- World of Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) event showcased the three distinct categories of SVO products for the first time in the US: SVA (luxury), SVR (performance) and SVX (capability)
- Event included the Global Debut of the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography and the North American Debut of the Land Rover Discovery SVX and 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR
- Jaguar announces the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 has set a new Nürburgring lap record for a sedan of production intent specification (1)
- Racing legend Bobby Rahal was recognized at the event as Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was announced as the first team to join the Jaguar I‑PACE eTROPHY electric race series, the world’s first international championship for production‑based electric cars
(LOS ANGELES) – November 28, 2017 – For the first time ever in North America, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) presented vehicles in each of its three unique categories (SVAutobiography, SVX and SVR) with the debut of the new 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography, Land Rover Discovery SVX and 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR. The vehicles debuted at an exclusive customer preview at HD Buttercup in downtown Los Angeles one night before display at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
The 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography epitomizes the ultimate luxury driving experience, while the Land Rover Discovery SVX showcases supreme off‑road capability and unique design elements. Rounding out the SVO trio, the 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR ‑ which was showcased alongside the 2018 Jaguar F‑TYPE SVR ‑offers outstanding on‑road performance and handling.
John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations said, “SVO creates vehicles of distinction. Special versions of Jaguar and Land Rover core vehicles that amplify characteristics of luxury, capability and performance. Our clients love the breadth of opportunities to own one a vehicle design, engineered and assembled by SVO which also meets their precise lifestyle requirements.”
“SVO creates three distinct categories of special vehicles. SVAutobiography is the marque of peerless luxury, SVX is our new brand dedicated to all‑action, all‑terrain capability and SVR is the sign of thrilling performance in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. We are proud to present a range of exciting vehicles from SVO together in North America for the first time.”
With the Global Debut of the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography, Land Rover introduces an unprecedented luxury SUV. The new flagship model combines peerless craftsmanship and technology, including rear doors that close at the touch of a button, rear executive class seating capable of up 40 degrees of recline and a fully refrigerated rear compartment with space for two 750ml bottles and two glasses.
Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said, “We continue to refine and hone our flagship Range Rover. Highly sophisticated and with a unique combination of British sensibilities, the Range Rover SVAutobiography reinforces Range Rover’s status of peerless excellence.”
Also making its North American debut, the 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR, is the fastest Land Rover ever produced and merges all‑terrain capability with extreme power and advanced traction technology. The Range Rover Sport SVR features a 575hp supercharged 5.0L V8 engine. The 2018MY Range Rover and Range Rover Sport lineup was shown for the first time at the event with new interior and exterior design and features.
The North American debut of the Land Rover Discovery SVX adds the extreme capability offering to Special Vehicle Operations. The ultimate Discovery for off‑road enthusiasts, the Discovery SVX delivers the unmatched Land Rover capability in a dynamic and distinctive manner without compromising comfort and practicality.
Showing the Jaguar SVO capabilities, the Jaguar F‑TYPE SVR and Jaguar XE SV Project 8 were also showcased at the event, with the Project 8 announced tonight as the world’s fastest four‑door sedan, following a production‑intent prototype’s record lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director said, “Jaguar is a performance brand and the F‑TYPE SVR and XE SV Project 8 are two of the most powerful Jaguar vehicles that we’ve ever produced – and with the Nürburgring record we’re proud to have the fastest sedan in the world! Working with our Special Vehicle Operations team, we’re able to turn up the performance of our Jaguar vehicles to another level.”
Building on the Jaguar heritage in performance and racing, racing legend Bobby Rahal was recognized at the event with his team – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing – announced as the first to join the Jaguar I‑PACE eTROPHY electric race series, the world’s first international championship for production‑based electric cars. The racecars, which will be built by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations beginning in 2018, will give competitors a chance to showcase their talent while racing on the world stage alongside the 2018/19 global FIA Formula E championship.
For more information about the Jaguar SVO division, visit https://www.jaguarusa.com/about‑jaguar/special‑vehicle‑operations/
For more information about the Land Rover SVO division, visit https://www.landroverusa.com/special‑vehicle‑operations/special‑vehicle‑operations.html
1 All illustrations, photographs and specifications shown here are based on the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 prototype vehicle, modified with roll cage, driver's seat safety harness and an optional two‑seat track pack not available in North America. Final U.S. specifications, design, equipment, and accessories have not been determined. Therefore, U.S. production vehicles may differ from the one shown.
