Unveiled...jaguar’s all new Range Rover Sport
JAGUAR Land Rover has taken the wraps of its all-new Range Rover Sport.
It is the third generation version of the model which marked the beginning of the expansion of the Range Rover family, which now also includes the Evoque and the Velar.
Jaguar Land Rover has described it as “the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable” Range Rover Sport yet. And, as the Coventry car maker continues its switch towards electrification the line-up will feature a range of powertrains, including six-cylinder extended range plug-in hybrids, which provide a pure-electric driving range of up to 70 miles, with an all-electric model due to arrive in 2024.
Other engine options include a new V8 and mild hybrid six-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines. The new 530PS V8 twin turbo offers genuinely sporting performance, completing the 0-60mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
The new Range Rover Sport will be available in SE and Autobiography specifications, with a special First Edition model available throughout the first year of production.
Thierry Bollore, Jaguar Land Rover’s CEO, said: “The exceptional new Range Rover Sport sets new standards as the ultimate sporting luxury SUV, building on 17 years of unique customer appeal. It is the latest embodiment of our vision to create the world’s most desirable modern luxury vehicles, effortlessly blending new levels of sustainability with the signature qualities that have made Range Rover Sport so popular.”
The new model is instantly recognisable as a Range Rover Sport reflecting its design heritage but there is also plenty that is different. Jaguar Land Rover highlights its “stealthlike detailing and muscular proportions” and it is characterised by the model’s trademark short overhangs and steeply raked glazing at the front and back.
The front end features the “stealth-like” grille and digital LED lighting units, which are the slimmest ever fitted to a Land Rover. They sit above a sculpted, double-aperture lower bumper that incorporates a horizontal bisecting body-colour element.
The front end design theme is echoed at the rear, incorporating a sculpted tailgate with a full-width feature bearing the Range Rover script. Uninterrupted LED light graphics introduce surface LED technology to a production vehicle for the first time.
A characteristic shoulder line runs the length of the vehicle, accentuated by new lower fender details and the longest spoiler ever fitted to a Range Rover. The exterior also features flush glazing and door handles, a hidden waist rail finisher and laser-welded roof.
The new Dynamic model features some unique exterior design elements. Satin Grey alloy wheels are joined by Satin Burnished Copper finishes for the bonnet louvres and side ingots while the front grille and Range Rover lettering are finished in Matte Graphite Atlas. It also has special front and rear bumpers and lower cladding finished in the vehicle’s body colour.
Gerry Mcgovern, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief creative officer and long-time Land Rover design supremo, said: “Our latest range Rover Sport embraces fully our modernist approach of vehicle design whilst amplifying its unquestionable sporting and confident character.”
Like the new Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport is based on Land Rover’s advanced, flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA-FLEX). It will be produced at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull factory, which is also home to Range Rover production. Currently the Range Rover Velar and Jaguar F-pace are also produced at the site, which is the spiritual home of Land Rover and has seen continuous Land Rover production since 1948.
Nick Collins, executive director vehicle programmes, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Land Rover’s pioneering MLA-FLEX architecture and the latest chassis systems come together to deliver the highest levels of dynamism we’ve ever seen on Range Rover Sport. Integrated Chassis Control governs the comprehensive suite of innovations, co-ordinating everything from the latest switchable-volume air suspension system to our Dynamic Response Pro electronic active roll control. The result is the most engaging and thrilling Range Rover Sport ever.”
Jaguar Land Rover say the new interior features a new “cockpit-like” interpretation of the trademark Range Rover command driving position and has the latest convenience and driver assistance technologies and finest materials. One example is the Cabin Air Purification Pro system, while a selection of Meridian audio options is available.
The Meridian Signature Sound System is the most advanced and powerful audio system ever fitted to a Range
Rover Sport, with up to 29 speakers including four headrest speakers. There’s a raft of connected technologies, including Software Over The Air (SOTA), which provides remote updates for 63 electronic modules.
The Pivi Pro infotainment features a floating 13.1-inch haptic touchscreen positioned at the centre of the dashboard, controlling everything from navigation to media and vehicle settings, And Amazon Alexa2 brings the ability to control various settings and features using natural voice commands.
The order book is open for the new Range Rover Sport now, with prices starting at around £73,000.