LexFather

Land Rover has released the first photographs of Range Rover Sport, a high performance vehicle optimized for fast, comfortable long-distance driving. The addition of Range Rover Sport marks the fifth nameplate for the brand and complements the flagship Range Rover.

Powered in top-line form by a supercharged 390hp 4.2-liter V8 engine, Range Rover Sport will deliver the highest degree of power ever available on a Land Rover model. A normally aspirated V8 engine option will also be available.

Excellent on-road dynamics are delivered through Land Rover's new Dynamic Response suspension system and performance-tuned chassis. The innovative system, making its debut on Range Rover Sport, senses cornering forces and acts to optimize body control and handling. It also decouples off-road to allow greater wheel articulation during tough all-terrain driving.

"Range Rover Sport takes us into the growing performance SUV market, but is different from all rivals," says Matthew Taylor of Land Rover. "We see it as a less frenetic, more refined alternative to existing performance SUVs. It is ideal for fast, comfortable, long-distance driving and practical enough for everyday use. Yet it is also exceptional off-road, offering better all-terrain ability than any competitor. Like all Land Rover products, it offers the broadest range of capability in its class."

With its aerodynamic and muscular exterior design, Range Rover Sport's stance is powerful and aggressive. The five-door body style with single-piece rear aluminum tailgate adds to the dynamic look and feel of the vehicle.

"It is the best driver's vehicle that Land Rover has ever made," adds Taylor. "There is the traditional Land Rover command driving position, yet the cockpit is more cocooning than the SUV norm."

Range Rover Sport will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January, and will be available in North America in summer of 2005.

Pricing and detailed specification will be announced closer to launch date, but is expected to fit between LR3 and Range Rover in the Land Rover product range.

mmarshall

ALL of the Land Rovers and Range Rovers......including this one, no doubt, are great off-roaders......some of the best in the industry.....but have been quality and reliability nightmares, mostly electrical and hardware, even under BMW and Ford ownership. Land Rover has ranked last or near last among product nameplates in reliability, according to several sources.
People who want to spend this kind of money on a plush, luxurious true off-roader IMO need to look no further than the Lexus LX470 or Toyota Land Cruiser.

nthach

The NAV system screams Denso/Fujitsu Ten software to me

but then again, it's a typical European car, prone to electrical failures...

Faraaz23

So is this a completely new model than the Range Rover HSE? Because if i remember at the autoshow, the original Range has an 86,000 sticker... this one is much much cheaper.

BlkGS3

Arent Range Rovers really horrible in their quality?

flyfishman

About the only off-roading that thing will see is from the road to the driveway to the garage. Yet another look at me product from Range Rover.

Richie

I'd get the Cayenne

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I do believe this was based on it's concept version the Ranger Storm...of course it only had 2 doors lol.

Gojirra99

I agree with mmarshall, I'd still pick the GX over this, as for the Cayenne S . . .

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

notice the M-style fender inserts??? That's a pretty good look as far as sportiness. I would NEVER buy one , though.

videcormeum

390HP supercharged 4.2 liter ...

Are they "borrowing" that engine from Jag?

M.

1ton

To my understanding it is the jaguar engine.

I just test drove one yesterday and it is a SWEET ride. I am thinking about trading in my SC430 for it.

Chigga

I think looks pretty hot, but how fast is it?

Jeep is coming out with their Cherokee SRT8 and says it'll do 1/4 in mid 13s.

1ton

Well, I am not sure the 0-60 info but the engine is V8 4.4 300 horse. The supercharged is 390 horses. I know the car is pretty heavy though. Takes a great corner!

LexFather

I am sure it will be unreliable as ever but there is no denying the appeal of this truck and the price is attractive. RR is a very hot brand now and this model will give them continued success.

I love their interiors. And they have done a fabulous job with the updated styling while looking OH SO Range Rover.