The road legal Bowler EXR S off-road racer has been revealed in the UK, with CarAdvice given exclusive access to the static display vehicle.
Based on the current-generation Range Rover Sport, the 410kW/625Nm Bowler EXR S has been developed in direct response to customer demand for a road going version of Bowler’s 221kW/582Nm EXR rally car.
Designed with the strength and weight distribution characteristics of the rally car, but free of any racing regulations, the EXR S uses a Bowler-tuned version of Land Rover’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine to hustle from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Helping to put the power down is a six-speed automatic transmission with paddleshifters, while an electronically controlled rear differential is fitted to optimise traction for all-terrain use.
The EXR S’s suspension and steering system is almost identical to the rally version’s, bar the use of bespoke Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, which provide ride and handling characteristics more suited to road use.
If owners do wish to use the EXR S predominantly for off-road or on-track use, however, Bowler can fit the same competition-based Donerre dampers and springs that are standard equipment on the EXR rally car. The composite-bodied EXR S can also be optioned with a full FIA roll cage and six-point racing harnesses.
Brakes are courtesy of Brembo, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units down back, sitting inside a choice of either 20- or 22-inch wheels.
The body of the EXR S follows the same lines as the full-blown EXR – meaning it has the same ducts and vents that allow air to cool the dampers and brakes – however, the road car differs from the rally version by using glass for the rear windows and rear tailgate.
Standard features include Bi-Xenon headlights, central locking, keyless entry and leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electric park brake and Pioneer sound system with Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming.
Options include a territory specific satellite navigation system, hydraulic jack, rally intercoms and bespoke paint colours. The interior is also available in a number of colours and finishes, including carbonfibre.
Prices for the Bowler EXR S are expected to start at £155,000 ($238,000) before on-road costs.
Based in Derbyshire in the UK, Bowler has been racing and producing high-performance all-terrain vehicles since 1985, with the Bowler Wildcat, Nemesis and current-generation EXR all having competed in the Dakar Rally.
Managing director Drew Bowler told CarAdvice that the company was interested in expanding the brand outside of the UK, into markets such as the United Arab Emirates and even Australia.
“We’d like to contest the Australian Safari along with some other events down under, and perhaps even offer our EXR S road legal rally vehicle to the enthusiast market.”
