Overview

The new model was officially unveiled in November 2004, and was shown at the January 2005 Detroit Motor Show (left -- photo courtesy of Michael at  ovalnews.com), with availability scheduled for June 2005. Based on the Discovery 3 (LR3) platform, the Range Rover Sport uses the same hybrid chassis and body construction, with wheelbase reduced by 6 inches and the overall stance lowered. The more stylish, less bulky bodywork has traditional Range Rover styling cues such as the "floating" roof and clamshell bonnet/hood. The Discovery's double-wishbone air suspension with "Terrain Response" system is utilized, along with its base engine -- the 300 horsepower Jaguar-derived 4.4 liter V8.

The Sport's reduced bulk gives it better highway performance than the Discovery, further enhanced by a sophisticated dynamic stability system. More exciting is the upscale version with a 4.2 liter supercharged version of the V8, developing about 400 horsepower and giving a zero to 60 time of about 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. Even this version will not quite keep up with the fastest "poseur" SUVs from Porsche and Mercedes, but it's good enough to provide a serious alternative for those looking for something with real off-road capability. For the more economy-minded, a 2.7 liter diesel version is also available in most markets (not the US).

Overall, the Range Rover Sport seems to have achieved the design goals set for it, resulting in a compact package with superb high speed pavement performance and handling. Off-road capabilities are slightly compromised, but should still be adequate to leave the pretenders from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche stuck in the ditch.

Body and Frame Design

(Photo at Right: Official Land Rover depiction of integrated body/frame construction of Discovery 3/LR3)

The bulky, spacious Discovery body shape is replaced with a more compact, aerodynamic, lower-profile body that looks more like a Range Rover. The roofline slopes down towards the rear spoiler, and the use of black trim on the window pillars retains the "floating roofline" styling cue of the Range Rover. Other Range Rover cues include the clamshell bonnet/hood (which, however, has lost its castellation) and a high "command" seating position.

The inevitable nested headlights adorn the front (probably a style that will soon go out of fashion), and racy looking grille and side vents convey the impression of speed. One loss compared to other Range Rovers is the traditional and very useful tailgate -- this is replaced in the Sport by a clever hatch back design that allows you to open either the top window only (for access to put small items in the back), or the whole hatch (photo at left) for full access. Sadly, however, no more tailgate parties! (Photo at left: Range Rover Sport rear hatch)

In spite of the 6 inch wheelbase reduction, overall length is only 2.4 inches (6 cm) shorter than the Discovery. And the Sport is actually 40 lbs (20kg) heavier, tipping the scales at 5468lb (2480 kg). Compared to the standard Range Rover, it is about 6.5 inches (15 cm) shorter and 90 lbs (40kg) heavier. This reflects the less efficient (from a strength to weight point of view) body and frame construction compared to the BMW-designed monocoque Range Rover.

The lower, more aerodynamic body of the Sport coupled with the same engine and transmission gives it better high speed performance than the Discovery, with a top speed of 130 mph for the base version and 140 for the supercharged version.

Overall, the body design sheds some of the grace, simplicity, subtlety and refinement of the standard Range Rover, in favor of a more flashy, sporty appearance reminiscent of a Detroit concept vehicle. But it still succeeds in conveying "RangeRoverness" in a more compact sporty package. The Sport's interior (see below) is similarly more "sporty" than the standard Range Rover, with leather, wood and metallic finishing materials conveying the feel of a high performance machine.

Engine and Drivetrain

Like the chassis and suspension, the standard 4.4 litre V8 engine comes directly from the Discovery 3/LR3. (After mid-2005 it also serves as the base engine for the standard Range Rover). This Jaguar-developed engine has been modified by Land Rover to optimize it for off road use, with better low speed torque characteristics and the ability to run at extreme angles. It is an aluminum alloy design with 4 valves per cylinder, developing 300 hp at 5,500 RPM and 315 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

New for the Sport model (and also as an option for the standard Range Rover) is another Jaguar-derived power plant, a 4.2 liter supercharged version of the V8 which turns out 390 hp at 5,750 rpm and 400 ft-lb of torque at 3,500 rpm. Both engines unfortunately continue the Range Rover tradition of requiring premium unleaded fuel. (Photo at left from Detroit Motor Show -- cutaway of air intake and supercharger on 4.2 litre engine, courtesy of ovalnews.com).

