Range Rover Sport (2005 – 2013) Review

March 2005

New Range Rover Sport launched

Sportier Range Rover based on shortened structure of Discovery III. 4,700mm long 5-seater only. 385bhp 4.2 litre Jaguar supercharged V8 with 410lb/ft torque giving electronically limited 140mph and 0-60 in about 6 seconds. ZF 6-speed 'intelligent shift' autobox.

Other UK engine choices were originally a 295bhp 4.4 litre petrol V8, 190bhp single turbo 2.7 V6 TD, 206bhp 320lb ft torque, twin turbo 2.7 V6 TD and in the USA probably the 4.0 litre V6 engines from the Ford Explorer.

Price range £44,000 - £60,000. Best road drive from Land Rover yet. 3.6 litre twin turbo V8 diesel with 270PS and 640Nm torque arrived late 2006. Production at Ford's Dagenham plant started April 2006.

March 2007

Updated range and prices

TDV6 S Electronic Air Suspension with Terrain Response, Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control, Halogen Headlamps, Puddle and Footwell lamps, Fabric interior, Illuminated vanity mirrors, Perimetric and Volumetric Alarm Systems, Speed Adaptive Automatic Gearbox, 17" Alloy Wheels and Goodyear Tyres £35,665

TDV6 SE As TDV6 S plus: Rear Park Control, xenon Headlights, Leather interior, Powerfold Exterior Mirrors, 18" 10 Spoke Alloy Wheels and Pirelli Tyres £40,665

TDV6 HSE As TDV6 SE plus: Dynamic Respose, Brembo Front Brakes, Lower Centre Console Cooler Box, Front and Rear Parking Distance Control, Premium Navigation System, Personal Telephone Integration System, Premium Leather, 18-inch Alloy Wheels and Metallic Paint £47,265

TDV8 HSE As TDV6 HSE plus: Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Premium Navigation System, Personal Telephone Integration System, Voice recognition and Driver Microphone, Electronic Front Seats, Illuminated vanity mirrors, Powerfold Exterior Mirrors, Perimetric and Volumetric Alarm Systems, Speed Adaptive Automatic Gearbox, up to 19-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint £53,120

TDV8 HST As above plus: Electric Sunroof, Hand-polished Lined Oak Interior, Sports Leather, Active Rear E Differential transmission, 20-inch 'Stormer' Alloy Wheels £59,020

Petrol V8 HSE As TDV8 HSE plus: Bi-Xenon Headlights, Pirelli tyres (with 18" & 19" Alloy Wheels and full sized spare wheel) £54,500

Petrol V8 Supercharged HSE As TDV8 HSE plus: Sports Leather £57,325

V8 Supercharged HST As TDV8 HST £63,225

March 2008

Range Rover Sport HST launched

Gets 20 inch 'Stormer' wheels, rear spoiler, body coloured lower body and tailgate mouldings, electric sunroof, privacy glass and deep sculptured front and rear bumpers with integrated rectangular exhaust tailpipes. The 2008 HST is also equipped with Premium Leather seats as standard. Sports Leather and Leather Alcantara seats are available as a no cost option. Available with either the TDV8 diesel or Supercharged petrol engines from £59,895 on the road.

Overfinch Supersport Versions

Overfinch TDV6 HSE SuperSport - £59,995. Standard features:

* Range Rover Sport TDV6 HSE (with standard equipment)
* Full 10 piece SuperSport Aero Body Styling
* Choice of Tiger or SuperSport Alloy Wheels in Silver or Titanium finish with Performance Tyres
* SuperSport Quad or Triangular Exhaust Tails
* Colour coding to: Front Grille Surround, Side Vents, Door Handles, Door Mirrors & Lower Tailgate Trim
* Coloured Brake Callipers with Overfinch Logos
* Overfinch Tread Plates
* Engine Performance ECU Upgrade
* SuperSport Steering Wheel in fine Leather
* Overfinch Bonnet and Tailgate Lettering
* Sports Instrument Pack with Red Needles
* Set of Overfinch Floor Mats with Leather Edge binding
* Clear Side Indicator Repeaters

With Bespoke Nappa Leather trim in a variety of styles - £63,495

Overfinch TDV8 HSE SuperSport - £66,495 Standard features:

* Range Rover Sport TDV6 HSE (with standard equipment)
* Full 10 piece SuperSport Aero Body Styling
* Choice of Tiger or SuperSport Alloy Wheels in Silver or Titanium finish with Performance Tyres
* SuperSport Quad or Triangular Exhaust Tails
* Colour coding to: Front Grille Surround, Side Vents, Door Handles, Door Mirrors & Lower Tailgate Trim
* Coloured Brake Callipers with Overfinch Logos
* Overfinch Tread Plates
* Engine Performance ECU Upgrade
* SuperSport Steering Wheel in fine Leather
* Overfinch Bonnet and Tailgate Lettering
* Sports Instrument Pack with Red Needles
* Set of Overfinch Floor Mats with Leather Edge binding
* Clear Side Indicator Repeaters

