As we mentioned last week, the doors of our new Special Vehicle Operations branch in Charleston, USA are now open. The first four vehicles have arrived for their upgrades and our A-Team members are poised to get started tomorrow. UJO is our SVO research and development vehicle and includes the very best of everything on offer…and more.
Arkonik SVO has been developed for two reasons. Firstly, to offer our clients an array of upgrades appropriate for today’s Defender driver. Secondly, to provide a physical presence in North America where new and existing clients can test drive the vehicles, meet the team and discuss their custom options face to face.
THE SPEC
UJO includes shimmering bodywork in a unique metallic Stratos Blue, complemented by Cream Pearl on the roof and topside panels, paying homage to the original colour scheme.
In true restomod style, there are of course a few twists on the traditional. From race-derived EVO Corse® DakarZero 18” alloys, to pearlescent ‘County’ side stripes and hand-painted artwork on the frame. UJO’s drivetrain has been significantly upgraded to harness the huge power increase including Tarox® 6 piston billet calipers with grooved and vented 330mm discs, Bilstein® gas dampers, SuperPro® polyurethane bushes and Eibach® 1” lowered springs & anti-roll bars.
Under the bonnet is where the beast is truly unleashed. A 6.2L Corvette LS3 engine provides 430 horsepower, and a 6sp 6L80E auto transmission delivers seamless acceleration and the pleasure of those burbling exhaust notes upon downshifting. These packages are now available as part of SVO upgrades.
Internally, UJO makes its occupants feel instantly at home with soft-touch upholstery, woven carpeting, Alcantara® headlining and ambient lighting. Modular heated front seats, High-back Heritage heated seats in the middle row, and load area bench seats have been trimmed in Autograin Burnt Oak leather with tweed inserts. The matching door cards include billet alloy door furniture, plus our brand new SVO cubby box makes its debut.
IN TESTING
UJO includes a multitude of pretty nifty features which are currently undergoing extensive testing and will soon be available to new and existing clients.
Our electrical magicians have been up to some smart work fitting a Viper® alarm system and front & rear Thinkware™ Pro cameras. Up front you’ll find a Dakota® digital instrument panel, giving any Defender an ultra-cool, aviator look that sits snugly within a leather trimmed dash.
As well as heated seats front & rear, additional comfort features have been provided with, electric windows, Ministry of Defender air conditioning, and heating ingeniously integrated within the original OEM steering wheel. Plus, our SVO cubby box incorporates wireless phone charging alongside our regular USB points.
And one last thing, when you open the doors you’re greeted with automatic folding and retracting sidesteps because…well, why not?!
Find out more about SVO here.
