In advance of Jaguar Land Rover’s acquisition of the corporation, off-road racing specialist Bowler showcased its Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) model at the 2017 Defence and Security Equipment International expo. Positioned between an adventurous safari truck and a durable utility vehicle suited for conflict zones, the RIV arose from a joint venture between Bowler and the U.K. Ministry of Defence. It presented the adaptability of Bowler’s latest Cross Sector Platform (CSP) in catering to a diverse clientele, commencing with defense and emergency services.
Constructed to meet military specifications, the Bowler RIV is energized by Land Rover’s turbocharged V6 diesel engine tweaked to deliver 300 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, transferred through ZF’s eight-speed automatic gearbox to an all-wheel-drive system with a dual-range transfer case. Featuring an extended-travel independent suspension and a robust spaceframe, when switched to low range, the RIV attains near invincibility among four-seat trucks. Reverting the drivetrain to high offers this prototype ample off-road velocity, reflecting Bowler’s modus operandi.
RM Sotheby’s
Featuring a riveted aluminum body and a cleverly lightened chassis, the 2017 Bowler Rapid Intervention Vehicle stands as a modular platform with authentic JLR components and a payload capacity of 4,400 pounds. It stands as a more exclusive offering compared to Bowler’s Bond-rated Spectre Defender pickups, as well as any other off-road racing trucks engineered around Land Rover’s most extreme powertrains.
