So the new Range Rover Sport was unveiled last week completing the three-model Range Rover portfolio. I’m almost tempted to use a catchy phrase from a James Bond movie, seeing that the current Bond, Daniel Craig featured prominently in the unveiling of the new Range Rover Sport. But I will refrain from doing so and just mention that he was reportedly paid $1 million for the few minutes.
The unveiling of the Range Rover Sport in New York has to do with the fact that there are more units sold in the United Sates than any other global market, and New York being the models best-selling city.
The new Range Rover Sport has a more assertive and muscular exterior, more luxurious interior and flexibility provided for by the option of occasional 5+2 seating.
We have to say that the exterior look of the Range Rover Sport closely follows the design DNA featured on the Evoque and recently released Range Rover.
Exploiting Land Rover’s breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the Sport’s all-new, first-in-class aluminium architecture achieves a weight saving of up to 420kg (when compared like for like with the outgoingTDV6 Range Rover variant).
According to John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, the Range Rover Sport builds “on the success of the recently launched flagship Range Rover…..and also employs a vast array of new technologies which help to transform its performance, refinement and all round capabilities.”
The new Sport is just 62mm longer than its predecessor, yet at 4850mm, it is shorter than other 7-seater SUVs and most E segment sedans, bringing greater manoeuvrability and ease of parking. However, a significantly longer wheelbase (increased by 178mm) provides greater room and improved access for rear passengers.
Shorter overhangs at the front and rear, plus additional width (+55mm) give the new vehicle a more modern stance.
With its ‘faster’ windscreen angle, streamlined and rounded profile and lower, dynamic sloping roofline, the new Range Rover Sport is 8 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing vehicle (Cd 0.34). The new Sport is 149mm shorter and 55mm lower than the all-new Range Rover on which it is based and model-for-model weighs 45kg less.
Suspension on the Range Rover Sport is through fully-independent wide spaced double-wishbones at the front and advanced multi-link layout at the rear.
Wheel-travel is class-leading (260mm front and 272mm rear) and provides exceptional wheel articulation of 546mm to deal with the toughest conditions. Maximum ground clearance is increased to 278mm (+51mm) and the upgraded air suspension system automatically varies between two ride heights, while the next generation ground-breaking Terrain Response® 2 system automatically selects the most suitable terrain programme.
All-new, the electric power steering is characterised by a lighter, more direct steering feel. A choice of two full-time 4WD systems will be offered. One system provides a two-speed transfer case while the alternative system is 18kg lighter and features a single-speed transfer case.
At launch, all-new Range Rover Sport customers will have a choice of two engines – a supercharged 5.0-litre 375kW V8 petrol engine and a 3.0-litre 215kW SDV6 diesel engine. The powertrain line-up will be expanded in early 2014 by the addition of a 3.0-litre 190kW TDV6 and high performance 4.4-litre 249kW SDV8 diesel engine. In addition, an innovative, high-efficiency diesel Hybrid model will be available to order in 2014.
All petrol and diesel engines in the new Range Rover Sport are paired with the advanced electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The new Sport provides an interior with distinctive Range Rover Sport design cues, superior detailing and craftsmanship. The Range Rover Sport interior offers a unique blend of style and understated luxury with strong, elegant lines, top quality materials and an extra dash of sporting character.
The sporting ambience of the interior is also reflected in the smaller diameter, thicker steering wheel, vertical gear shifter, higher centre console, configurable mood lighting and more generous seat bolsters.
Interior packaging is optimised to create a more spacious rear cabin with 24mm more knee room, while occupants also benefit from the wider cabin.
It has been engineered to incorporate the latest developments in customer-focused vehicle and safety technologies to enhance comfort, confidence and safety behind the wheel. Some of these technologies being the Adaptive Dynamics featuring continuously variable dampers (CVD), Dynamic Response lean control, Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential, and Torque Vectoring by means of the braking system.
The new Range Rover Sport also offers a comprehensive connectivity package enabling customers to stay seamlessly connected to their vehicle, business and family lives.
A new, optional colour Head-Up Display presents key vehicle and navigation data without the driver needing to look away from the road, using laser technology for superior clarity and contrast.
The new model introduces a digital camera system which supports three driver assistance features that help deliver improved driver awareness: Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam Assist. Another unique innovation on the Sport is the new Wade Sensing™ feature that provides ‘depth’ information when driving through water, made even more beneficial to the driver now that the Sport’s maximum wading depth has increased by 150mm over the previous model to 850mm.
The new Range Rover Sport goes on sale from the third quarter of 2013, and will be available in 169 markets worldwide.
