Most capable Disco ever?
The first Land Rover SVX vehicle from SVO makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show
“The pinnacle of the Discovery family has received a number of suspension mods”
BY THE time you read this the Discovery SVX will have been revealed for the first time. So, what is it? Hailed by the carmaker as the ultimate all-terrain Discovery, it sits alongside the SVR and Svautobiography lines and adds a new arm to the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO).
Offered exclusively with JLR’S 5.0-litre supercharged V8, tuned to deliver 525 bhp and 625 Nm of torque, the pinnacle of the Discovery family has also received a number of suspension modifications.
A model-first for Discovery on SVX is Hydraulic Active Roll Control (H-ARC) system, which gives increased wheel articulation and improved body control, to enhance traction and reduce body roll. It also features increased approach and departure angles, achieved by raising the body and four-corner air suspension system, employing long-travel dampers and revised knuckles.
In addition larger (815 mm) diameter 275/55 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres on unique 20in forged alloy wheels have been fitted. The tyres’ increased side-wall height reduces contact pressure and improves performance on soft surfaces such as sand, while a more aggressive tread pattern, improves grip in muddy conditions.
The SVX is also equipped with active centre and electronic rear locking differentials and incorporates traction control to maximise grip on all surfaces.
The clever bods at SVO have also made software calibrations to the transmission together with the Discovery’s various dynamic systems (including Terrain Response 2) to enhance driver confidence when tackling tough terrain, while a Pistol Shifter, which replaces the Drive select rotary shifter, is said to offer better control in off-road manoeuvres.
To visually reflect the SVX’S go-further ability, designers have referenced features of iconic Discovery challenge vehicles, such as those used for Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge events. So, it features unique front and rear bumpers with protective skid plates and exposed Rush Orange metal recovery eyes – each rated to enable recovery of more than six tonnes, an anti-glare bonnet finish and an integrated electric rear winch.
Further styling upgrades include a satin Tectonic Grey paint finish, with a unique colour and material combination of Lunar and Light Oyster with Rush Orange accents inside, and X logo perforations on the SVX branded seats. Narvik Black Dynamic grille, with side vents (featuring V8 badging), black roof rails and a roof-mounted light pod help to give it an added dose of aggression.
John Edwards, JLR Special Operations Managing Director, said: “SVO designers and engineers have unleashed their own passion for adventure to create another truly desirable and versatile vehicle.”
Its PR video dubs it as the most capable Land Rover yet – and it’s certainly packed with tech that focuses on all-out off-road performance – but as to whether it’s as extreme as the Paris Dakar racers remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: it won’t be cheap, with its core market most probably in the Middle East.