In a world where SUVs are becoming like Hollywood stars on endless diets, the Range Rover Sport SV Carbon has proven it can shed pounds with a sense of drama. With carbon fiber, it shed 76 kilograms but gained speed – it shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Faster than your espresso machine.
When they arrived Land Rover decided to go on a diet, they took it very seriously. The number on the scale has dropped by a full 76 kilograms compared to the classic SV, thanks to extremely light 23-inch carbon wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and an exposed carbon-fiber bonnet. All this ensures that the huge sports SUV, despite its almost 2.5 tons of weight, acts light and confident even in the sharpest corners.
Heart rate, measured in beats per second
A mighty heart beats under the hood 4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine, supported by a mild hybrid system that develops 467 kW (635 hp) power and 750 Nm of torque. In Dynamic Launch mode, this torque jumps to 800 Nm. The results are dizzying – it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3.8 seconds, which is fast enough to make you feel an exciting discomfort when accelerating quickly. The final speed is 290 km/h, which means that the police can spot you from afar, although you will hear them sooner than see them.
Physics-defying suspension
Range Rover has fitted the SV Carbon with its innovative 6D Dynamics suspension, which hydraulically controls body roll during acceleration, braking and cornering. Add in rear-wheel steering and Torque Vectoring, and the result is a car that, despite its considerable weight, handles with the confidence of a lightweight sports car.
The cabin you'll want for your living room
The interior of the SV Carbon is a work of art. The seats with forged carbon backrests have integrated headrests and softly illuminated SV logos. You can choose from four prestigious material combinations: Ebony Windsor leather, Rosewood/Ebony, Light Cloud/Ebony or vegan Cinder Grey Ultrafabrics™. As the icing on the cake, you are pampered by the Body and Soul Seat audio system, which allows you to literally feel the music with every part of your body.
Brakes and wheels – a prestigious color palette
Abundant power demands top-notch brakes. The SV Carbon offers optional carbon-ceramic discs with eight-piston brake calipers, available in four colors: blue, yellow, bronze or black. Together with carbon wheels, they provide a drastic weight reduction and significantly improve driving dynamics, while giving the car an unmistakable, individual look.
A price that matches the prestige
Starting price new Range Rover Sport SV Carbon is around 190,000 euros (approximately £165,045), but the list of extras quickly grows, as key carbon components are available for an additional fee. However, no one will be too surprised by these numbers, as at this level of prestige and performance, extras are almost a given.
Conclusion: Range Rover Sport SV Carbon
The Range Rover Sport SV Carbon is not just a car, it's a statement – a sports SUV that's both an elegant saloon sedan and a wild beast on the track. With the perfect blend of speed, comfort and prestige, it represents the pinnacle of the modern interpretation of a sports SUV. If the price doesn't put you off, the fuel economy certainly won't either. And last but not least – who counts litres when you can count carbon fibre and prestige?
And if you're still skeptical - you've probably never experienced how the bass from the music is transmitted directly to your seat. If nothing else, this experience will convince you.
