On the eve of the New York auto show Rover presented the latest Range Rover Sport. Important role in the premiere of this model has the current James Bond, British actor Daniel Craig, who drove a new car through the streets of Manhattan. Rover described this car as “the fastest and most agile” model in its history.
New sport combines design of standard Range Rover and Evoque model. With its 4850 mm, its longer than the previous generation by 62 mm, while the wheelbase has increased by 178 mm, which provided plenty of space in the cabin for the configuration of 5 +2 seats. Because of the greater length of the vehicle, passengers on the rear seats were given an additional 24 mm space for their knees. Compared to the regular Range Rover, the Sport is more compact and shorter by 149 mm, while the stiffer suspension customized requirements of sporty ride.
The interior of the car was also taken from the classic Range Rover, but the driver’s position is slightly lower (by 20 mm). As an option comes a “head-up” display, which projects a substantively data from instruments on the windshield. In addition, customers will be able to choose among 11 new species patterns and textures of materials which are coated seats and cab interior.
Thanks to aluminum instead of steel in the construction of vehicles, Rover’s engineers have achieved an impressive result. The new Range Rover Sport is lighter than the previous version for even 420 kg.
The car will be available two models. The base model will be powered by a 3.0 liter diesel engine SDV6 with 292 hp, while the more powerful version is the 5.0 liter V8 power gasoline engine that develops 510 hp. Engine power is transferred to all four wheels using eight shift ZF automatic transmission. At the beginning of the 2014 , the range of engines will be expanded by two more diesels, 3.0 liter TDV6 with 258 hp and 4.4-liter with 339 hp DSV8, and later hybrid variant that will combine electric and diesel power unit.
Prices are expected to start at £50,000 (about $75,000) for the diesel model.