Land Rover Defender SVR Spied Lapping The Nurburgring On Three Wheels

Take heed, for you could be witnessing two very significant moments in this series of spy photos. First, this SUV could be the long-rumored Land Rover Defender SVR, packing a V8 with enough horsepower to make Mercedes-AMG G63 drivers a bit nervous at the drag strip. It also could be the only time a Land Rover Defender has lifted a wheel while lapping the Nürburgring that wasn't the result of a catastrophic mistake.

Are we absolutely certain this is a Land Rover Defender SVR? The answer is no, but our spy sources confirm this particular test vehicle was definitely packing a V8. That means we're dealing with at least 518 horsepower (386 kilowatts) from the standard-issue supercharged 5.0-liter mill. However, the rumors we've heard about the SVR suggest it will have 600 hp (447 kW) courtesy of a transplanted 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from BMW. So if the rumor is true, you'll have a choice of two high-output V8 engines in a Defender. Emissions regulations? What emissions regulations?

Fortunately, we have more to go on than just some rumors and a Defender going full-send at the 'Ring. Take a close look at the fenders and you'll see larger flares with a design that's completely new. It's riding on a new set of wheels as well, and the brakes behind the front wheels look absolutely massive. Considering we see all these features on a camo-wrapped vehicle being pushed hard at the Nürburgring doesn't leave much room for interpretation. If it's not a Defender SVR, Land Rover is certainly up to something relating to on-road performance.

When the rumors first surfaced last year, we heard that Land Rover was keen to carve out a section of the luxury-performance SUV market for itself. A 600-hp Defender SVR would most decidedly garner attention in a world where G63s are often seen cruising tarmac, challenging supercars to friendly contests of speed. If this is indeed happening, we don't expect Land Rover will keep it a secret much longer. Stay tuned for a debut by the end of the year.