Jaguar Land Rover SVO Boss Wants To Build Unique Models, Take On The Mercedes-AMG GT

Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has started to make a name for itself thanks to the launch of models such as the F-Type Project 7 and the XE SV Project 8. However, the company doesn't want to be limited to using existing products.

In an interview with Auto Express, JLR SVO boss John Edwards said "Deep down we want to make our own model. Just look at the success of the [Mercedes] AMG GT."

A Jaguar AMG GT competitor would certainly be interesting, especially in the wake of the ill-fated C-X75, but Edwards cautioned the company has to perfect its Project cars before moving onto a bespoke model. This likely means the chances of seeing a unique SVO product in the near future are slim to none.

While we shouldn't get our hopes up for an all-new model, Edwards did provide some hints on what the company is considering. Nothing is official but the executive said both the Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar have “great potential.”

In the meantime, Land Rover is working on a high-performance Velar SVR which is expected to have a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with around 567 hp (422 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. Jaguar is also developing a hotter version of the F-Pace and it is expected to use the same engine as the Velar SVR.