THE SPILLWAY CHALLENGE
In 2022, Range Rover Sport and stunt driver Jessica Hawkins conquered Iceland’s volcanic landscape, scaling rock cliffs, flooded tunnels and a previously unattempted climb up the Karahnjukar Dam, fighting against tonnes of rushing water1,2.
THE CANYON
The challenge began on the unforgiving and dangerous terrain of the valley floor, powering through a flooded riverbed and driving through the concrete tunnels of the dam.
THE ASCENT
After emerging from the flooded tunnels, Hawkins fearlessly climbed the steep incline and loose stones of the dam wall to reach the spillway.
THE FINAL CLIMB
The final step was a gruelling climb up a 193m dam spillway against a torrent of water flowing at 750 tonnes per minute, avoiding a perilous 90m drop in a world-first demonstration of dynamic capability.
VEHICLE AND FEATURES
The daring drive was completed with the assistance of the Stormer Handling pack, a suite of chassis control features for improved handling, manoeuvrability, stability and agility. Vehicle was fitted with a roll cage.
PAST CHALLENGES
The spillway was just the latest in a series of trials Range Rover Sport has faced to showcase that it is engineered to face every challenge.
DRAGON CHALLENGE, CHINA
Ranger Rover Sport was the first SUV to reach Heaven’s Gate in 2018, conquering one of the world’s most challenging roads, the legendary 11.3km Tianmen Mountain Road with a dizzying 99 turns, before tackling the epic climb up a 45-degree, 999-step staircase1,2.
Ranger Rover Sport was the first SUV to reach Heaven’s Gate in 2018, conquering one of the world’s most challenging roads, the legendary 11.3km Tianmen Mountain Road with a dizzying 99 turns, before tackling the epic climb up a 45-degree, 999-step staircase1,2.
VEHICLE AND FEATURES
This ascent was made possible by Terrain Response 2, which automatically adjusts transmission, suspension and traction settings for maximum drivability in even the most extreme conditions. This was used in Dynamic Mode for the mountain road.
This ascent was made possible by Terrain Response 2, which automatically adjusts transmission, suspension and traction settings for maximum drivability in even the most extreme conditions. This was used in Dynamic Mode for the mountain road.
EMPTY QUARTER, UAE
In 2013, Range Rover Sport endured one of the harshest and most challenging environments, crossing the world’s second largest desert in a record time of 10 hours and 22 minutes. The vehicle drove from dawn to dusk drive, travelling 849km in extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C1,2.
In 2013, Range Rover Sport endured one of the harshest and most challenging environments, crossing the world’s second largest desert in a record time of 10 hours and 22 minutes. The vehicle drove from dawn to dusk drive, travelling 849km in extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C1,2.
VEHICLE AND FEATURES
Range Rover Sport’s 4-corner air suspension and exceptional wheel articulation conquered the punishing desert drive, with only the addition of an underbody protection plate.
Range Rover Sport’s 4-corner air suspension and exceptional wheel articulation conquered the punishing desert drive, with only the addition of an underbody protection plate.
PIKES PEAK, USA
In 2013, Range Rover Sport also set a new hill climb record when facing Pikes Peak, one of the world’s most unforgiving driving hill climb challenges, a12.42-mile road 4300 metres tall that clings to the edge of the mountain with precipitous drops on one side and unyielding rock faces on the other1,2.
In 2013, Range Rover Sport also set a new hill climb record when facing Pikes Peak, one of the world’s most unforgiving driving hill climb challenges, a12.42-mile road 4300 metres tall that clings to the edge of the mountain with precipitous drops on one side and unyielding rock faces on the other1,2.
VEHICLE AND FEATURES
The supercharged petrol V8 engine of the standard Range Rover Sport, was more than a match for the Peak. The vehicle was fitted with a roll cage and harness seatbelts to meet racing safety requirements.
The supercharged petrol V8 engine of the standard Range Rover Sport, was more than a match for the Peak. The vehicle was fitted with a roll cage and harness seatbelts to meet racing safety requirements.
1Professional drivers on closed courses. Do not attempt.
2Vehicles modified to include challenge related and / or include optional equipment.