Range Rover Sport

Range Rover Sport

The spirit of the Range Rover Sport was embodied in the much-admired Range Stormer concept vehicle, first seen at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The top-line Range Rover Sport uses a specially-developed version of Jaguar's acclaimed 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine. Maximum power is 287kW [390hp in North America] and maximum torque 410lbft/550Nm with an electronically-limited top speed of 140mph/225km/h. Power and torque are delivered to all four wheels through a ZF six-speed 'intelligent shift' automatic gearbox featuring sport programming and Land Rover's CommandShift™, which offers manual control of gearchanges. Low range is electronically selectable. One of the most aerodynamic of all SUVs, the Range Rover Sport combines a smooth shape with powerful stance, muscular wheel-arches, a raked roof, and tailgate-mounted rear spoiler. Recognisable Range Rover styling cues include the 'floating' roof (created by the black roof pillars) and clamshell bonnet. But in the interests of improved airflow, the bonnet castellations have been smoothed away and the windscreen given a faster angle.

The Range Rover Sport has a five-door body style, with a single-piece rear aluminium tailgate that includes an opening rear glass for easy access.

Inside, it is a roomy yet sporty five-seater featuring premium materials, including leather, wood and metallic finishes. The cockpit is designed around the driver, with a high and sweeping centre console so the driver reaches across to the controls rather than down to them. The seats are sporty and supportive.

"It is the best ‘driver's vehicle’ that Land Rover has ever made," says Matthew Taylor. "There is the traditional Land Rover Command driving position, yet the cockpit is more cocooning than the SUV norm. We believe the emphasis on the driving experience will make the Range Rover Sport an attractive proposition to those who currently drive luxury executive cars (sedans), as well as the more sporty 4x4s, thanks to its overall refinement and unmatched breadth of capability."

Although developed with greater emphasis on on-road performance than any previous Land Rover, the Range Rover Sport is exceptionally competent across all terrains. Its off-road capability is boosted by Land Rover's highly effective Terrain Response™ system, which is standard on all models. It allows the driver to choose one of five terrain settings via a rotary control on the centre console. Terrain Response then automatically selects the most appropriate settings for the vehicle's many advanced electronic controls and traction aids - including ride height, engine torque response, Hill Descent Control, electronic traction control and transmission settings.