Over the years since its launch in 1970, many coachbuilders, engineers and amateur enthusiasts alike have modified, messed with and rebuilt Range Rovers.
They have taken Rangies apart and put them back together to create something completely different to suit their needs and their whims.
Some designs have been unusual, some have been innovative, and some have been re-engineered to take them to the next level in pure power.
One which falls into the latter category is the Bowler EXR-S. Making its debut in 2012, the EXR-S road car was created – or rather transformed – by off-road racing company Bowler Motors.
Why was the EXR-S created?
Before the EXR-S was even considered, Bowler had been manufacturing performance cars for all-terrain races and rally raid cars. Some of these were born from or inspired by Land Rover vehicles, including the Range Rover engines.
The EXR-S is based on the EXR competition car built by Bowler. The rally car uses engines, chassis and other parts from the Range Rover Sport, then takes them to the extreme limits of its ability.
But competition cars are subject to restrictions and technical regulations laid out by the ruling body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Although performance ceilings are in place for good reason – fair competition – it did mean that the bhp had to be limited in the EXR.
However, if it was billed as a road car, there would be no such restrictions holding it back. And so, the EXR-S was born and hailed as an off-road supercar built for the road. And what a beast it is!
Although a very limited number were made, the launch of the EXR-S was a step toward a more formal partnership between Land Rover and Bowler. The performance car company could then officially label its vehicles as “Powered by Land Rover”.
What is under the bonnet of the EXR-S?
Unlike the competition version, which was limited to 300 bhp, the road version pushes a massive 550 bhp. It is powered by a JLR 5.0 V8 engine that can get the car from zero to 62 mph in a very quick 4.2 seconds.
For safety reasons, the top speed had to be limited to a mere 155mph. However, Bowler makes up for it by retaining some of the rally car features, such as composite bodywork and competition car handling courtesy of the hydroformed chassis.
Despite the roll-cage, it has the luxury mod cons you would expect in a Range Rover, like the climate control and in-car entertainment system, but it is still a competitor at heart.