Most potent RR Velar coming to SA
LOCAL LAUNCH
Land Rover has given its mid-size Velar SUV more poke and added lavishness. The limited-run Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which according to its maker will be available to purchase for one year only, is developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and for the first time gains the company’s venerable 405kW 5.0l V8 supercharged engine, which powers wild things like the XKR-S, XFR-S and Range Rover Sport SVR.
With this blown motor fitted, the company claims the most powerful Velar will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 274km/h. Furthermore, it features uprated 395mm front and 396mm rear brakes.
Of two-piece construction to optimise weight, the four-piston callipers are painted red at the front and feature Land Rover lettering while gloss black items are available for the shy. These hide behind distinctive lightweight and forged 21-inch alloy rims or optionally 22-inch rims with a Silver Sparkle finish and diamond-turned edging.
This special Velar benefits from specific calibrations for the standard AWD system, Active Rear Locking Differential, eightspeed transmission, steering and air suspension. The aim was to hone a good all-rounder capable of scorching the tarmac while retaining the renowned sophistication and off-road driving prowess of Land Rovers.
Michael van der Sande, MD, Land Rover SVO, said: “Developing the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is the kind of task Special Vehicle Operations was made for. The challenge here was to increase performance without compromising the composure, capability and refinement inherent in Range Rover Velar.
“We’ve done this and in the process created an SUV that strikes a brilliant balance between go-anywhere practicality, dynamic performance and relaxing comfort it truly is an SUV for any occasion.”
A range of aesthetic enhancements including a new aggressive front end created by a tweaked grille design with larger air intakes, lower side mouldings and a new rear bumper featuring integrated quad exhaust pipes distinguish the Velar SVAutobiography.
Twin-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather greets you once you skirt over its illuminated metal treadplates. More special touches include a unique sports steering wheel, aluminium gear shift paddles, an optional carbon fibre pack for the interior, sports pedals and a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display among a host of amenities.
The Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is said to sound like no other thanks to a bespoke Variable Active Exhaust System that quietens down at lower speeds and turns up the volume under the right conditions.
JLR SA says it has secured only 10 units of this special Velar but is trying to get more in. Pricing has been confirmed at R1,714,000. It will arrive here in the second half of 2019.