Range Rover took the wraps off the all-new Range Rover Sport at the New York International Auto Show and there was a surprise under the bonnet – a new 250kW supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.
The V6 adds to the extraordinary 375kW supercharged V8 petrol engine we’re already familiar with.
At launch, diesel power for the all-new Range Rover Sport comes from two V6s – the 190kW TDV6 and 215kWSDV6. A high-performance 250kW 4.4-litre SDV8 diesel is slated for introduction early next year.
Range Rover will also offer the Sport with a diesel hybrid drivetrain – to special order.
All drive via the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission.
The third model of the all-new Range Rover lineup, the Sport is claimed to be: “The fastest, most agile, most responsive Land Rover ever.” No small claim that one – Car Showroom reckons the current Range Rover Sport is the world’s best high-performance large luxury SUV, so the newcomer has a high bar to beat.
But that claim stands to reason: with that outstanding range of engines, the all-new aluminium body and chassis architecture all adding up to a weight saving in the region of 420kgs, the latest Rangie is off to a flying start.
“The all-new Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that had been designed and engineered without compromise,” explained Land Rover director John Edwards in New York. “With Land Rover capability at its heart, it is one of the most road-focussed vehicles we’ve ever produced, but of course still offers unsurpassed all-terrain capability. It is a vehicle which is designed to be driven. We’ve taken ride, handling and agility to another level for Land Rover to deliver a truly rewarding, sporting drive together with unmatched luxury, capability and versatility.”
Big news inside too with the all-new Range Rover Sport available with an optional seven-seat configuration (Range Rover calls it ‘5+2).
Of course much of the Range Rover Sport is shared with the just-launched Range Rover Vogue. At 4850mm, the Range Rover Sport is actually shorter than many seven-seat SUVs but an extra 178mm in the wheelbase over the outgoing model affords extra interior space. Width has also grown – by 55mm.
Range Rover Sport is 149mm shorter and 55mm lower than the regular Range Rover but enjoys similarly enhanced aerodynamics to deliver a drag Cd of 0.34. Range Rover Sport is also 45kgs lighter than equivalent Range Rover models.
Customers can choose from four wheel sizes – 19-inch, 20-inch, 21-inch and 22-inch – including the hallmark ‘Vipers Nest’ design.
Underneath is the expected Range Rover technology including new double wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension in aluminium ands fifth-generation air suspension which permits the full off-road mode to be used at speeds up to 80km/h.
Inside, Range Rover Sport models run a unique version of the stunning new interior design, a smaller diameter and thicker steering wheel, vertical gear shifter and raised centre console. A colour head-up display including satellite navigation information is on the options list.
As per the current model, the all-new Range Rover Sport will be offered in S, SE, HSE and Autobiography grades when sales commence in the final quarter of this year.
Australian details are still a work-in-progress.
