Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Operations team created a unique SVR for the Springboks

Land Rover and rugby go together like green and gold. It has been involved in rugby around the world for over 20 years. In 2017 it became an associate sponsor and vehicle supplier to the Springboks, and that partnership has created a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Land Rover South Africa and the South African Rugby Union (Saru) worked together with Land Rover Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) in the UK to develop a very special Range Rover for the national team. Like the Springbok players themselves, the Range Rover Sport SVR is a powerful athlete — built for speed but also to be agile on a range of surfaces.

Like the Boks, it’s ready to take on its opponents. With its 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine, it will launch like Bryan Habana, charging to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

Already a very special car, this Range Rover SVR is unique. It really stands out in its official Springbok green, a colour that was supplied to SVO by Saru so the paint could be created in the specialist paint shop in England.

“We entered the process of designing this vehicle with Land Rover some months ago, and Saru is delighted to have played a part in the result,” says Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby. “This project is the first of its kind for the Springboks and I’m sure there will be many excited conversations among the players who will get the opportunity to drive it.”

It sports the Springbok emblem on its flank and on the door sill plates. Normally the SVR logo would be in the B-pillar when you open the door, but instead there is a proud Springbok logo. The brake callipers are yellow to continue the green-and-gold exterior theme.

There are special touches inside too, like the gold gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. The stitching in the sumptuous leather is yellow and the ambient lighting is Springbok green.

It sports all the usual Range Rover luxury and refinement too, from the comfortable sports seats to the latest Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, allowing the Boks to stream the music that gets them ready for their next big game.

“Land Rover and rugby go hand-in-hand so it only made sense to demonstrate the allegiance in automotive form,” says Tina Pienaar-Smit, Jaguar Land Rover PR and sponsorship specialist. “We have a great resource in SVO, and its capabilities are ideal to make the connection between the Land Rover and Springbok brands a tangible reality.”

This very special Range Rover was created by hand at the SVO facility, a place where bespoke craftsmanship produces the highest level of quality for discerning owners. The SVR is a result of the expertise and passion of the design and engineering team at SVO, who went even further to create the unique vehicle for the Springboks — but it’s a team that is also available to you.

From unique exterior paint colours to interior trim combinations, SVO can create a vehicle as individual as you are. Whether you want your name on the door sill plates, embroidery in the headrests, or specially chosen accessories integrated into your next Land Rover or Jaguar, specialists are on hand to turn your dream into reality.

You can discuss your bespoke requirements at any Land Rover or Jaguar facility, or find more information on what SVO can do for you by clicking here.

Visit the Land Rover website for more information. Join the #DrivenBeyond conversation on Twitter and Instagram.

* This article was paid for by Land Rover, proud vehicle partner to the Springboks.