit. The SVR would surrender to understeer coming out of tight corners, and the body roll was quite noticeable in quick changes of direction – not to mention the squat while accelerating and the dive while braking.

So, what’s new? 

Esta historia es de la edición May 2018 de autoX.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2018 de autoX.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE AUTOXVer todo
GOOD OLD DAYS...
autoX

GOOD OLD DAYS...

Is the old Marc Marquez finally back? The race in Jerez surely gave flashes of it...

time-read
2 minutos  |
May 2024
Prancing Off-Road
autoX

Prancing Off-Road

The SUV trend has even caught on with Ferrari, which is evident with the introduction of the Purosangue. However, does a Ferrari of this type really make sense?

time-read
5 minutos  |
May 2024
Ahead of the Curve
autoX

Ahead of the Curve

There's not one but two new GT variants available with the Volkswagen Taigun now, meaning there's one for everyone!

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 2024
SPACE WARS
autoX

SPACE WARS

There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?

time-read
5 minutos  |
May 2024
GOING BIG
autoX

GOING BIG

The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?

time-read
4 minutos  |
May 2024
HAMMER TIME
autoX

HAMMER TIME

The new Gurkha 5-door comes with updated styling, improved performance, and better features. So, do these changes make it the practical 'proper' off-roader we've all been waiting for?

time-read
5 minutos  |
May 2024
MOUNTAIN GOAT
autoX

MOUNTAIN GOAT

With a mid-life facelift, the Jeep Wrangler has received several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly live up to the reputation of being unstoppable

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 2024
SUPERSPORT TRILOGY
autoX

SUPERSPORT TRILOGY

We embark on a 300km journey on three of the finest supersport twins in the world. Which one would reign supreme at the end?

time-read
10+ minutos  |
May 2024
SECOND WIND
autoX

SECOND WIND

Bajaj is once again stirring the pot with the updated Pulsar N250. But has it nailed the recipe this time around?

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 2024
PASSION & Precision
autoX

PASSION & Precision

A brand new V12 supercar! In this era of downsizing & electrification, that's about as rare as seeing a total eclipse and the Northern Lights on the same day. But if the V12 remains the heart & soul of the automobile, well, then, Ferrari is its saviour.

time-read
7 minutos  |
May 2024