For Sport drivers who are less interested in sport and more in fuel economy, a more pedestrian diesel version is also offered. This uses a 2.7 litre turbodiesel.

The transmission for the new model is also directly from the Discovery -- a 6 speed ZF HP26 unit with normal, sport, and manual shift modes -- the latter being particularly useful in low range. On the supercharged model, a "positive torque" feature is added to enhance gearchanges. The transfer case, also from the Discovery, has an excellent low range ratio of 2.9 to 1 and an electronically controlled locking center differential. I am not sure yet whether the optional rear diff lock available on the Discovery will also be offered on the Range Rover Sport.

Land Rover's now-standard 4-wheel electronic traction control and Hill Descent Control systems are included on the new model. The latter is designed to limit speed and maintain controllability in steep downhill descents, by manipulating the throttle and ABS systems to achieve a target speed of 1.6 mph in low range. Also included is the new "Terrain Response" system that was introduced on the Discovery 3. A 5-position dial on the center console (photo at right courtesy of Stephan Schumacher) allows the driver to select the type of terrain being negotiated -- pavement, snow, mud, sand, or rocks -- and the computer adjusts such parameters as allowable slip on the traction control, suspension height, and gear ratio to optimize driveability, comfort and traction. 

The LR3/Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport can use the same wheels, but thte tire size on the Sport is a tad smaller, at 255/50R19,  while the supercharged version has very low profile 275/40R20 tires. The Sport has special brakes to go along with its high speed abilities; the supercharged model uses bigger discs (both front and rear) in combination with special Brembo 4-piston calipers on the front. (Note that models with the Brembo brakes are not compatible with all wheel choices).

For more technical details see the RR Sport Technical Specifications Page.

Photo: Controls on center console for terrain response (knob), suspension height (left switch), high and low range selection (right switch), and hill descent control (orange center switch).

Suspension 

Like the rest of the Sport's mechanicals, the suspension derives directly from the Discovery 3, but with some variations to optimize it for higher speed performance on road. This suspension was in turn derived from the Range Rover independent electronically controlled air suspension introduced in 2002, but uses double wishbones both front and rear (the Range Rover Mk III uses MacPherson struts in the front).

Like previous Range Rover air suspensions, it can be raised for off road use and lowered for convenient access. The controls for the suspension, high and low range selection, hill descent control, and terrain response are all grouped together at the rear of the center console -- see photos above and below. To improve on-road dynamics, the Range Rover Sport adopts a somewhat lower stance than the Discovery, resulting in a loss of ground clearance in all modes. On the Sport, the maximum ground clearance under the differentials is 8.9 inches, compared to 9.5 on the Discovery and 11 on the Range Rover. As a result, the ramp breakover angle is somewhat diminished at 25 degrees in off road mode, compared with 28 degrees on the other models. (Of course, 25 degrees is still much better than the average competitor -- for example a Jeep Grand Cherokee scores somewhere around 17 degrees). However as an added bonus, the Extended Profile mode last seen on the 4.0/4.6 has returned on the Sport, giving an extra 1.5 inches of clearance when teh computer senses that the vehicle is high centered. In this mode, the driver can hold the "up" switch on (for 3 seconds with a foot on the brake) for another 1.5 inches or 3 inches over the normal off road mode -- a total of almost 12 inches of clearance. 