With Bespoke Nappa Leather trim in a variety of styles - £69,995

Overfinch 4.2 V8 Supercharged SuperSport - £69,995 Standard features:

* Full 10 piece SuperSport Aero Body Styling
* Choice of Tiger or SuperSport Alloy Wheels in Silver or Titanium finish with Performance Tyres
* SuperSport Quad or Triangular Exhaust Tails
* Colour coding to: Front Grille Surround, Side Vents, Door Handles, Door Mirrors & Lower Tailgate Trim
* Coloured Brake Callipers with Overfinch Logos
* Overfinch Tread Plates
* SuperSport Steering Wheel in fine Leather
* Overfinch Bonnet and Tailgate Lettering
* Sports Instrument Pack with Red Needles
* Set of Overfinch Floor Mats with Leather Edge binding
* Clear Side Indicator Repeaters

With Bespoke Nappa Leather trim - £73,495

April 2009

2010 Range Rover Sport unveiled

Powerful, refined and economical new 3.0-litre LR-TDV6 diesel engine available delivering over 30mpg. All-new 5.0-litre supercharged LR-V8 petrol engine. e_Terrain Technologies boost economy and lower CO2 emissions. Striking exterior design changes – restyled grilles, revised bumpers and the incorporation of LED lighting. Completely redesigned interiors.

Enhanced terrain response for off road performance. 'Cutting edge' technologies including surround camera system, Automatic High Beam Assist and Towing Assist.

The LR-TDV6 3.0-litre diesel engine alongside the LR-V8 Supercharged petrol engine set new benchmarks for performance and economy, boasting substantial increases in power and torque over their predecessors as well as lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. The LR-TDV6 3.0-litre betters the already impressive 2.7-litre diesel by 29 percent (power) and 36 percent (torque) respectively. At 600Nm the torque output of the diesel is thought to be the highest of any six-cylinder passenger car diesel in the world, but with nine percent improvements in economy and CO2 emissions over the 2.7-litre V6.

The LR-V8 supercharged petrol engine is no less impressive, packed with innovative technical features enabling it to match supreme performance with extreme efficiency. Power and torque is considerably improved over the existing V8 supercharged petrol engine. For example, as fitted to the Range Rover Sport the new 5.0-litre supercharged engine produces 29 percent more power and 12 percent more torque than the outgoing 4.2-litre engine, yet CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are improved by 5.6 percent and 6.2 percent respectively.

The Range Rover Sport will be available with the new LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, the existing 3.6-litre TDV8 or the new LR-V8 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine.

The Range Rover Sport (and also the Range Rover) is fitted with the super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission, tuned by Land Rover engineers to combine class-leading response with rapid, refined shifting. The outstanding low-end torque characteristics of the new engines have made it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutches earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter to improve both CO2 emissions and fuel economy.

Both the diesel and petrol engines were designed from the outset to deliver class-leading fuel economy and enhanced low-end torque. The parallel sequential turbo-charging system of the LR-TDV6 3.0-litre makes use of a larger, primary turbo most of the time. The smaller secondary turbo remains dormant when higher power is not required, reducing pumping losses and fuel consumption.

On the LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, a third generation common rail injection system with piezo injectors and an energy-saving fuel metering system, also make a substantial contribution to fuel economy, while a reduction in idle speed from 750rpm to 710rpm compared to the 2.7-litre diesel further reduces fuel consumption and emissions without compromising refinement.

Similarly, every detail of the highly advanced new supercharged V8 engine has been designed to return maximum efficiency. A new high pressure, spray guided direct injection system optimises combustion while a new variable camshaft timing system helps deliver exceptional low-end torque while also helping to maximise fuel efficiency at both ends of the rev range.

The LR-V8 5.0-litre is also equipped with a new, sixth generation, twin-vortex supercharger whose high-helix rotor design improves its thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent. Faster warm-up thanks to a new, reverse flow cooling system further improves fuel economy as do the low friction design features on both engines. Like the LR-TDV6 3.0-litre, idle speed has been reduced compared to previous petrol engines, from 700 to 600rpm.

