- New Range Rover Sport HST makes global debut at 2015 New York Auto Show
- Uprated 380PS 3.0‑litre V6 supercharged engine delivers extra 40PS to enhance Range Rover Sport performance line‑up
- HST features distinctive exterior design and unique interior options
- Range of updates announced for 2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport
- HST available in limited markets (North America, China, Russia and Middle East)
Land Rover will present the new Range Rover Sport HST at the New York International Auto Show 2015.
The HST enhances the high performance Range Rover Sport driving experience thanks to its uprated 380PS 3.0‑litre supercharged V6 petrol engine, unique chassis settings and enhanced design features.
David Mitchell, Vehicle Programme Director Range Rover Sport, said: "The HST extends our Range Rover Sport line‑up giving customers even greater choice. Sitting between the existing 340PS Range Rover Sport 3.0‑litre V6 supercharged and the 550PS supercharged variant, it delivers enhanced V6 performance to go with Range Rover Sport's renowned comfort and refinement."
A raft of updates to the 2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport line‑up will also be showcased in New York, including the availability of a new Gesture Tailgate and the introduction of Automatic Access Height.
New Range Rover Sport HST
The bold new Range Rover Sport HST is identified by its unique exterior design and interior enhancements, which give the high performance luxury SUV a distinctive and dynamic appearance.
A striking black theme is the hallmark of the exterior design. The HST is fitted with Stealth Pack lamps front and rear, which feature non‑reflective surrounds and combine with a Santorini Black contrast roof and a new spoiler to give the luxury SUV a purposeful profile.
The HST's distinctive 21‑inch alloy wheels feature an exclusive dark satin grey finish helping to highlight the uprated brakes, which are identified by red brake calipers. Larger 22‑inch Stealth alloy wheels are available as optional equipment.
The bonnet and front wing vents, grille and fog lamp bezels all feature a Gloss Black finish, echoed by the 'Range Rover' lettering on the leading edge of the bonnet and rear tailgate. Sculpted body‑coloured lower door panels and additional vent detailing on the bumpers are also fitted.
In common with other Dynamic Range Rover Sport variants, the HST wears a red Sport badge at the rear, complemented by unique HST badging on the front wing vents.
Power comes from Land Rover's 380PS 3.0‑litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, enhanced to provide an extra 40PS.
Unique chassis settings deliver an even more focused driving experience and sharper responses, without compromising the vehicle's trademark comfort and refinement. Detail changes to the suspension reduce body roll and deliver enhanced agility, while the uprated brakes feature 20‑inch discs to deliver even more confidence‑inspiring performance.
The HST is available with a single‑range transmission, reflecting its high performance capabilities, and Land Rover's engineers have devised a unique Terrain Response set‑up for the vehicle. It features a Dynamic Mode, which optimises the suspension, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and other electronic systems to suit on‑road driving. This feature provides more controlled electronic damping and a more responsive throttle pedal, while enhancing gearshifts and steering response to match the change in vehicle character.
Inside the HST comes with eye‑catching duo tone seats trimmed in luxurious Oxford Leather. In combination with a contrast fascia, all‑Ebony door trims and centre console and standard Ebony headlining, they create a unique environment. The high quality leather upholstery is available in four Ebony/colour combinations, along with an all‑Ebony option.
Bespoke HST badging on the dashboard, carpet mats and the TFT instrument panel highlight the luxury model's high performance focus. The sporty cues extend to Noble‑plated paddle shift gear levers on the steering wheel and distinctive bright 'Sports' pedals, while the aluminium interior trim features a textured 'Sports' finish.
The Range Rover Sport HST will be available to order from April, and prices will be announced later this year.
2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport
In addition to revealing the new HST derivative, Land Rover today announced a range of enhancements to the 2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport, with the emphasis on improved practicality and desirability.
To broaden the appeal of Range Rover Sport in the US and provide more customer choice, Land Rover is introducing its 3.0‑litre Td6 turbocharged V6 diesel to North America. The 254 hp engine delivers 440 lb‑ft of torque and fuel consumption of 24 miles per gallon** combined.
Land Rover will also introduce stop/start technology on the SDV8 diesel engine as part of the 2016 Model Year enhancements* while the arrival of the latest SDV6 Hybrid technology in EU6 markets sees CO2 emissions drop from 169g/km to 164g/km
InControlTM Remote is renamed InControlTM Protect for 2016 Model Year and changes to this innovative technology deliver even greater functionality. InControlTM Protect allows owners to check the fuel level remotely, automatically contact the emergency services in the event of an accident and communicate with Land Rover Assistance.
The new InControlTM Remote Premium service allows owners to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, reset the alarm and sound the horn and flash the lights to help identify the vehicle in crowded car parks. Land Rover's rear‑view and surround cameras are improved to provide superior clarity.
All Terrain Progress Control is fitted as standard to all 2016 Range Rover Sports featuring Terrain Response 2 technology, for advanced off‑road capability. New Auto Access Height is introduced as standard, for improved ease of entry and exit. The system automatically lowers the vehicle to access height when it comes to a halt and a door is opened.
Practicality is also enhanced by the availability of a Gesture Tailgate, which provides hands‑free operation of the tailgate by waving a foot underneath the rear of the vehicle. Twin‑sensors allow customers to trigger tailgate operation from the kerbside and the system is fully compatible with a tow bar.
Customers will also benefit from an increased range of personalisation options and an extended range of accessories. A new Carbon Fibre Pack is available, which includes side vents, tailgate trim, door mirror covers, a front grille surround, fog lamp bezels and bonnet vents finished in high‑gloss lacquer.
The 2016 model year Range Rover Sport will be available to order from April, with first deliveries from late summer.
* market dependent
** manufacturer's estimate
ENDS