The use of cross-linking for both front and rear air springs when off road, allowing air to slosh rapidly between left and right, was pioneered on the Range Rover Mk III, copied on the Discovery 3 and is carried over to the Range Rover Sport. This has a highly beneficial effect -- softening the ride over bumps and maximizing ground contact force at the drooping wheel (thereby increasing traction).

Interior & Luxury Features

The Sport's interior is more "sporty" than the standard Range Rover, with grey and metallic colors dominating the leather and wood trim, to convey feel of a high performance machine.

As illustrated in the photo at right (courtesy of Michael at ovalnews.com) and the closeup above, all the off-road controls (high and low range, terrain response, suspension height, hill descent control) are conveniently grouped together at the rear of the center console behind the gearshift (llower left of picture).

As would be expected in any Range Rover, the Sport comes with a high level of luxury trim and features to make life easier for the driver. A premium navigation system similar to that in the standard Range Rover includes off-road features facilitating finding your way back from your off-road adventure. It incorporates an "advanced 4X4 information center" which displays information relevant to off-road driving such as the direction the wheels are pointed, the Terrain Response mode selected, and which wheels are in contact with the ground.

An available Personal Telephone Integration System includes voice-activated and steering wheel controls.

On-Road Attributes & Performance

Range Rover engine power traditionally lags behind what is really needed to get to the head of the pack among SUVs. The Sport model is designed to address that deficit, and goes a good way towards doing so. The supercharged version can even keep up with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on the dragstrip, getting to 60mph in 7.2 seconds, and is probably far better in overall handling. The 140 mph top speed of the supercharged model is impressive. The lesser engines are still no slugs -- the 4.4 litre V8 model has a top speed of 130, and a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds, while even the diesel version can do 120, but is a bit more leisurely in acceleration, making it to 60 in 11.9 seconds.

In tune with the Range Rover Sport's on-road cachet, a clever new "adaptive cruise control"  allows the driver to keep a set distance  behind the vehicle in front. The smart steering system varies power assistance level and thereby steering "feel" according to speed. Dynamic Stability Control system helps keep the enthusiastic driver out of trouble by intervening to save your life when a wheel threatens to lift off the pavement while negotiating a bend at 130 mph. The system monitors cornering forces and senses when a wheel is about to lift off. It can apply corrective action such as limiting throttle input, activating or deactivating sway bars, and selectively applying braking forces to one or more wheels.  The system also acts on the anti-sway bars to improve body control in corners; the bars are decoupled on the straights for greater ride comfort and off-road for maximum wheel articulation -- another advance in Range Rover suspension design innovation.It can be switched off if the driver prefers. Adaptive headlamps are connected to the steering so they can swivel to preview what is around the bend, like the old Citroen DS21 of the 1970's.

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Off road ability is the one area where skeptics of the new Range Rover Sport may still need convincing. First the bad news: even though a vehicle might incorporate every technological aid known to man, in real-life off roading there is no substitute for adequate ground clearance. Here the Sport is slightly handicapped in comparison with Land Rover's traditionally excellent standards. As pointed out above, its clearance and ramp breakover angle do not compare favorably to previous Range Rovers and Land Rovers (we can leave out of consideration here the Freelander which, with its 7.3 inch ground clearance, came dead last in off-road ability in the 2002 Four Wheeler of the Year contest).

Right: Official Land Rover press photo of RR Sport in action

The good news is that in every area except ultimate clearance, the Sport has remarkably good off road attributes. It is built like a tank, as indicated by its massive weight, and the sturdy underpinnings will easily withstand the harsh treatment of real off road driving.

Approach and departure angles (34 and 29 degrees respectively) are very good, and the designers have done a great job of shaping the rear end so there are no protruding pieces such as an exhaust tip that will get broken off when exiting a deep ditch or washout. (Photo at left courtesy of Stephan Schumacher). Unfortunately, on the supercharged model you get bonus chrome exhaust tips that do protrude (see photo in "Overview" section above), but they could probably be removed. The spare tire is mounted under the rear end, and for serious off road trips one might want to move it so it won't get damaged. However it is notable that a full-sized spare is provided, in contrast to its competitors whic come with a space-saver version that you wouldn't like to have to use on a 4WD road -- in my experience the most likely place to et a flat. This highlights the difference between the Sport and the Cayenne and its ilk -- the latter do not have serious  off-road capability.

