Frankfurt Motor Show: Land Rover Discovery SVX revealed

Dubbed by Jaguar Land Rover as “the ultimate Discovery for off-road enthusiasts,” the new Land Rover Discovery SVX aims to blend all-terrain capability with a snarling V8.

It’s powered by the same supercharged 5.0-litre V8 which Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations plonked in the F-Type, though here it makes 386kW/625Nm rather than the 423kW/700Nm the F-Type scores.

However, off-roaders will know that the most important thing isn’t under the bonnet, but under the chassis.

JLR’s Hydraulic Active Roll Control (H-ARC) is to be fitted first on the Discovery in SVX guise, and it’s a setup Land Rover seems quite happy with.

Benefits of the H-ARC design are that wheels are able to turn further, body control is increased and roll is reduced, therefore enabling more predictable movements while offroading.

In addition, Land Rover raised the air suspension and the vehicle’s aluminium monocoque, while adding long-travel dampers and redesigned knuckles.

More suitable 815mm diameter 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres can be found at each corner, which Land Rover says will reduce contact pressure and improve performance on soft surfaces thanks to higher sidewalls.

Just don’t scratch the forged 20-inch alloy wheels.

For extra traction, the SVX scores an active centre differential and an electronic rear locking diff which, along with a computerised “terrain response” system, allow for more grip.

The example displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show features “unique front and rear bumpers with protective skid plates,” as well as exposed recovery tow points, with a rear-mounted electric winch.

Availability and pricing for the Land Rover Discovery SVX have not yet been confirmed.