Any car enthusiast knows that hypercars are more about straight-line speed and dynamic handling while Sport Utility Vehicles are designed more for go-anywhere capability and versatility. But what if the latter were to encroach on the former’s territory, even beating it to the punch?
This is exactly what the Range Rover Sport SVR did recently at one of the most famous roads in China, the Tianmen Road. The 99-corner, 11.3km mountain road played host to a standard production version Range Rover Sport SVR setting a lap time of 9 minutes and 51 seconds—beating a Ferrari 458 Italia that did the same run in 10:31 back in 2016
Ascending the steep inclines at an average speed of 68.8kph, the 575hp and 700Nm produced by the Special Vehicle Operations-tuned 5.0-liter supercharged V8 made quick work of the numerous twists, turns, and climbs of the renowned Chinese road. Moreover, the optional carbon fiber hood with specially designed air ducts greatly helped in reducing weight and adding to the overall balance of the sporty SUV.
