Gravity defying Stunt Driver, Jessica Hawkins, put the new Range Rover Sport to the test in an epic spillway climb
After conquering Iceland’s volcanic landscape, an ambiguous rock climb and a series of flooded tunnels, spillway was the final obstacle on the journey to the Kárahnjúkar Dam summit for ‘No Time to Die’ James Bond stunt driver Jessica Hawkins. Putting the new Range Rover Sport to the test, Hawkins prepared to scale the 193m wall attempting a drive that had never been done before. With rapidly rising water cascading down its gut wrenching 90-metre sheer drop at 750 tonnes per minute, traction was put to the test as the Range Rover Sport charged forward with pure-electric propulsion. As both Hawkins and the support crew lost visibility, the six-cylinder 48V mild-hybrid Ingenium kicked into gear as the SUV began its alarming ascent.
Though Hawkins had previously conquered a record-setting hill-climb at Pikes Peak and a first recorded crossing of the ‘Empty Quarter’ desert in the Arabian Peninsula, if it could be pulled off, she stated that this would be the most challenging drive she had ever undertaken. There was no room for error but fortunately the treacherous terrain was no match for the Range Rover’s dynamic Air Suspension and twin-valve active dampers which provided inconceivable levels of agility, control and composure. The final 40-degree route to the top saw Hawkins use the car’s new V8 Twin Turbo to speed across the final stretch of the summit.
Stefan Bolton, Product Manager for Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand explains: “The new Range Rover Sport has been built to redefine sporting luxury. Its inimitable driving performance matched with refined design and unrivalled comfort lends itself to both city streets and off-road driving like we see at the Kárahnjúkar Spillway. The Spillway Challenge has been created to showcase its true capabilities, from the all-wheel steering to the expert traction control found in the Stormer Handling Pack, which is only available in the new Range Rover Sport. These components make a huge difference to the handling of the vehicle and the high-speed stability, both of which can be seen in use as the vehicle makes its way across the volcanic rock and up Europe’s largest dam. For day-to-day driving, these capabilities can be used for safely changing lanes, turning around in incredibly small spaces or managing uneven road surfaces, but what the Spillway Challenge shows is the absolute limits that the vehicle can be pushed to. Every time we set a new challenge for the Range Rover Sport, we aim to push the vehicle further than it ever has been before. In 2018 we drove the Plug-In Hybrid variant up the 99 hairpin turns and 999 steps towards Heaven’s Gate in China, so this time we went one step further to overcome an even more challenging environment.”
In a colossal feat, Hawkins completed the drive with comprehensive elegance mentioning that, despite the arduous slope and powerful water, the Range Rover Sport made it seem easy. With Dynamic Launch engaged, the SUV can deliver 0-60 mph in as little as 4.3 seconds, setting Hawkins mind at ease as she took the helm. “Its traction and composure inspired so much confidence, I was able to enjoy the whole experience”. This momentous journey showcased the pinnacle of achievement, with a muscular stance, the new Range Rover Sport not only overcame the Kárahnjúkar summit but turned the challenge into a symphony of dynamic luxury, embodying the spirit of unyielding advancement and electrifying performance.
Advertisement