A new Adaptive dynamics system for Range Rover Sport (and Range Rover) is the world’s first production system using model-based predictive technology to continually optimise the settings of DampTronic Valve Technology™ damper units, optimising body ride and control. A refinement to the understeer control on all models helps slow the vehicle automatically if taking a bend too fast, enhancing driver control. Responding to driver steering inputs, the system will in extreme cases intervene using the brakes. A Roll Stability Control system will implement wheel-specific braking if an imminent rollover is detected. Adaptive Cruise Control is also fitted.

The Range Rover Sport also gets Trailer Stability Assist, a towing aid which detects trailer oscillations and intervenes using the brakes and by reducing engine torque. Also further improvements to the award winning Terrain Response system for 2010. Revisions to the rock crawl programme reduce roll when traversing boulders delivering a more composed ride through rocky terrain.

The addition of a new 'sand launch control' prevents wheels digging in when driving away in soft sand thanks to revisions to the traction control system. The Hill Descent Control system has also been enhanced with the addition of Gradient Release Control. This inhibits the initial rate of acceleration making descent of very steep inclines much smoother.

Subtle but striking exterior changes characterise the new 2010 model year Land Rovers. Smooth, sculpted, frontal surfaces with revised bumpers incorporating anti-drag lips, create a more distinctive look while improving aerodynamics and fuel consumption. Grilles are restyled too, and headlights include both LED running light technology and High Beam Assist, which switches on the lights when ambient light levels are low, and dips headlights automatically when oncoming traffic is detected.

New 19 and optional 20-inch wheels are available for the Discovery which also has larger brakes as standard. Interiors have been restyled, featuring new facias, doors, seats, consoles, instruments and switchgears and new steering wheels. Both cars are also now fitted with 5-inch TFT screens in the instrument cluster displaying key information, a new Portable Audio Interface with MP3 player and i-Pod connectivity, and other key technology features including a five-camera surround system for ease of parking and manoeuvring.

July 2009

The 2010 Range Rover Sport on sale in the UK

3.0-litre TDV6 SE with 19" 15-spoke alloy wheels, 'Jupiter' finish front grille and side vents, LED front side lights and rear tail lights, Dynamic Stability Control, diesel misfuel protection device, touch-screen hard-disc drive navigation with 4x4 interface TMC and voice control, 9 speaker harman/kardon® audio system, iPod/USB connectivity module, Bluetooth phone system, 5" TFT information display, keyless push button start, leather seat facings. £44,895

3.0-litre TDV6 HSE with 20" 15-spoke alloy wheels, metallic paint, rear view camera with parking aid, front park distance control, keyless entry, dynamic response, leather/Alcantara seat facings, DAB radio, interior 'mood' lighting, lower centre console cooler box. £50,695

3.6-litre TDV8 HSE with 3.6 litre TDV8 engine, 20" 15 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels, 'Titan' (bright) finish front grille and side vents, Adaptive Dynamics including new Dynamic mode on Terrain Response®, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with forward alert, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, Automatic High Beam Assist. £56,995

5.0-litre V8 S/C HSE with 5.0 litre Supercharged V8 petrol engine, high performance brakes, 20" 5-spoke alloy wheels, chrome exhaust finisher, premium leather seats with perforations and optional contrast stitch. £61,995

September 2009

Autobiography Sport limited edition, on 3.6 litre TDV8 and 5.0 Supercharged launched at Frankfurt Show. Available in a variety of themes, only 500 units will go on-sale in the UK featuring duo-tone premium leather interiors as well as unique exterior design cues including the grille, vents and ridiculous 20" diamond turned finish alloy wheels.

May 2010

Announcement that by the end of 2010 Land Rover will be testing the first diesel hybrid prototype called the 'range_e' which is being developed using a Range Rover Sport platform. Tests of this vehicle will use the existing 3.0 litre TDV6 diesel engine featuring a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The goal is to achieve a range of 20 miles using electric power only emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2 emissions and to achieve a top speed of around 120 mph.

February 2011

Unveiled at Geneva Motor Show - Land Rover's diesel hybrid plug-in Range Rover Sport. The four-wheel drive Range_e model achieves 89g/km in CO2 emissions, making it both tax and London Congestion Charge exempt. It has a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine coupled to an electric motor to allow it to travel up to 20 miles on electricity alone, before the engine starts up and helps it along. The top speed is 120mph

July 2011

Range Rover Sport improved for 2012 model year

The 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engines in the Range Rover Sport now offer even greater efficiencies, with reduced CO2, improved fuel economy and an increase in power for 2012. The output of the 245hp engine has been increased to 256hp whilst CO2 emissions have been reduced from 243g/km to 230g/km.

These improvements are partly due to the introduction of the new, highly-efficient, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox, combining smooth shifting and improved fuel economy. The combined fuel economy has improved from 30.7mpg to 32.1mpg.In conjunction with the new 8-speed gearbox, the Range Rover Sport SDV6 comes equipped with the 'Drive Select' rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift.

