The Land Rover Defender SVX might be a hardcore off-roader, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be capable on the street. That’s clear today as spy photographers have snapped the SUV undergoing testing on the Nürburgring.
Dressed in heavy camouflage, the Defender SVX is expected to be equipped with a clearance maximizing front bumper and a lightly revised fascia. We can also see extended fender flares and what looks like a track-focused tire and wheel setup.
The latter are only for testing purposes as the production model is slated to ride on 20-inch wheels that are wrapped in meaty BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires. While the prototype doesn’t appear to be wearing them, one can be seen out back.
More: Hardcore Land Rover Defender SVX Spied, Will Make You Think Twice About A G-Class
Given its off-road focused mission, the Defender SVX will likely be equipped with a revised suspension. Details are lacking, but the standard model already sports an air suspension that can provide up to 11.5 inches (292 mm) of ground clearance.
The prototype sports a four-tailpipe exhaust system and this suggests the model will be outfitted with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 developing 518 hp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 461 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque. It should be connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an off-road focused four-wheel drive system. This setup enables the Defender 110 V8 to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).
The Defender SVX is expected to be introduced in the coming months and it will likely carry a hefty price tag as the Defender 110 V8 starts at $111,500.
