Last week, Land Rover confirmed the stunning Range Rover SV Coupe had been scrapped before it had even entered production. While the automaker didn't say why the limited-edition SUV had been canned, the company's financial troubles have been well publicized, which led to thousands of jobs being cut.
Less than a week later, a new limited edition Range Rover has arrived, which should cost a lot less to produce and, hopefully, help JLR boost its profit margins. Presenting the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which takes the mid-size SUV to the next level with more performance, luxury, and exclusivity.
Developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the limited-edition Velar is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that produces 550 hp, making it the most powerful Velar ever made capable of sprinting from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 170 mph. To cope with this extra muscle, the V8-powered Velar gets uprated brakes and suspension components, as well as bespoke settings "for everything from the powertrain to the safety systems" ensuring it still retains the standard model's refinement.
"Developing the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is the kind of task Special Vehicle Operations was made for," said Michael Van Der Sande, Managing Director at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations. "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."
Further distinguishing the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition are a range of visual enhancements and unique trim finishes, including a new front bumper with larger air intakes that help the V8 Supercharged engine breath easier while cooling the uprated braking system. It also features a new grille and lower side moldings, as well as a revised rear bumper featuring integrated quad exhaust finishers. Elsewhere, the Range Rover lettering on the hood and tailgate has been enhanced with a knurled finish.
The limited edition Velar is also available with exclusive Satin Byron Blue paintwork, with all models featuring a contrast Narvik Black roof as standard, and rides on standard 21-inch forged aluminum wheels housing larger brakes with red calipers. 22-inch rims are also available and the brake calipers can be finished in a more discrete gloss black finish if specified.
Inside, the opulent cabin is appointed with twin-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather unique to the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, as well as 20-way adjustable heated and cooled front seats with memory and massage functions as standard. Four color combinations are available, including Ebony, Cirrus, Vintage Tan and Pimento. There's also a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display with a bespoke SVAutobiography Dynamic start-up screen and an optional carbon fiber pack available for the interior.
In the UK, the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition starts at £86,120 ($112,100) and will only be available for only one year.