Land Rover Discovery SVX Is A Hardcore Off-Road Monster

With so many new cars revealed ahead of Frankfurt, we didn't think there could possibly be any surprises left by the time the show started. While there have been murmurs that Land Rover is exploring the possibility of expanding the Discovery range, we weren't expecting this. Meet the new Land Rover Discovery SVX, a hardcore SUV powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. That makes it the most powerful Discovery ever made.

Not only is the SVX the most powerful Discovery yet, it's also the most capable when you take it off-road. Designed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations which gave us the insane Project 8 XE SVR, the SVX is the first Land Rover Discovery to feature Hydraulic Active Roll Control which increases the wheel articulation, and improves the body control and traction when tackling tricky off-road conditions. It also has a higher center of gravity thanks to raised air suspension with long-travel dampers and revised knuckles. The hardcore off-roader rides on rugged 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in SVX-specific 275/55R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires.

To cope with the SVX's extra muscle, Land Rover has tweaked the Discovery's Terrain Response 2 system, electronic power steering, and eight-speed auto. Setting the SVX apart are some aggressive visual flourishes inspired by iconic Discoveries used at Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge events. New front and rear bumpers have been fitted with new skid plates, and Rush Orange accents adorn the body. The orange theme continues inside with leather seats featuring orange accents, while the exterior is finished in Tectonic Grey paint exclusive to the SVX. Best of all, the Discovery SVX isn't just an outlandish concept – it will morph into a production model next year.