THE BEAST - Range Rover Sport SVR
Bespoke Springbok-inspired alterations make for a one-of-a-kind Range Rover Sport
With the 2019 Rugby World Cup set to kick off in Japan this September, Land Rover, the Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup, opted to demonstrate the bespoke commissioning capabilities of their Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in the UK by developing a one-of-a-kind Range Rover Sport SVR as a tribute to the Springbok rugby team.
Land Rover, who are also South African sponsors of the Springboks, worked hand-in-hand with the SVO team and the South African Rugby Union (SARU), to further spotlight its commitment to being the number one automotive brand in rugby, by creating a very unique Range Rover Sport that is the first and only vehicle to be completely finished in the Springboks’ very specific green hue. The exact Pantone colour match was applied to the Range Rover’s bare shell at the very start of its build process at SVO’s dedicated paint facility. Custom Springbok logos and bespoke yellow brake calipers finish off the exterior’s visual enhancements.
Normally reserved for Land Rover’s own trademark logos, the circular plaques on the Sport’s B-pillars and front and rear treadplates now also feature Springbok insignias and script. Custom touches inside include special yellow shift paddles, and contrast yellow stitching on the seats and door panels. The interior mood lighting has also been adapted to radiate a green glow.
Tina Pienaar-Smit, Jaguar Land Rover PR and Sponsorship Specialist, said: “Land Rover and rugby go hand-in-hand so it only made sense to demonstrate the allegiance in automotive form. We have a great resource in SVO, and its capabilities are ideal to make the connection between the Land Rover and Springbok brands a tangible reality. We hope each member of the Springbok team appreciates the final product as much as we do.”
Opened in the British Midlands in 2016, the SVO Technical Centre specialises in manufacturing, personalisation and commissioning programmes for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles. Interested customers are encouraged to participate in the design of their own cars with near endless possibilities for custom schemes.
South African customers can contact any Jaguar Land Rover dealer for potential bespoke commissions to be fulfilled by Special Vehicle Operations in the UK.
The Springbok tribute Range Rover Sport SVR will makes its public debut at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb on 4 and 5 May. Race fans can watch the 10thanniversary edition of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb via livestream at http://www.youtube.com/user/JaguarSA1
Also worth a look: the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition: A R6.2 Million Ode to South and the Land Rover Defender.
FAQ
Q: What does the Range Rover Sport SVR cost in South Africa?
The Range Rover Sport SVR starts from around R2,200,000 in South Africa, though this special Springbok edition was a one-off tribute vehicle and isn't available for purchase.
Q: How much power does the Range Rover Sport SVR have?
The Range Rover Sport SVR pumps out 423kW from its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, making it an absolute rocket that can hit 100kph in just 4.5 seconds.
Q: Is the Range Rover Sport SVR worth buying in South Africa?
If you've got the budget and want the ultimate performance SUV that can tow your boat and embarrass sports cars at the traffic lights, then absolutely, but be prepared for fuel bills that'll make your accountant cry.
Q: What makes this Springbok Range Rover Sport special?
This is the only Range Rover Sport ever finished in the official Springbok green Pantone colour, complete with custom rugby logos, yellow brake callipers, and green interior mood lighting that was created as a tribute to the 2019 Rugby World Cup team.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance luxury SUV over R2,000,000 in SA is definitely the Range Rover Sport SVR, but this particular Springbok edition isn't for sale since it was a one-off tribute piece. If you want the regular SVR at around R2,200,000, you're getting 423kW of supercharged madness wrapped in British luxury that can haul your family and still smoke most sports cars. It's thirstier than a rugby player after a match and the maintenance costs will hurt, but for sheer presence and performance, nothing beats an SVR. Just don't expect Springbok green paint, that's reserved for rugby royalty only.
