New Range Rover Sport unveiled

The New Range Rover Sport has made its global premiere with a dramatic climb up a flooded dam spillway in Iceland.

The vehicle resisted the surging torrent of water flowing down the ramp of the Karahnjukar Dam - the biggest of its kind in the world - at a rate of 750 tonnes per minute.

A loss of traction risked plunging down the perilous 90m drop at the base of the spillway to the valley floor below.

Land Rover has described the third generation of its luxury performance SUV as the most desirable, technologically advanced and capable yet.

The successful spillway ascent was screened for the first time at an exclusive launch event at Jaguar Land Rover 's Advanced Product Creation Centre in Gaydon, UK.

Official James Bond stunt driver Jessica Hawkins was behind the wheel for the climb.

Nick Collins, executive director vehicle programmes at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Land Rover 's pioneering MLA-Flex architecture and the latest chassis systems come together to deliver the highest levels of dynamism we 've ever seen on Range Rover Sport.

“Integrated Chassis Control governs the comprehensive suite of innovations, co-ordinating everything from the latest switchable-volume air suspension system to our Dynamic Response Pro electronic active roll control.

“The result is the most engaging and thrilling Range Rover Sport ever. ”

The spillway climb was the final obstacle on the drive from the valley floor to the summit of the dam, taking in a flooded riverbed, the concrete tunnels of the hydro-electric dam and the rocky dam wall itself. The final 294m stretch of spillway rises at 40-degrees and climbs 193m, with water cascading down to provide the ultimate test of traction and driver confidence.

Jessica Hawkins, Stunt Driver, said: “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 've 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. ”

Customers can choose from mild hybrid petrol and diesel Ingenium engines, while pure-electric propulsion will be available in 2024.