This is the new Range Rover Sport SVR – the fastest, most powerful Land Rover in the carmaker's history. At $110,475, the hi-po SUV draws power from the firm's superb 5.0-liter supercharged V8 dialed up to 542 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 162 mph. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a revised ZF eight-speed automatic with 50 percent faster shifts, controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or a gearstick.

Built by JLR's Special Operations unit, the Range Rover Sport SVR is distinguished by an SVR-exclusive Estroil Blue paint job, revised grille, new front bumper with larger air intakes feeding two intercoolers, unique front fender vents, muscular side skirts, 21-inch alloys, a larger rear spoiler, new rear bumper, gloss black diffuser and quad exhaust. Inside, the cabin boasts front and rear sports seats wrapped in two-tone Oxford leather with reflective piping and SVR badging, turned aluminum trim and optional carbon-fiber accents. Maintaining its off-road credentials, the RR Sport SVR has permanent 4WD, a two-speed transfer case, and a center differential with an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch.

Its on-road performance is aided by a recalibrated Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential, sending torque to the rear wheel that has the most traction. A two-stage active exhaust creates a "racecar-like soundtrack" with crackles on overruns, while other highlights include Brembo brakes, an air suspension, adaptive dampers and Active Roll Control. Fine-tuned at the Nurburgring, the SVR will debut at Pebble Beach this weekend before going on sale in October.