A potent version of the 2020 Defender is said to be
under development by the company’s Special Vehicle Operations as a direct
competitor to the Mercedes-AMG G 63, Auto Express reports. Land Rover has reportedly already
developed a running prototype of the Defender SVR at its engineering base in
Gaydon. It's believed that the vehicle will feature a twin-turbocharged
4.4-liter V8 from BMW, thanks to a recent technical supply deal reached between
the two premium car manufacturers. This engine will later be introduced across
the Jaguar Land Rover family, replacing the aging 5.0-liter supercharged V8.
In the X5 M and M8 this mill delivers a very
impressive 616 HP, but will likely be capped to around 500 for use in the
Defender SVR. It will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission
powering all four wheels.
The report also states that the
aluminum-intensive platform used by the latest-generation Defender will make it
relatively easy for engineers to develop the SVR. An air suspension is tipped
to come as standard, as is a tweaked Terrain Response 2 system that will
reportedly include a track mode for sportier handling.
Visually, the Defender SVR will allegedly be more
aggressive than lesser models. For example, there will be massive 22-inch alloy
wheels, flared wheel arches, revised bumpers, enlarged air intakes, and a
distinctive hood. Although the new Defender will eventually be available in
three variants, only the four-door, 110 model is thought to be getting the SVR treatment,
with its launch expected towards the end of 2021.
