Range Rover Sport V8

By Tom Phillips

August 2009

• Rating:

It's the ultimate Ranger Rover Sport! Sitting at the top of the recently revised line-up is this new model, with power from a storming 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8. The engine has been co-developed with sister brand Jaguar, and also features in the XKR and XFR.

In the Range Rover Sport, it develops 625Nm of torque. While that’s only 25Nm more than the 3.0-litre TDV8 diesel, the difference is amazing – especially when overtaking. Passing cars on an A-road is effortless, helped by the slick ZF six-speed auto gearbox.

A new Dynamic Mode in the Terrain Response system firms up the Bilstein dampers, and gives a more precise drive. Ride comfort suffers as a result, although the improvement in the handling is noticeable.

The new Brembo brakes, with massive 380mm front discs, are hugely impressive, too.

The top-spec 4x4 gets the same styling tweaks as the rest of the new range – so, there’s a new two-bar grille and simpler bumper, which add width and make the Sport appear more planted on the road.

LED headlamps give the car a real upmarket look, and each front light carries a signature twin LED indicator, which is matched by two strakes in the revised wing vent. The new look is finished off by 20-inch alloys.

Inside, the cabin leaves Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 rivals trailing.

The fresh seats are comfortable and supportive, and the simplified soft-touch dash is improved.

A central touchscreen controls the satellite navigation and iPod integration, and helps reduce the number of buttons by half.

The car costs £62,000 – but the best never does come cheap.

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