Land Rover has claimed a record with the new Range Rover Sport. The SUV set the fastest time for a land vehicle crossing the "Empty Quarter" - the largest sand desert in the world and the second largest desert overall after the Sahara.

The team completed the journey from Wadi Adda Wasir in Saudi Arabia to the border of the UAE in 10 hours and 22 minutes in an average speed of 81.87km/h covering 849km.

The record was made with a standard production Range Rover fitted with a 510PS 5.0 liter supercharged V8 petrol engine on regular tyres. The vehicle received an addition of an underbody protection plate.

“Desert driving requires a unique combination of speed, finesse and technical skill. It is crucial that you tackle the dunes with precision. Knowing the right time to go full throttle and the right time to slow down, takes experience and clear judgement,” said driver Moi Torrallardona. He has completed 10 consecutive years at the Dakar Rally.

“This unique way of driving requires a vehicle which has the same skillset - it must be both incredibly fast but also agile, responsive and well planted. The Range Rover Sport is exactly that. It is massively capable and is truly the best tool for conquering the desert,” he added.