It was only a matter of time before Land Rover unleashed a performance version of the popular Range Rover Velar. The automaker is currently preparing the range-topping Velar SVR for its upcoming debut, and now our spy photographers have caught a camouflaged prototype of the performance SUV being put through its paces at the Nurburgring. While the styling changes are hidden under the camouflage, the signature ear-shattering sound of the SVR caught the attention of our spies.

Being based on the Jaguar F-Pace, the Velar SVR will most likely be powered by the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as the F-Pace SVR. In the Range Rover Sport SVR, this engine produces 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet. Being positioned below the Sport model, the souped-up Velar is expected to have around 540 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque on tap, enabling a 0-62 mph time of around 4.2 seconds. You can also expect the hot Velar to receive the same aggressive exterior upgrades as other SVR models, such as a new front bumper with larger air intakes, massive wheels, and a rear bumper that will house a huge diffuser and quad exhaust pipes.

To give the Velar SVR the edge over its rivals like the BMW X6 M, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Land Rover's engineers have reduced the curb weight to compensate for the extra weight of the engine. It still won't be very light, but it should be a lot lighter than the X6 M. The Range Rover Velar SVR is expected to debut in the summer before going on sale in the UK this October. Sources are suggesting that the Jaguar F-Pace SVR will debut at the New York Auto Show with 575-hp on tap, so it seems unlikely that we'll see the Range Rover SVR at the Big Apple.