This is the first time that we have seen the AMG G63 rival.
You could be witness to two very important moments in this series spy photos. This SUV could be the long-rumored Land Rover Defender SVR. It packs a V8 that is powerful enough to make Mercedes-AMG G63 drivers nervous at the drag strip. This could also be the first time that a Land Rover Defender has lifted the wheel while lapping the Nurburgring.
Is this a Land Rover Defender SVR, or are we certain? No, but spy sources confirmed that this test vehicle had a V8. This means that the standard-issue supercharged, 5.0-liter engine produces at least 518 horsepower (386kilowatts). The rumors about the SVR suggest it will have 600 horsepower (447 kW) thanks to a transplanted, 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 from BMW. If the rumor is true you will have two high output V8 engines in your Defender. What emission regulations? Which emissions regulations?
We have much more to report than just rumors of a Defender going all-out at the Ring. If you look closely at the fenders, you will see bigger flares and a completely new design. The brakes behind the front wheels are massive and it’s on brand new wheels. It’s hard to believe that all this is on a camo-wrapped car being driven at the Nurburgring. Land Rover, even if it isn’t a Defender SVR vehicle, is sure something related to on-road performance. We first heard that Land Rover wanted to seize a portion of the luxury-performance SUV market when the rumors surfaced last year. In a world that G63s often cruise tarmac, challenging supercars in friendly races of speed, a 600-hp Defender SVR would be a significant draw for attention. We don’t think Land Rover will keep this secret if it is. Keep an eye out for the debut at the end of this year.