Share

Range Rover's record desert trek

The new Range Rover Sport has set the fastest recorded time for a land vehicle crossing of the ‘Empty Quarter’ or Rub' al Khali. The automaker's team conquered a 849km route in 10 hours 22minutes!

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – In October 2013, Wheels24 reported on Range Rover attempting to set a record by crossing one of the harshest environments on earth - the Empty Quarter or Rub' al Khali.

In November 2013, the new Range Rover Sport team has set the fastest recorded time for a land vehicle crossing of the Rub' al Khali – the largest sand desert in the world and the second largest after the Sahara.

Image gallery: Range Rover sport conquers Rub' al Khali


‘IT’S BRUTAL, UNFORGIVING AND DEADLY’

The team completed the journey from Wadi Adda Wasir in Saudi Arabia to the border of the United Arab Emirates in 10 hours and 22 minutes at an average speed of 81.87km/h, covering 849km (a route the route dictated by the conditions on the ground).

The Range Rover Sport was driven by Dakar Rally veteran Moi Torrallardona. The vehicle was powered by a 5.0 supercharged V8 petrol, equipped with standard tyres. The only modification to the vehicle was the fitment of an underbody protection plate.

Torrallardona said: “The challenge of the desert is like nothing else, it is a brutal, unforgiving and sometimes deadly environment. Desert driving requires a unique combination of speed, finesse and technical skill. It is crucial that you tackle the dunes with precision.

“Knowing the right time to go full throttle and the right time to slow down, takes experience and clear judgement. This unique way of driving requires a vehicle which has the same skillset – it must be both incredibly fast but also agile, responsive and well planted.

“The Range Rover Sport is exactly that. It is massively capable and is truly the best tool for conquering the desert.”



We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE