2014 Range Rover Sport

26 March 2013

Land Rover Reveals 2014 Range Rover Sport At The New York Auto Show

2014 US Models and MSRP4:

Range Rover Sport SE:                          $63,495 3‑Liter Supercharged V6 340hp

Range Rover Sport HSE:                        $68,495 3‑Liter Supercharged V6 340hp

Range Rover Sport Supercharged:        $79,995 5‑Liter Supercharged V8 510hp

Range Rover Sport Autobiography:        $93,295 5‑Liter Supercharged V8 510hp Price includes $895 destination and delivery4

At A Glance:

  • Fastest, most‑agile, and responsive Land Rover ever
  • All‑new high strength aluminum structure provides a weight savings of approximately 800lbs. over the previous generation Range Rover Sport
  • Improved agility and exceptional performance with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions
  • New 5+2 third row seating option for occasional use
  • Choice of 340hp supercharged V6 or a 510hp supercharged V8 engines
  • Standard eight speed automatic transmission by ZF
  • Choice of transfer cases ‑ single speed Torsen or two‑speed locking with low range
  • Advanced electronic driver assistance technologies
  • Superbly crafted, luxurious interior
  • Standard Intelligent Stop/Start technology to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions
  • Available new fully automatic Terrain Response® 2 system
  • Exceptional on‑road dynamics and all‑terrain performance provides an unrivalled breadth of capability

The all‑new Range Rover Sport made its world debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. It is the fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover ever. 

Developed alongside the 2013 Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport delivers exceptional on‑road dynamics with genuine Land Rover all‑terrain capability. The technologically advanced Range Rover Sport presents an assertive and muscular exterior, luxurious interior, and the practical flexibility provided by the option of 5+2 third row seating for occasional use.

Featuring Land Rover's breakthrough suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the Range Rover Sport features an all‑new aluminum unibody architecture to achieve a weight savings of approximately 800lbs.(Note to editor: The previous generation vehicle featured an "Integrated body‑frame," which was composed of a steel unibody mounted on a full frame chassis).

This weight reduction transforms the vehicle's dynamic performance, enabling it to blend agile handling with exceptional comfort and to offer a unique mix of sporting luxury and a dynamic, engaging driving experience.

Land Rover Global Brand Director John Edwards said: "The all‑new Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that has been designed and engineered without compromise.  With Land Rover capability at its heart, it is one of the most road focused vehicles we've ever produced, but of course still offers unsurpassed all‑terrain capability. It is a vehicle which is designed to be driven. We've taken ride, handling and agility to another level for Land Rover to deliver a truly rewarding, sporting, drive together with unmatched luxury, capability and versatility.

"Building on the success of the recently launched flagship Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport also employs a vast array of new technologies which help to transform its performance, refinement and all round capabilities," adds Edwards.

2014 RANGE ROVER SPORT

1.         RANGE ROVER SPORT DESIGN

1.1        Bold and progressive exterior design

1.2        Modern, luxurious interior with a strong sporting character

1.3        Individual choice for discerning customers

2.         DYNAMIC CAPABILITY

2.1        Connected on‑road dynamics

2.2        Off‑road capability

2.3        Range Rover Sport powertrains

2.4        Enhanced efficiency drives improved sustainability

2.5        Customer‑focused vehicle and safety technologies

3.         UNCOMPROMISED REFINEMENT AND VERSATILITY

3.1        Refined and luxurious experience

3.2        Uncompromised space and versatility

1.         RANGE ROVER SPORT DESIGN

The all‑new Range Rover Sport has been designed to capture the distinctive DNA of its predecessor, but with a bold evolution that places it at the heart of the three‑model Range Rover portfolio, between the flagship Range Rover and the Range Rover Evoque vehicles.

With its 'faster' windshield angle, streamlined profile and sloping roofline, the new Range Rover Sport is 8‑percent more aerodynamic than the previous model and achieves a drag figure of Cd 0.34.

1.1        Bold and progressive exterior design

The 2014 Range Rover Sport is just 2.5‑inches longer than its predecessor.  At 191‑inches, it is shorter than many mid‑sized sedans, bringing greater maneuverability and ease of parking.  A wheelbase that's longer by 7‑inches yields greater room and improved access for rear passengers.  The new 2014 Range Rover Sport is 5.9‑inches shorter and 2.17‑inches lower than the new 2013 Range Rover on which it is based. It weighs about 100lbs. less than the Range Rover when similarly equipped.

New interpretations of classic Range Rover Sport design cues include the signature clamshell hood, floating roof, and side fender vents.  The vehicle also features bold new versions of the powerful wheel arch design, horizontal body feature lines and distinctive rocker moldings; all are key elements of the model's strong design heritage.  While retaining the powerful Range Rover Sport character, the front end has a modern, streamlined appearance, with its slimmer lights, rearward sloping grille and sculpted corners.

Finely crafted details

Design details emphasize the new, more dynamic and contemporary character of the Range Rover Sport.  The side fender vents have a more dynamic, sloping treatment and are matched by twin vents in the hood. The established Range Rover Sport two‑bar theme is reflected in the twin strakes on the fender vents, the two‑bar front grille and the twin lines in the tail lamp designs.

Near‑flush side glass and a premium gloss black finish on the pillars accentuate the Range Rover floating roof design ‑ which can be highlighted with contrast roof colors ‑ while also emphasizing the streamlined body. Brembo brake calipers finished in red, and a Black Package, which removes all brightwork from the exterior, are also available.

At the front, the large outboard air intakes and bold trapezoidal shapes housing the central bumper beam and skid plate convey high‑performance and high‑capability.  At the rear, a skid plate flanked by large twin exhaust outlets repeats the trapezoidal theme.

The headlight clusters use distinctive new LED signature designs, with the slimmer lights creating an aggressive, technical appearance. A new compact design for the real lamp clusters uses LED technology.  The main tail and stop lamps echo the headlamps' distinctive design language. Both front and rear lamps flow round into the shoulders of the body with the distinctive tapering blade design featured on the other Range Rover vehicles.

1.2        Modern, luxurious interior with a strong sporting character

The interior has a sophisticated and modern appearance, incorporating distinctive Range Rover Sport design cues and providing the driver with a luxurious and sporting cockpit.  For the new model, the strong, architectural forms of the design have been enhanced by a cleaner, purer surface treatment, beautifully executed using premium materials.

The centerpiece of the cabin is the bold intersection between the instrument panel's strong horizontal elements and the center stack's vertical lines. The cockpit's dynamic character is enhanced by the faster angle of the center stack. Its satin chrome pillars flow from the instrument panel through into the rear cabin, and the aluminum accents flow from the center console into the dashboard fascia.

The center console is mounted higher than before, positioning the controls closer to the driver and creating a cosseting feel for the front occupants.  The smaller‑diameter, thicker‑rimmed steering wheel, vertical gear shifter and seats with generous side bolsters support the sporting ambience.

The front and rear seats feature a sculpted design with enhanced padding to the front, and individualized seating in the second row.  Increased rear seat comfort is provided by improved rear legroom (nearly an additional inch of knee room) and shoulder‑room, plus split rear seats and the option of powered third‑row seats. The third row is designed for occasional use, and power‑folds flat into the floor to preserve cargo versatility.

Superior materials, superior craftsmanship

The new Range Rover Sport is crafted using the highest quality materials, with carefully selected colors and textures to enhance the model's unique blend of luxury with a distinctive sporting character.  The use of modern finishes and veneers gives the cabin a dynamic and contemporary feel.

More luxurious soft‑touch surfaces are used for key touch points around the cabin, such as the dashboard fascia mid‑section. Authentic metal details include the satin chrome pillars each side of the center stack and the choice of distinctive aluminum finishes on the center console, fascia caps and door trim.

The focus on quality and traditional craftsmanship can be seen in the beautifully tailored twin‑needle stitching used to finish the sumptuous leather seats and leather‑wrapped interior surfaces. Range Rover designers specify all aspects of the stitching, from the length and direction of the stitches, to the spin, thickness, and material of the thread, and even the size and shape of the needle.

1.3        Individual choice for discerning customers

For maximum personalization, the new Range Rover Sport offers individualized choices for customers. An expanded choice of special features includes color‑themed interiors with multi‑toned designs and a range of alloy wheels from 19‑ to 22‑inches.

Selecting a 'Dynamic' pack on Supercharged and Autobiography models adds exclusive trim options and performance features, among them a gloss black grille and exterior details, body‑colored lower bumpers and side sills, unique interior color themes and finishes, plus an increased top speed of 155 mph (250km/h) 2 for the supercharged 5‑liter, special 21‑ or 22‑inch alloy wheels, and red Brembo brake calipers.

The full range of design options available to Range Rover Sport customers will include:

  • 11 interior color themes, plus additional choice of seat color
  • 4 aluminum interior finishes, 3 real wood veneers
  • 3 headliner colors
  • 19 exterior paint finishes
  • 3 contrast roof colors ‑ Corris Grey, Santorini Black or Indus Silver
  • Wheel options from ranging from 19‑22 inches
  • Atlas Silver, Dark Atlas or Gloss Black finish for the exterior accents
  • Illuminated side sills

2.         DYNAMIC CAPABILITY

The Range Rover Sport marks a significant step forward for the model, adopting advanced vehicle technologies and new powertrains from the highly acclaimed new Range Rover, to transform the driving experience for customers seeking the ultimate premium sports SUV. Unprecedented investment in premium construction technologies has reinforced the Range Rover Sport model's position in the SUV segment and allows it to deliver significantly improved on‑road handling with enhanced capability in challenging off‑road conditions.

2.1        Connected on‑road dynamics

The new Range Rover Sport has been engineered to deliver dramatically improved on‑road driving dynamics, with connected and agile handling complemented by enhanced ride and refinement. 

The vehicle's aluminum unibody platform ‑ engineered in parallel with the new Range Rover ‑ is 39 percent lighter than the previous model's semi‑unibody plus chassis frame design, leading to significantly improved agility and performance.

This new stiff and light structure is supported by all‑new front and rear suspension systems, which are designed to deliver a much broader range of dynamic capabilities across all terrains. An all‑new steering system, four‑corner air suspension, and the latest chassis and stability technologies ‑ including upgraded Dynamic Response and Adaptive Dynamics systems ‑ also contribute to the new vehicle's enhanced capability.

Its on‑road dynamics are characterized by direct steering, with increased handling agility and reduced body roll delivering flatter, more confident cornering.  Ride comfort and refinement have also been improved, delivering enhanced bump absorption and an effortless, supple feel.

Lightweight suspension

Underpinning the enhanced driving capability of the new Range Rover Sport is a new fully independent aluminum suspension that is double isolated, with wide‑spaced double‑wishbones at the front and a multi‑link layout at the rear.  The system delivers impressive wheel travel ‑ with 10.2‑inches (260mm) of front travel, 10.7‑inches (272mm) at the rear. With 21.5‑inches (546mm) of articulation, the suspension to delivers the composure to deal with the toughest conditions.

The high strength aluminum chassis architecture is combined with a next‑generation four‑corner air suspension to maximize the vehicle's versatility both on‑ and off‑road. This next‑generation air suspension now offers variable ride height with two off‑road lift settings: 1.4‑inches lift for standard use and a 2.6‑inches lift for more severe off‑road use (This compares to a single 2.2‑inches lift position on the previous model).

The maximum ground clearance is available up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The system provides up to 4.5‑inches (115mm) of regular movement, from the lowest setting 'access height' (now 0.4‑inches / 10mm lower at 1.9‑inches / 50mm lowering for easier entry and exit) to the standard off‑road height.  An automatic extension is triggered when on‑board sensors determine additional 1.4" of lift is needed, and an additional manually selected extension of 1.4" can give a total adjustable height range of about 7‑inches (185mm).

Advanced technologies enhance dynamics

A key element of the vehicle's agile and engaging character is a newElectric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)system featuring variable‑ratio speed‑sensitive assistance.  The system has been tuned for a responsive and confident character.  Geared for 3.0 turns lock‑to‑lock, the system provides a faster overall steering ratio, but is slower just around the on‑center position for enhanced stability and control at speed.

Advanced chassis and vehicle technologies enhance suspension performance. Supercharged V8  models are equipped with a dedicated Dynamic modein the Terrain Response® 2 system3, providing a more sporting bias during enthusiastic on‑road driving, with a firmer ride, tighter body control, reduced roll and responsive steering and performance. Dynamic mode activates performance calibrations for a wide range of vehicle and chassis systems including the electric power steering, throttle and transmission responses, damping and lean control, and settings for the traction and stability systems.

For the ultimate sporting driving experience, Dynamic mode3 is specified in combination with a number of key technologies, including Dynamic Response active lean control, a Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential, and Torque Vectoring by Braking. Significantly reducing the amount of body lean during cornering,Dynamic Response transforms vehicle handling and occupant comfort.  This new two‑channel active lean control system is capable of controlling the front and rear suspension independently. This allows it to be tuned to deliver increased low‑speed agility, along with enhanced control and stability at high speed.

TheDynamic Active Rear Locking Differentialemploys an electronically controlled differential that can vary the degree of lock‑up almost instantaneously to further maximize traction, handling and cornering stability. The rear differential can react 70ms faster than one in the outgoing model.

Torque Vectoring by Brakinguses the vehicle's brake system to generate the effect of a torque vectoring differential. This feature constantly balances the distribution of engine torque among the four wheels during cornering, resulting in improved grip and steering, and a reduced level of understeer.

The system uses the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module and monitors the vehicle 100 times per second.  As the Range Rover Sport accelerates through a corner, the system uses yaw sensors to detect the onset of understeer.  To reduce understeer, imperceptible levels of braking are used to correct the vehicle attitude, while engine torque is transferred to the outside wheels, which have more grip, thus maintaining traction and steering control.

Supercharged V8 models are also equipped withAdaptive Dynamics, featuring continuously variable dampers, providing the optimum balance of ride and control by offering infinitely variable damper settings between soft and firm extremes. The Adaptive Dynamics system monitors vehicle movements at least 500 times a second, reacting to driver or road inputs virtually instantaneously to give greater control and minimize body roll, providing a composed, flat ride.

Sports Command Driving Position enhances confidence and control

The Sports Command Driving Position combines the supreme sense of confidence and control offered by the Range Rover, but with a sporting, less upright seating position similar to that in the Evoque. This driving position offers an elevated and reassuring view of the vehicle's surroundings, and the new model retains excellent visibility over the hood. Meticulous attention to vehicle packaging and the pillar design have improved all‑round visibility. All Range Rover models are developed with headroom targets that take into account head movements that occur in off‑road driving.

Intuitive display technologies

The main instrument cluster consists of clear analog gauges with a 5‑inch TFT display, while on certain high specification models; a new 12.3‑inch high‑resolution TFT virtual gauge display is available. This is accompanied by an 8‑inch high‑resolution touchscreen display on the center console for infotainment and secondary functions1.

The screen designs on both displays create the impression of 3D surfaces, beautifully lit with subtle chrome detailing.  Each display is able to adapt its content according to the driving situation. For example, in Dynamic mode, the two primary dials in the 12.3‑inch display adopt a sporting red color scheme, with the current gear position presented prominently between the two dials. 

The control layout has been significantly simplified, with 50 percent fewer switches than before. The intuitive approach is reflected in the other major controls, such as the vertical gear shifter, the rotary Terrain Response® 2 control, the simplified climate control dials and the twin five‑way toggle switches and auxiliary functions on the steering wheel.

2.2        Off‑road capability

Building on Land Rover's history for tackling the toughest climates and road surfaces, the 2014 Range Rover Sport has been developed to achieve all‑terrain capability, with supreme composure in all conditions.

Terrain Response® 2 and off‑road technologies

The Range Rover Sport vehicle enhances its status through the introduction of the next‑generation version of Land Rover's Terrain Response® system3, which takes the capabilities of the acclaimed technology to a new level of ease of use and effectiveness.

Developed by a small team of Land Rover specialists, Terrain Response® 2 features an Auto setting that uses sophisticated systems to analyze the current driving conditions, and automatically select the most suitable terrain program. Ensuring that the vehicle is always driving using the optimum mode, the new system is able to switch completely automatically between the five settings: General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl.  Like previous Terrain Response® systems, each setting optimizes drivability and traction by adapting the responses of the engine, transmission, differentials, and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain.

While it functions automatically, Terrain Response® 2 will also provide the driver with additional advice, such as when to select low range or raise the vehicle to off‑road ride height, when the system calculates that it is necessary.

Stuart Frith, Range Rover Sport Chief Program Engineer, explained: "Land Rover's Terrain Response® 2 enables even non‑expert drivers to benefit from the system's full capabilities, confident that the vehicle is automatically configured in the best possible way for each moment of their trip." 

Land Rover Terrain Response® is complemented by standard innovative driving aids3 including Hill Descent Control (HDC), Gradient Release Control (GRC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), and Roll Stability Control (RSC). Performance of braking and stability systems is enhanced by the latest Bosch 6‑piston brake modulator, which delivers faster, precise responses and smoother, quieter operation.

Full‑time intelligent 4WD systems

The new Range Rover Sport offers a choice of two full‑time intelligent 4WD systems, each able to deliver outstanding traction on even the most challenging low‑grip surfaces. 

A two‑speed transfer case system is available, with a low‑range for the most demanding off‑road conditions, and features a 50:50 percent default front to rear torque split. Optimum traction is maintained through an electronically controlled multi‑plate clutch in the center differential, which can distribute torque between the wheels at any ratio between 100 percent front and 100 percent rear. This is combined with responsive and sophisticated electronic traction control systems. The transfer case offers selectable high and low range with shift‑on‑the‑fly capability at speeds up to 37 mph (60km/h). The 2.93:1 low range ratio yields an extremely low crawl speed.

The standard system, which is 40lbs. lighter, features an all‑new single‑speed transfer case with a Torsen® differential. Its 42:58 percent default front to rear torque split is designed to provide a rear‑wheel drive bias for optimum driving dynamics, while maintaining off‑road performance capability. 

The Torsen center differential constantly varies torque distribution between 62 percent front and 78 percent rear depending on conditions and grip available. The traction control system has been tuned to work in conjunction with the differential to deliver excellent traction in all conditions.

To maximize traction and stability in extreme conditions, a Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential is available in combination with the dual‑range (high/low) 4WD transfer case. The locking rear differential has been engineered to work in conjunction with the electronic torque vectoring system.

Engineered for total capability

The 2014 Range Rover Sport has been designed and engineered to deliver the incredible breadth of capability for which the marque is famous. The new body structure was designed and engineered in parallel with that of the new Range Rover, representing the most extensive optimization process ever undertaken by Land Rover. Advanced computer simulations were used to analyze the punishing off‑road loads that really push a vehicle's structure to its limits. One such example is the brutal 'ditch drop' impact.

The new Range Rover Sport features enhanced body geometry to handle all terrain conditions, with 2.3‑inches more ground clearance than the previous model at 11.2‑inches (measured at off‑road ride height), and generous approach and departure angles. The vehicle underfloor provides a smooth surface, with a smooth transition between suspension components, to reduce vulnerability to damage or interference.

Wading depth has been improved significantly ‑ an increase of nearly 6‑inches over the previous model to 33.5‑inches, thanks mainly to an innovative air intake system, which draws air from stacks extending into the hood, before it flows down into the engine's intake system.

The re‑engineered air suspension system with its new +1.4‑inch (35mm) intermediate setting means that the off‑road mode can be used at much higher speeds than before (50 mph / 80km/h vs 31 mph / 50km/h), which is especially useful in terrain with long, rutted dirt roads.

The all‑new suspension offers outstanding wheel articulation, and this is further enhanced when the Dynamic Response active lean control system is fitted.  If this system detects off‑road conditions, it isolates the stabilizer bar and reduces the level of roll compensation, thus allowing greater wheel articulation and increasing the contact patch with the terrain.  When operating in Dynamic Response mode, wheel articulation is 21.5 ‑inches (546mm).

Land Rover toughness and durability

With engineering development using virtual simulation tools, followed by Land Rover's punishing on‑ and off‑road test and development regime, the all‑new Range Rover Sport has been engineered to achieve exceptional durability and reliability. Well over 20,000 physical tests have been completed across all components and systems, with a fleet of development vehicles covering countless thousands of miles over 18 months of arduous testing in more than 20 countries with extremes of climate and road surfaces.

Prototypes were driven in challenging off‑road conditions such as sand, mud and snow, and their durability was put to the test in extreme exercises to verify deep wading, underfloor vulnerability, snatch recovery and towing at maximum towing weight.  Further extreme strength tests include worst‑case scenarios, such as driving into curbs at speed, bridge jumps, ditch drops and sideways curb strikes.

Punishing longer test regimes provide the ultimate challenge for durability and reliability including the month‑long 'king of the sand' durability test in intense Middle East desert heat, a 5,000 mile flat‑out endurance drive at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, and grueling off‑road test cycles involving thousands of miles at challenging UK proving grounds.

2.3        Range Rover Sport powertrain

The all‑new Range Rover Sport features a choice between a new 340hp 3‑liter supercharged V6 engine and the formidable 510hp 5‑liter supercharged V8 from the Range Rover Supercharged. Each is paired with an advanced 8‑speed ZF automatic transmission, which deliver outstanding performance with immediate responses and a dynamic and connected character. The substantial weight saving of about 800lbs., courtesy of the aluminum platform, has helped to deliver both better performance and gains in fuel economy.  A new standard Intelligent Stop/Start system can also reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions in stop and go driving.

Formidable 510hp Supercharged V8

The 510hp 5‑liter V8 supercharged engine retains its place at the pinnacle of the Range Rover Sport line‑up.  With significant reserves of power and torque, the scale of the performance on offer is reflected in the 0‑60 mph time of 5.0 seconds2 (0.9 seconds faster than the previous model). The stunning performance is accompanied by a sporting soundtrack generated by a specially tuned exhaust system and sound symposer on the intake system.

The V8 has a compact all‑aluminum design, with low levels of internal friction. The engine is managed by a new Bosch engine management system. High‑pressure direct injection uses a centrally mounted,

multi‑hole, spray‑guided injection system.  Efficiency is further enhanced by a cam torque actuated, dual independent variable camshaft timing system.  A sixth‑generation, twin vortex system supercharger is fitted, which offers superior thermodynamic efficiency and extremely refined noise levels.

New 3‑liter Supercharged V6

A new 340hp 3‑liter V6 engine delivers generous torque throughout the rev range, delivering confident performance with outstanding refinement with improved efficiency. As a 90‑degree engine based on the Land Rover 5‑liter V8, the V6 features an innovative balance weight system to ensure exceptionally smooth and refined performance. With a weight reduction of about 800lbs., the new 340hp supercharged V6 Range Rover Sport is quicker than the previous model with its 375hp 5‑liter V8, achieving the dash from 0‑60 mph in 6.9 seconds2, a reduction of 0.3 seconds.  Enthusiastic drivers will also be pleased with a sporting engine note, emphasized by using a sound symposer on the intake system.

Advanced 8‑speed automatic transmission

Both Range Rover Sport engines are paired with the advanced electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 8‑speed automatic gearbox, tuned by Land Rover engineers to combine silky‑smooth shifting with exceptionally rapid responses and excellent fuel economy.  With eight closely spaced ratios, gear changes are almost imperceptible, with each shift completed in just 200 milliseconds.

Controls include the sporting vertical gear shifter, plus the option of steering wheel‑mounted paddle‑shifters.  Either system enables the driver to take control of gear shifting manually ‑ the transmission will also accept multiple downshifts, maintaining an absolutely smooth transition