The Land Rover Defender, already a powerhouse with its available robust V-8 engine, has a more potent sibling in the works. Imagine the Defender’s relentless muscle amplified. That’s what the prototype recently spotted at the Nurburgring teases. With a probable SVX badge, this upgrade flexes its potential to square off against formidable contenders like the Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. Clearly, Land Rover isn’t just pushing boundaries; it’s leaping across them in a single, exhilarating bound. Let’s dive into what this Defender SVX prototype has in store.

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What Happened To The Discovery SVX?

The Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team at Jaguar Land Rover has previously hinted at a high-performance off-roader, the Discovery SVX. This mighty beast, fitted with a V8 and packed with off-road upgrades, was meant to pioneer an unprecedented off-roading range for SVO, in line with its SVR track-focused range and SVAutobiography ultra-luxury range. However, despite the grand unveiling at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and a promising off-road package, the Discovery SVX’s journey was abruptly halted.

Features that were expected in the SVX included:

• A robust 517 horsepower engine with 461 pound-feet of torque
• Increased ground clearance from body and suspension lifts
• Greater articulation than other models
• Large tires and a roof-mounted lightbar

While it’s uncommon for an automaker to discontinue a vehicle before it hits the market, that’s what transpired with the Discovery SVX. But Land Rover remains undeterred, as a future SVX model appears to be on the cards.

Related: Range Rover V-8 vs. Land Rover Defender V-8: A Battle Of Off-Roading Luxury SUVs

The 2024 Defender SVX: Merging Off-Road Prowess With Racetrack Agility

Even under its camouflage, the Defender SVX is a sight that commands attention. Spy footage and images repeatedly capture its turbo-charged growl, far different from the supercharger noises of its siblings. Its latest escapade at the Nurburgring has offered the most revealing glimpse into this turbo-charged titan. Hot laps around this formidable track testify to the machine’s power and stability. What’s particularly striking is the minimal body roll during these maneuvers, especially considering its substantial ground clearance and center of gravity.

A closer look at the SVX prototype brings an array of exciting design elements into view:

• Mismatched wheels and tires: An intriguing combination of street-ready and Michelin tires is installed on the SVX. Contrastingly, an off-road wheel and tire are perched on the tailgate. The spare features a BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, a robust all-terrain tire known for its chipping and tearing resistance on gravel surfaces. It also boasts a serrated shoulder design ideal for soft soil traction. The cherry on top is the impressive 60,000-mile warranty promised by the Ohio-based manufacturer.
• Design elements: Apart from the wheels and tires, other design details of the Defender SVX are worth mentioning. These include pumped-out fender flares, substantial mud flaps at both the front and rear, and a quartet of exhaust pipes. A subtly redesigned front bumper adds a more rugged appeal. A sunroof further enhances the SVX’s exterior, although it’s absent on the rear end of the prototype’s roof.

While the Defender SVX certainly echoes the off-road ethos of the modern Defender lineage, it resists being neatly classified alongside the likes of the portal-axled Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared. It also steps beyond simple comparisons with traditional body-on-frame titans such as the Jeep Wrangler 392 Rubicon Xtreme Recon and the Ford Bronco Raptor.

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The Heart Of The Beast: Defender SVX’s Engine And Performance

Though Land Rover has yet to unveil the specifics officially, we can’t help but make an educated guess about what this beast of an SUV might be hiding under its hood.

For starters, it’s almost a given that the SVX will house a V-8 engine, synonymous with the highest automotive power and performance echelons. Land Rover’s Defender currently offers a formidable 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, cranking out 518 horsepower. However, Land Rover’s recent move to include a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 in the Range Rover lineup adds a compelling twist to the Defender SVX narrative. This potent mill boasts 523 horsepower, a whisker more than the existing Defender’s engine, making it a strong candidate for the SVX.

To add more fuel to the speculative fire, this BMW engine is no stranger to delivering even higher performance numbers. In the heart of the BMW M5 Competition, it flexes its muscle to 625 horsepower. Can you imagine what the Defender SVX could do with such power? That’s the hair-raising, pulse-quickening excitement that off-roading enthusiasts and speed demons crave.

Here's a comparison table presenting potential engine possibilities for the Defender SVX:

Engine Specifications: A Comparative Overview

Regardless of which powerplant the Defender SVX ends up housing, we can anticipate a performance that's nothing short of extraordinary, reinforcing Land Rover's reputation as a brand that surpasses expectations.

Related: The 2023 Range Rover Sport SVR To Feature A BMW M Heart of Gold

Looking Ahead: The Defender SVX

As the automotive world buzzes with excitement, Land Rover is poised to unveil a game-changer: the Defender SVX. Expected to make its grand entrance in early 2024, this embodiment of innovation won’t be light on the pocket. With the standard V-8 Defenders priced from around $110,000 it’s speculated the SVX variants, given its enhancements, will carry a slight premium.

Land Rover’s commitment to redefining the SUV space is evident. The Defender SVX is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence, seamlessly blending luxury with rugged functionality. As we await its launch, there’s no doubt that this upcoming model, with its promise of superior performance and design, will set new benchmarks in the industry.