Discovery SVX makes first appearance at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
18.09.2017 by Rovertune
On the 30th March 2016 we issued a post that stated Land Rover were seriously considering an SVX version of the New Discovery well before the various models were released in September last year. Well, true to Land Rover’s word that has now become reality, the New Discovery SVX was premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 12th September 2017, described as the ultimate all-terrain Discovery with a 525PS 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol powertrain.
Land Rover class this new vehicle as the most extreme yet with a go-anywhere capability, increased ground clearance, body and suspension lifts, more wheel articulation and large all-terrain tyres. It also has a specially tuned Terrain Response 2 system and Active Roll Control which are both firsts for the Discovery family.
The Discovery SVX will be the first Land Rover assembled by hand at the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) Technical Centre when production begins in 2018 and will be the first modern Land Rover to wear the SVX badge.
The SVX will take Discovery versatility to new levels through further development of off-road ability. It will come with JLR’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, tuned to 525PS peak power and 625Nm torque along with suspension modifications to enhance driver confidence when tackling the toughest terrain.
Hydraulic Active Roll Control (H-ARC) is new to the Discovery range. It will give increased wheel articulation and improved body control, enhancing extreme off-road traction while reducing body roll for on-road driving. The SVX also has improved approach, departure and breakover angles which are achieved by raising both the lightweight aluminium monocoque architecture and the four corner air suspension system using long travel dampers. Tyres are 815mm diameter 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain fitted to forged aluminium alloy wheels. These tyres with higher side walls will reduce contact pressure and improve performance on soft surfaces while the aggressive tread pattern will improve grip in muddy conditions.
Discovery SVX is equipped with active centre and electronic rear locking differentials working with the specially tuned Terrain Response 2 System to optimise traction on all surfaces. Complimenting these hardware upgrades are unique software calibrations for the eight speed automatic transmission with twin speed transfer box alongside dynamics systems including Hill Decent Control, Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Adaptive Dynamics, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), and variable ratio electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). SVX features a first for the Discovery family, a Pistol Shifter in place of the drive select rotary shifter to offer the driver optimum control of gear selection in off-road manoeuvres.
To visually reflect Discovery SVX’s inherent robustness and go-further ability, Land Rover’s designers have referenced features of earlier iconic Discovery off-road challenge vehicles, such as those used for the Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge events to give SVX an aggressive and purposeful appearance both inside and out.
The production preview model featured at Frankfurt IAA featured unique front and rear bumpers with protective skid plates and exposed Rush Orange finished metal recovery eyes each rated to enable recovery of more than six tonnes, an anti-glare bonnet finish and an integral rear mounted electric winch system.
Discovery SVX will stand out through its satin Tectronic Grey paint finish, a unique colour and material combination of Lunar and Light Oyster with Rush Orange accents inside and ‘X’ logo perforations on the SVX branded seats. Unique Narvik Black side vents with V8 badging, a Narvik Black Dynamic grille, Silver roof rails and a roof mounted unit with two additional light pods for improved low-light visibility complete the transformation.
To see what the major motoring press have to say about this new vehicle click here and here and for more pictures of the vehicle click here.
Finally, here is a possible explanation as to why Land Rover need the Discovery SVX, as reported by AutoCar Magazine