2020 Land Rover Defender To Get G63-Rivalling SVR Variant?

A potent version of the 2020 Defender is said to be under development by the company’s Special Vehicle Operations as a direct competitor to the Mercedes-AMG G 63, Auto Express reports.

Land Rover has reportedly already developed a running prototype of the Defender SVR at its engineering base in Gaydon. It is believed that the vehicle will feature a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from BMW, thanks to a recent technical supply deal reached between the two premium car manufacturers. This engine will later be introduced across the Jaguar Land Rover family, replacing the aging 5.0-liter supercharged V8.

In the X5 M and M8 this mill delivers a very impressive 616 HP, but will likely be capped to around 500 for use in the Defender SVR. It will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels.

Also Read: 2020 Land Rover Defender To Get A Remote Control Function For Off-Roading

The report also states that the aluminum-intensive platform used by the latest-generation Defender will make it relatively easy for engineers to develop the SVR. An air suspension is tipped to come as standard, as is a tweaked Terrain Response 2 system that will reportedly include a track mode for sportier handling.

Visually, the Defender SVR will allegedly be more aggressive than lesser models. For example, there will be massive 22-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, revised bumpers, enlarged air intakes, and a distinctive hood. Although the new Defender will eventually be available in three variants, only the four-door, 110 model is thought to be getting the SVR treatment, with its launch expected towards the end of 2021.