By: Minesh Bhagaloo in Wales
When the engineers at Land Rover started working on the new Range Rover Sport, they thought it a good idea to ask their loyal following what it was they sought in the latest iteration.
The feedback was summed up as “more Range Rover and more Sport”. In response, the engineers reckon they’ve produced the fastest, most agile, and most responsive Range Rover yet – with a healthy balance between on-road dynamics and offroad capability.
At its recent world launch I got up close and personal with a red-blooded SUV with a muscular exterior and luxurious interior – with overseas markets getting, for the first time in a Range Rover, 5+2 seating (we won’t get this in SA, though, in favour of a full-sized spare).
The Sport, which is positioned between the Range Rover and the Evoque ranges, is a massive 420kg (or five adults) lighter than its steel-bodied predecessor – thanks mainly to its aluminium architecture and lightweight suspension.
In terms of dimensions the newcomer is 62mm longer (with a 178mm longer wheelbase) and 55mm wider. The body is also 25 percent stiffer than before.
For that angrier look the Sport’s windscreen angle is more raked, the roofline is lower, and the overhangs are shorter. It sits 55mm lower than the larger Range Rover, and is more aerodynamic than any Sport before it.
STILL A PROPER OFF-ROADER
It’s still an offroader at heart offering 51mm greater ground clearance (278mm) than its predecessor. The air suspension and terrain response systems have been upgraded too, with the former now offering an intermediate ride-height setting that will hold at speeds up to 80km/h.
There are two 4WD systems on offer to buyers, one without low range (and an 18kg weight saving), the other with 100 percent locking capability. Either setup will move engine torque to the axle with the most grip, and will work with the stability control system to ensure the best traction in all conditions. In normal conditions the Sport will run a 42/58 rear bias for more of that dynamic flavour.
The manufacturer has also developed and tested a standard fitment tyre range for the Sport (in 19” to 22” sizes) which it claims is suited for any surface, from serious bundu-bashing to top-end tar runs.
The vehicle’s able to crawl through water a full 850mm deep (a 150mm improvement) thanks to a new air-intake system and a Wade Sensing feature which uses sensors in the door mirrors to monitor water levels and warn drivers if rivers get too deep.
Other offroad tech includes Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control, Hill Start Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control, and Roll Stability Control.
SUPERCHARGED V8
Powering the Sport at launch are two engines – a 5-litre supercharged V8 good for 375kW/625Nm and a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel pushing 215kW and 600Nm. The range-topping V8 is claimed to break 100km/h in five seconds, which is almost a second quicker than its predecessor. Both engines are said to be lighter on fuel and greener in terms of emission levels.
We can also expect a stronger 3-litre V6 turbodiesel, a 4.4-litre V8 turbodiesel, and later a four-cylinder 2-litre turbo petrol. All models get Land Rover’s impressive eight-speed auto ‘box.
I drove both models at the international launch in Wales last week and it’s safe to say the supercharged V8 is a monster, with a particularly rorty soundtrack.
Part of the Sport’s improvements includes a dedicated Dynamic mode in the Terrain Response system, which tightens the suspension up for some hedonistic driving. We’re talking about variable dampers, active lean control, and electronic rear diff-lock technology – which though not quite in the league of nimble sports cars offers firm and confidence-inspiring handling at the flick of a switch (the engineers claim a 30 percent overall gain in dynamic terms).
Flick that switch further into the various off road settings and we were climbing mountains and wading rivers without breaking a sweat (or a tyre for that matter).
Expect the second-generation Range Rover Sport in SA in November, with pricing confirmed then. -Star Motoring
Follow me on Twitter: @MineshBhagaloo