JIA Chieftain Xtreme: Pushing The Classic Range Rover To The Limit

As the name unequivocally implies, the JIA Chieftain Xtreme is the wildest interpretation of the Banbury-based bespoke British builder’s re-engineered classic Range Rover, and is something that is certain to set pulses racing whenever it goes into production.

A fresh sight and welcome standout among the innumerable electric and hybrid crossover concepts that have been hawked with more gusto than ever by manufacturers in recent months, the Chieftain Xtreme design study is reminiscent of JIA’s first, most extensively re-engineered Range Rover Chieftain circa 2018. However, whereas the original had a brutish, blunt and muscularly hulking appeal to it, the Xtreme instead has a distinctly more sporting rally raid racer flavour.

Conceived as being built on a 2-door Range Rover body, the conspicuously eye-catching Chieftain Xtreme design study seems to feature a more off-road oriented front bumper with seemingly better approach angle, clear indicator light casings, chunky knobbly off-road oriented tyres, and prominent sills with integrated sporty side exhaust ports. Imagined in two guises, the Chieftain Xtreme has a taut and lean style with extended wheel-arches, or a more muscularly broad presence with blistered classic Audi Quattro style box arches.

Ready to be commissioned for production, the Chieftain Xtreme is built on a modified Range Rover chassis with independent double wishbone suspension at all four corners for enhanced ride comfort and driving dynamics. Under the bonnet, it is powered by muscular General Motors supercharged small block LT4 V8 engine. Driving all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, the Chieftain Xtreme is projected to develop 700BHP and about the same lb/ft of torque.

Outgunning both Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport SVR and GM’s own Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing super saloon, with which it shares its engine, the Chieftain Xtreme is expected to significantly improve on the original 556BHP Range Rover Chieftain’s already swift 4.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration. Anticipated to be capable of in excess of 250km/h top speed, the Chieftain Xtreme and will also receive uprated AP Racing brakes, while its cabin is expected to be a thoroughly re-worked, hand crafted and bespoke luxury affair, with designs and equipment, according to customer specifications.

Previous articleHonda Accord 1.5T: Executive Challenge
Next articleChery Tiggo 2: Ready To Go