Land Rover Discovery SVX is an angry mountain goat on wheels

Earlier this summer, Jaguar unveiled its 592-horsepower XE SV Project 8. Now the SUV side of JLR gets its latest special model in the Land Rover Discovery SVX, which the company calls its most capable vehicle so far.

POWERTRAIN

The heart of the Land Rover Discovery SVX is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 providing 517 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. That power is put to all four wheels via a specially calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box. The driver selects gears via a new pistol shifter, which provides easier off-road shifting than the rotary selector.

CHASSIS

The Disco SVX features a four-corner air suspension with long-travel dampers. It makes use of Hydraulic Active Roll Control for enhanced wheel articulation and body control. It also has more ground clearance, with improved angles of approach, departure, and breakover. The active center and electronic rear locking differentials work with the Discovery SVX's Terrain Response 2 system. The vehicle rides on forged aluminum alloy wheels with 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires.

TRACTION AND STABILITY

In addition to its Terrain Response system, this off-roader is equipped with hill descent control, electronic traction control, adaptive dynamics, dynamic stability control, all-terrain progress control and electric power-assisted steering.

OFF-ROAD FEATURES

Land Rover promises "exemplary wading capability" from the Discovery SVX. In addition to hill descent control, the SVX is equipped with an integrated electric rear winch for creeping down the really gnarly stuff. A roof-mounted light pod provides extra illumination.

APPEARANCE

In addition to its lifted chassis and big, burly tires, the Discovery SVX stands apart with its satin Tectonic Grey paint finish with orange accents, including orange tow eyes. Its black side vents also feature orange accents and V8 badging. Inside, the SVX features a unique Lunar and Light Oyster color combination with orange accents. The SVX-branded seats feature "X" logo perforations.

ARRIVAL

Prospective customers can register their interest with Land Rover, and production begins by hand at the SVO Technical Center in 2018.