Range Rover Sport

With its powerful looks and engine line-up, the new Range Rover Sport really promises to be a convincing rival to BMW's X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. The modern, cosseting interior looks certain to tempt those seeking a model with greater sporting appeal. However, the newcomer remains a Land Rover, and is sure to be capable off-road. Less stylish, not-so-versatile competitors should be very worried.

It's been five years in the making and has stirred more controversy than any other car. But finally, Range Rover's new 'baby', the Range Rover Sport, has broken cover - and Auto Express has the first official pictures. These exclusive shots reveal in detail exactly what we can expect when the Sport hits the road in the spring.

It's clearly a descendant of its luxurious sister car, the Range Rover. The Solihull firm says the Sport adds affordability, driveability and visual drama to a brand that already sees itself as one of the most desirable in the new car market. The Range Rover is the world's best-selling luxury model after Mercedes' S-Class, and the Sport aims to beat the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and forthcoming Mercedes M-Class.

"In 2002, when the Range Rover was launched, it was a big move up in size and luxury over its predecessor," explained Richard Woolley, Land Rover design studio chief. "The new Discovery now appeals more to families; in the gap between the two, there is a space for the Range Rover Sport.

"There will be some overlap between the Sport and the Range Rover, but the design of the Sport makes the Range Rover look more stately. The Sport is far more dynamic." Three variants will be available from launch, and the £35,000 entry-level car is to be powered by the 2.7-litre V6 diesel unit which debuted in the Land Rover Discovery. There will be two V8 flagship models: a 4.4-litre, and a 375bhp 4.2 supercharged version, with prices from £65,000. All three will be fitted with six-speed automatic gearboxes.

As with the Range Rover, the Sport has a trio of trim levels. While there is no Vogue edition, the models will be badged simply SE, HSE and Supercharged. The last of these will feature a black rather than green background to the classic Land Rover logo.
The new car is to make its first appearance in public at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Based on the same platform as the recently launched Land Rover Discovery 3, the car sits 70mm lower than the Range Rover. Key ingredients of the look include a drilled radiator grille and bold headlamps. The tapering roofline, 20-inch alloy wheels and deep side skirts add to the sporting style. At the back, the car offers a new take on the Range Rover's split tailgate, enabling drivers to lift just the screen or the entire hatch.

Inside, Land Rover promises that owners will feel much more cocooned by the stylish cabin than they do in the Range Rover's. "The cockpit is heavily influenced by today's GT cars," Woolley continued. "We are referring to this model as a sport tourer."

Yet Land Rover says the Sport will be impressive off the tarmac. It is equipped with the Terrain Response system, which debuted on the Discovery. This allows drivers to alter the suspension and transmission to ensure they get the maximum grip in various situations.

Adjustable air-suspension lifts the car's bodywork to provide ground clearance and traction off-road, then lowers itself to improve handling on tarmac. The Sport was developed with the help of Jaguar's ride and handling chief, Mike Cross, and Land Rover says the driving experience will be very different from any other car it's produced.

"This is a crucial debut for us," revealed Woolley. "It's the first time we have launched a model in a sector completely new to Land Rover since the Freelander arrived back in 1997." From our first meeting with the Range Rover Sport at our exclusive studio photoshoot, the initial signs are promising. Only time - and our eventual first drive - will tell if Land Rover really does have a new winner on its hands.