What's all this about?

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Land Rover as a company and the SUV-maker has already given us just cause for celebration with the Defender Works V8 70th Edition. Now, Land Rover fanatics, or - rather more accurately - Range Rover lovers can rejoice once more, because the two-door Rangie is making a comeback.

Really?

Yes indeed. The interior shot above shows the cabin of a new creation by Jaguar Land Rover's heralded Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), which will be called the Range Rover SV Coupe. As you can see, it's a four-seat machine with just two doors allowing access to the cabin - and if you think that's weirdly impractical for a Range Rover, remember the 1970 original was a two-door (three-door, technically, given the Rangie's big boot hatch, but we'll not argue with Land Rover on this one) and an official factory five-door 'Classic' didn't appear until 1981; indeed, it was only from the 'Metrocab' second-generation Range Rover, launched in 1994, that the Range Rover lineage came with five doors as standard. Pleasingly, the teaser image - released ahead of the machine's full debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March - shows that there's plenty of legroom for rear-seat occupants, preserving the Range Rover's legendary levels of interior loafing space.

OK, so what's the catch?

Well, first of all, we don't know any of the engine options, but for a good idea look to the current full-sized Range Rover line-up for an idea of powerplants; typically, big turbocharged or supercharged V6s and V8s, in either diesel or petrol guise, with a hybrid option available too. However, perhaps the bigger hiccup for potentially interested owners is the fact the Range Rover SV Coupe will be limited in production - hand-assembled at the SV Technical Centre in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, only 999 examples of this two-/three-door (sorry...!) Range Rover will be built for the entire planet. So, it'll be something of a rarity.

Anything about the cabin that we can see?

Land Rover says that the interior image released 'illustrates the traditional skills combined with up-to-the-minute technologies utilised throughout the cabin to exquisite effect. Stunning to the eye, sumptuous to the touch, it is a light, contemporary, space where attention to detail has been paramount'. Does that satisfy you?

What else does Land Rover say about the SV Coupe?

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's chief design officer, said: "The Range Rover SV Coupe is a highly compelling design with peerless refinement and uncompromised sophistication, from its breath-taking exterior proportions to its sumptuous, beautifully appointed, interior. This is a vehicle that will resonate on an emotional level."

OK, what about SVO itself?

John Edwards, Land Rover Special Operations' managing director, added: "Land Rover created the luxury SUV sector with Range Rover almost 50 years ago. In launching the new Range Rover SV Coupe, we will offer clients an alluring combination of peerless luxury and rarity. Unveiling this special vehicle at Geneva International Motor Show in March, during Land Rover's 70th Anniversary year, will be a defining moment for Land Rover, the Range Rover portfolio and Special Vehicle Operations."

When will we get to know more about the SV Coupe?

More details on the technical specification of the Range Rover SV Coupe will be revealed in the run-up to the Geneva show, which kicks off in early March.

Matt Robinson - 24 Jan 2018