Exclusive First Look: The 2027 Range Rover Sport SV Prototype Spotted Testing in Europe - The Legendary SVR Might Be Making a Comeback!

Alright gearheads, buckle up! I just got my hands on some seriously hot spy shots from Europe, and they're giving us the clearest look yet at the upcoming face-lifted Range Rover Sport SV. And let me tell you, the whispers are true – this might just be the long-awaited, glorious return of the legendary SVR badge we've all been craving since it vanished. The prototype, snapped doing its thing around the Nürburgring, is still wearing that signature black-and-white swirl camouflage, but key details are screaming for attention. The biggest giveaway? Ditch the usual quad pipes, folks. This bad boy is rocking a brand-new, center-mounted exhaust system! It's a massive departure from Land Rover's usual setup and honestly, it gives me strong Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT vibes. Pure performance pedigree.

Let's dive into the details. That central exhaust isn't just for show; it's triggered a complete redesign of the rear end. The rear bumper and diffuser have been reshaped to accommodate it. Looking closer, the changes to the rear are subtle but purposeful:

• 🚗 Rear wheel arch vents: Only minor tweaks.

• 🚗 Taillamps & Rear panel: Slightly revised.

• 🚗 Brake Calipers: Those iconic yellow ones from the 'Ring are still there, peeking through the wheels!

Now, onto the juicy stuff – what's under the hood? Land Rover is playing it cool, but all signs point to an evolution of that monstrous BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. In the current SV, this beast pumps out a mind-blowing 626 horsepower. Paired with the brilliant ZF 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, it rockets this 2.5-ton luxury barge from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. It even holds a lap record at Yas Marina! For the 2027 model, expect that figure to be pushed even higher. We're talking proper hyper-SUV territory.

Here's where it gets nostalgic and exciting. The original SVR, launched back in 2014, was an icon. It wasn't just fast; it was a corner-carving revelation for a Range Rover.

What made the original SVR so special?

The 'R' badge was sadly retired for the more tech-focused 'SV' in 2023. But the soul of the SVR never died. And looking at this prototype, with its aggressive new stance and performance-focused tweaks, it feels like Land Rover is listening. They need a headline-grabber to make a splash with this redesign. What better way than to resurrect the most iconic performance badge in their history?

Let's talk numbers, because this comeback won't be cheap. Rumors from the ground suggest a starting price around €250,000 (roughly $294,000 USD). Just let that sink in. That would place it way above the current lineup:

• ➡️ Sport SV: ~€183,800

• ➡️ Sport SV Black: ~€197,600

• ➡️ Sport SV Carbon: ~€205,000

This would instantly reclaim its throne as the undisputed king of the Range Rover range, just like the old SVR did. The premium is insane, but for the ultimate blend of British luxury and earth-shattering performance, there will always be takers.

The expected launch window is late 2026, so we don't have too long to wait. Is this definitive proof the SVR is back? Not officially... but come on. The evidence is piling up:

1. The radical center-exhaust design, a hallmark of top-tier performance models.

2. The continued testing at the Nürburgring, a circuit that chews up posers.

3. The rumored stratospheric price point, which needs a legendary badge to justify it.

4. The perfect timing for Land Rover to make a massive statement with this redesign.

As a lifelong fan of ludicrously fast luxury SUVs, this has me more excited than any electric hypercar announcement. The prospect of a modern SVR, with today's chassis tech and an even more powerful version of that glorious V8, is the stuff of dreams. It would be a defiant, glorious celebration of internal combustion excellence in 2027. Land Rover, if you're listening... bring back the 'R'. We're ready.