Wednesday 27th June 2012

Chris Harris video: Bowler EXR-S

If PistonHeads did off-roaders they'd look something like the Bowler EXR-S, as Chris Harris demonstrates

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The 'test' track wasn't wide, it was fast and run-off consisted of what my A-level Geography teacher rather dubiously refereed to as 'Oak-Ash climax vegetation'. But then I was only driving a slightly pokey SUV, right?

It's a Land Rover Jim, just not as we know it

You will know Bowler as the maker of a product that looked like a Land Rover Defender which became the ultimate privateer's tool on Rally Raid events like the Dakar. It was called the Wildcat, but Bowler no longer makes that vehicle, shifting its focus to a new design with body styling in the mould of the current Range Rover Sport. It is called the EXR. In the correct hands, it is capable of a top-10 finish on the current Dakar.

Of late Bowler's loyal customers have shown an interest in a road version of the EXR, and this is the development machine for that project. It is called the EXR-S. Where the rally car (can you call it a car?) uses the normally aspirated 5.0-litre Jag V8 running weeny FIA restrictors for around 300hp, the road car has the supercharged version, no breathing limitations and a little ECU tweak. It has 558hp, 520lb ft and, minus its interior trim, weighs 1,700kg.

Test track was on the tight side

Running gravel suspension above its 21-inch street-spec Pirellis, it is one of the more alarming things I've driven this year. The performance is outrageous - the prow lifts, the rear squats and the front scuttle reverberates to sound of ingested air. It's like one vast, protracted gurgle.

The chassis balance it pretty neutral on this car, but then it's not really set up for asphalt. As you'll see - back away in the quick stuff and it'll move around as much as you want to scare yourself.

So what is it for? It's for the casual diamond mine owner who finds a G63 a bit shabby off-road at speed.

Not your typical Yummy Mummy RR Sport...

It's also semi-official now, which I think is a great move for both parties. Land Rover needs something brain-out silly to keep it interesting, Bowler needs the legitimacy and the technical assistance.

Having driven the EXR competition version, I now need to do a Rally Raid.

Enjoy the vid.

 

 

[Beyond Rational]

Is that the JCB test track?

[Tyrewrecker]

Not a bad job!

[mrclav]

Ye Gads - what a piece of kit! Then again for £165k it should be...

[Erwin1978]

Lovely vid as usual. That road going version is really tasty, personally prefer it over any sportscar in the same price range. Does it have just 2 seats or maybe even 4? Would have one in classic BRG and natural leather please.

[vwkg1967]

Saw the orange one on the back of a low loader somewhere between Swindon & Salisbury on Monday. Looked the nuts in the flesh.

[Terminator X]

I'd love to own a wildcat (seen on t/gear), never seem to be any for sale though

TX.

[noosh]

Along with food and beer, I will have to have one of them in order to survive.


Great video.

[NGK210]

Great fun.

Preferring the 'new' presenting-style, too - less talking at the audience, now more talking to it.

Also, in post, can you please sort the voiceover - the volume levels are a tad erratic.

More, please.

[v8will]

Terminator X said:

I'd love to own a wildcat (seen on t/gear), never seem to be any for sale though

TX.

Now built by QT services

http://www.qtwildcat.co.uk/

Wildcats hold their money really well,

[leeson660]

Fair play that was a big old powerful beast with not much room for error!

Love the geekyness of the harris videos

[Daniel1]

I'm sad to say that although I'm pleased it exists, it does nothing for me at all. Nice video as always, not sure that the swearing is necessary though

[Watchman]

My new lottery win daily driver..!! Now, I just have to work out how to achieve that.


Great video, thanks Mr Harris.

[Nice But Dim]

Lush in every way.

[Fish]

Brings back memories. My brother and I had Drews Wildcat, chassis number 11 oh so long ago....

Best of luck to them.

[Dakkon]

Want

[Jam Spavlin]

Am I being a complete idiot or didn't that used to be called the Bowler Nemesis?

[soad]

Dakkon said:

Want

My new favourite car!!

[JdmRacer]

What a mad jeep want so much though

[dvs_dave]

Boweler or Bowler???

Great bits of kit and a great vid. Would love to do these engine and suspension mods to a Disco (same platform) to get quite possibly the most mental 7-seat SUV ever, but crucially with proper off-road credentials.

Out of interest did the Bowler guys tell you to hold the steering wheel with your thumbs inside the wheel when hooning off-road? Always thought this was a big no no for off-roading as a big bump can snatch the wheel out of your hands and before you know it you're sat there with two broken thumbs and no way of regaining your grip and control of the wheel. Would be very ugly at those speeds!

[wuckfitracing]

Its not a Baawler its a Bowler. That pronunciation makes it sound German its British. Just sold my early Bowler so i recon Im qualified to correct it.