The New Range Rover Sport has shown the world its' first demonstration of dynamic capability, with the vehicle facing ascents of 193 metres against a flood of water, at the rate of 750 tonnes per minute.
The wrong move could have seen Jessica Hawkins, Official James Bond Stunt Driver, plummet 90 metres but the third generation luxury performance SUV demonstrated power, grip and composure by completing the challenge.
The ascent saw the New Range Rover Sport pushed to its limits, the spillway climb was the last hurdle for the vehicle, after a drive from the valley floor to the top of the dam. Taking on a floodbed river, steep tunnels, and the 40-degree dam wall.
“The power of the water surging down the spillway was breath-taking from the side of the valley. Driving into it knowing that a 90-metre drop was waiting behind me at the bottom of the slope, if things went wrong, made this the most challenging drive I have ever undertaken. Despite the steep slope and rushing water, New Range Rover Sport made it look easy. Its traction, composure, and commanding visibility inspired so much confidence I was able to enjoy the whole experience.”
Jessica Hawkins, Stunt Driver
Screened for the first time at an exclusive launch event, at Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Product Creation Centre in Gaydon, UK, the Spillway Ascent goes above and beyond previous feats, including a record-setting hill-climb at Pikes Peaks and a first ascent of the 999 steps to Heaven’s Gate in China back in 2018.