SPY PICS: Range Rover Velar SVR

It's not even on sale yet but the all-new Range Rover Velar already has an SVR hero model under development.

Snapped here testing at Germany’s Nurburgring road course, the strikingly-styled Velar SVR looks the part – even with psychedelic camouflage.

Expected to be powered by the company's tried-and-tested supercharged 5.0-litre V8, pumping 405kW and 680Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Range Rover Velar SVR is smaller than its $224,110 Range Rover Sport SVR sibling.

Ergo, it should be faster, more agile and a few bob cheaper.

In standard form, the Range Rover Velar is tipped to arrive in Australia late 2017 priced from $70,300, but the SVR model could go to $150,000 or more.

The SVR treatment will equip the Velar with chassis updates to match its raucous V8 engine, including much bigger brakes and firmer suspension. It looms as a rival for the Audi RS Q5.

In these spy photos, it looks like the Velar SVR's driver isn’t holding back and, despite the Nurburgring punishment, the mid-size Rangie appears to be dealing with the lateral g-forces without too much body roll, suggesting there could be clever new active suspension technology in use.

Wheels look to be 22-inch alloys and high-performance sports tyres are a given.

The body has clearly been tweaked with larger lateral air intakes at the front and a sculpted rear. A large roof spoiler and stylised rear diffuser are both in evidence, which may improve high speed stability.

As one of the most-anticipated vehicles from Range Rover in 2017, slotting between the bigger Range Rover Sport and smaller Evoque, the Velar will be available initially with petrol and diesel engines… Just don't expect a Velar three-door coupe.