But that’s only half the story with this beautiful new limited-edition.
Land Rover claims that this new, limited-run Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic is meant to celebrate a year since the Velar was awarded ‘World Car Design of the Year’ in 2018, there’s reason to believe there’s more to it than that. Since its debut, there have been plenty of people moaning about the fact it doesn’t have the option of a V8.
Well now, it does.
“The challenge here was to increase performance without compromising the composure, capability, and refinement inherent in the 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. The Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic is truly an SUV for any occasion.” – Michael van Der Sande, Managing Director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations
The Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic is a product of Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations, and will be offered for only one year. With an RRP of $175,322 (before ORCs), there are plenty of bits and pieces that justify that price, including the 405kW supercharged 5.0-litre V8. Thanks to that engine, the prettiest Range Rover in history can now hit 100km/h from rest in just 4.3-seconds, and go on to a top speed of 275km/h.
Exterior revisions are extensive, comprising of unique bumpers on either end, enlarged air intakes up front to feed the V8, a new grille, bespoke badging & unique paint finishes, 21-inch wheels (and the option of 22s), and four exhaust tips integrated into the rear. There are four genuine tailpipes behind them, but to this writer, the four tips in the back look a tad vulgar.
Interior appointments include four upholstery colour options, 20-way electrically-adjustable seats (with heating, cooling, and massage functions), a sports steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, knurled-finish switchgear, and a “digitally knurled” instrument cluster. That ‘knurling’ also features on the exterior ‘Range Rover’ badges which looks pretty cool, if we’re honest.
There’s a reason why this Velar is dubbed the SVAutobiography Dynamic, and not the Velar SVR. Unlike the Range Rover Sport SVR which is almost uncouth in its unrelenting pursuit of performance, the Range Rover Velar SVA Dynamic offers “traditional Range Rover refinement and comfort,” with the stonking V8 up front almost like an afterthought. Despite that you’ll still find a louder active exhaust, which Range Rover says is some 7.1kg lighter than the original.
The SVA also features returned steering, transmission mapping, all-wheel drive system, and active rear differential. All in all, some 64,000 man-hours were invested in the development of the Velar SVA, while a stronger transfer box was added to the 4-paw system to properly face the 680Nm of twist on offer. There are also seriously uprated brakes (395mm diameter discs up front, and 396mm ones in the rear), with red four-piston callipers (that can be specified in black too), as well as firmer air suspension & upgraded anti-roll bars.
With the Range Rover Velar SVA set to only enjoy one year on sale, we’d advise those who absolutely need a V8 in their life to very quickly stump up that nearly-$176k asking price. And while you’re at it, consider the Satin Byron Blue featured in these press images. It certainly looks the business.
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