If you’re thinking about purchasing the all-new Discovery 5 (expected in 2016) but you’re worried that even that might not be enough to meet all your rough terrain requirements, you may just be in luck.
Jaguar Land Rover‘s SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) projects haven’t been particularly off-road oriented, but according to SVO boss John Edwards, there is an attractive customer base for more hardcore 4x4s.
Edwards told Autocar that “There is a market for more off-road capability, so of course we’re looking at it. In the US there’s a wide snowbelt, in the Middle East there’s extreme sand and in regions such as Australia and South Africa there is a need to cover very rugged terrain.”
A hardcore SVX version of the 2016 Land Rover Discovery would make the most sense for all these markets – and we already know how important the LR Discovery Vision Concept was to Land Rover, as it made quite a splash last year with its “virtual” windscreen and bonnet, helping you see obstacles that you were driving over.
Even though there’s no indication that such innovations will find their way on to the new Discovery right away, it’s widely believed that that level of technology is what SVO is aiming for.
Edwards added that “There’s clearly an opportunity to apply technology focused on an all-terrain use. We have opportunities to develop everything from ride heights and wheel and tyre combinations to cutting-edge technology solutions.”
Regardless of when the all-new Discovery 5 shows up, it’s possible that a more capable SVX version could go on sale 12-18 months later. And yes, there are certain markets out there where people would absolutely adore a premium British SUV with great off-road abilities and technologies.
Note: Discovery Vision Concept pictured
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