All EU5 SDV6 models are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) making them among the cleanest diesel engines on the market. The awe-inspiring 5.0 LR-V8 Supercharged remains unchanged for 2012, continuing to offer supreme power delivering 0-60mph in under 6.0 seconds and sublime refinement.

Design and equipment levels have moved up a level too with colour changes to exterior detailing and new interior colour ways for the Autobiography Sport. A new powered single piece tailgate has also been introduced across the range for 2012, enabling drivers to set their desired lift height.

For the first time on the Range Rover Sport, the next generation 7-inch touch-screen is available with optional Dual View technology, allowing the driver to view the navigation display whilst the passenger watches TV or a DVD whilst listening on WhiteFire headphones. The rear seat entertainment package has also been enhanced with the availability of WhiteFire wireless technology.

Significant specification and performance improvements have been made to the Hi-ICE and Premium audio systems, offering a staggering 825W of power through 17 speakers on the Premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7. The new ‘Say What You See’ voice command helps the driver learn commands with useful step-by-step screen prompts and allows the use of spoken short codes too.

Land Rover’s remarkable 5.0 LR-V8 supercharged petrol engine continues to head the Range Rover Sport powertrain range in 2012. Developing 510hp and 625Nm. torque it set new standards in petrol engine design when it was introduced, packed as it is with innovation design features aimed at boosting both performance and economy.

A new powered restyled tailgate has been introduced across the range for 2012. Operated by the button located on the fascia, the key fob or tailgate, the lift height can now be set by simply holding the tailgate at the desired height and pressing the tailgate button for 10 seconds. The height can be overridden to accommodate other drivers, providing effortless use and greater convenience to the user. The tailgate has been made from aluminium for added weight reduction.

The external design and interiors of the Range Rover Sport, Autobiography Sport and Limited Edition are all upgraded for 2012. For the Range Rover Sport, there are changes to the rear tailgate graphics to create a distinctive new look and a Gloss Black treatment to the headlight inners and grille surround. The SE derivative now sports a Dark Atlas grille whilst the HSE and Supercharged take on the Light Atlas. The Supercharged model is also fitted with a new 20" alloy wheel finished in Sparkle Silver with high-gloss lacquer.

A Luxury Pack is also available on the 3.0 SDV6 HSE bringing equipment levels close to that of Supercharged models. The pack includes contrast stitching on selected upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, Premium ICE, extended leather pack, HSE Luxury badge, heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control. The Luxury Pack costs £3,065.

April 2012

Land Rover revealed the new Range Rover Sport HSE 'Red. In addition the Range Rover Sport HSE 'Luxury' is also announced.

Powerful, elegant and with a striking presence, the Range Rover Sport already delivers outstanding levels of excitement and unabashed style. The new Red and Luxury models go one step further with a combination of exterior treatments and interior detailing which take the Range Rover Sport's winning mix of style and presence to the next level.

Based on the HSE, the Range Rover Sport HSE Red comes in Firenze Red, Orkney Grey, Fuji White and Santorini Black. The Santorini Black mesh grille is highlighted by a Noble bezel and black surround. Bonnet badges and tailgate finisher are in Atlas Silver and the rear 'SPORT' badge is finished in Salsa Red. Striking fender vents provide a focus for the Red edition scheme with a bright red logo bar set against a Santorini Black grille and finished by an Atlas Silver surround. Unique, 20-inch alloy wheels add the finishing touch to a unique look.

The interior is finished in the HSE Ebony colourway and there’s a choice of four dedicated seat trim styles. Seat inserts can be chosen in Pimento Red, Cirrus, Lunar Grey or Ebony with contrasting stitching. Seats have the Sport logo embossed on the headrest and this is picked up on the floor mats where the logo is embroidered in red to match the striking exterior badge colours.

The Range Rover Sport HSE Red is driven by the powerful and efficient 255hp 3.0 SDV6 diesel engine combined with the ultra-refined and responsive 8-speed automatic gearbox. Chassis, suspension and brakes remain amongst the most advanced in the world endowing the Range Rover Sport with uncompromised ability both on and off-road. A wide range of e_Terrain features ensure peerless performance is delivered in the most efficient way possible.

The Range Rover Sport HSE Luxury benefits from a host of optional equipment to create a sumptuous interior providing supreme levels of comfort and convenience. The Luxury edition features unique 20 inch five spoke alloy wheels, extended leather pack, heated steering wheel, contrasting stitching and the outstanding Harmon/Kardon LOGIC 7 Surround Sound system with 17 speakers delivering 825 watts.