Wheel travel is very respectable, and the various aids to traction such as the electronic traction control and the suspension cross-coupling are a big help. The various traction aids make it superior on slick mud, snow and ice, and all that horsepower is a real boon on sand. Measured by the standards of competing models such as a Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Sport is superior in all off road attributes and should have no problem leaving them in the dust (or mud). It will have even less trouble from the BMW and Mercedes pseudo-SUVs that are its main market competitors. Unlike them, it can even be ordered with a factory winch accessory! It is only when compared with the high standards set by other Land Rover vehicles that it falls slightly short.

Overall, it is heartening that the route taken by the Freelander was not followed in the Range Rover Sport. Compared to that vehicle, the new model is infinitely better off road, and only falls slightly short of its sister Range Rover and Discovery/LR3 models. Certainly, the average driver will be surprised at where it can go -- only experienced off-road drivers will occasionally run up against its ground clearance limitations in certain situations encountered on rocky trails, crossing berms and ditches, etc. For those wanting to further improve the off road performance of the Sport, it is good to know that the 255/55R19 Goodyear MT/R tires used on the Range Rover in  Land Rover's recent G4 Challenge should fit perfectly. At this point it is unknown whether or when a winch will become available for the Sport -- stay tuned!

Test Reports

Our own Rangerovers.net on and off-road test of the RR Sport, conducted by three Range Rover Owners, is reported at this link.

One of the first on and off road test reports I found for the new Sport was this one from the Daily Telegraph, April 9, 2005. The author, Peter Hall, was able to include high speed testing on the closed Mira test track, observing: "In a dizzying sequence of turns at up to 130mph on a dry surface, with Dynamic Stability Control turned off, the Range Rover Sport feels more like a sports saloon than a sport-utility vehicle, and only in extremis, when the anti-rollover protection software detects the risk of a wheel lifting, does DSC automatically intervene to maintain stability; at slightly lower speeds, with Mira's track sprinklers turned on, one can indulge in lurid yet supremely controlled, opposite-lock powerslides, or allow DSC to keep everything neat and tidy, even on a surface as slippery as snow." He notes "On the road, the ride quality is firm and a little fidgety on poor surfaces, but with an impressive 390bhp and 410lb ft of torque on tap, cruising is effortless and back-road progress very satisfying. The adaptive automatic gearbox (with manual override function) is more aggressively programmed than in the Discovery (with a noticeable engine blip when changing down) but is equally smooth in operation. Road and wind noise are almost non-existent thanks partly to good aerodynamics..."

Other on-road tests also mention that the ride is a bit harsh, and certainly much firmer than the standard Raange Rover.  Unfortunately, this may be inevitable in a sports-biased model like the Range Rover Sport, just as it is in the competing BMW X5.

In off-road testing at Eastnor Castle, Mr Hall reports "It would almost certainly be less effective than the Discovery in the most extreme conditions, but with all the same Terrain Response technology and information displays - not to mention superbly supportive seats - it comfortably dismissed obstacles more challenging than I have experienced in any other vehicle. Deep, water-filled trenches, ludicrous traverses and scarily steep and slimy tracks (driven forwards and in reverse) only confirmed that Land Rover produces the best off-roaders in the world."

The best report I have seen so far is a BBC "Top Gear" video of a RR Sport trying to escape from a Challenger tank off road, at the British Army's 92,000 acre Salisbury Plain armored warfare training area. It is highly impressive!!

(Photo: RR Sport in action

Build Quality and Owner Experiences

Time will tell whether Ford has succeeded in forcing Land Rover to improve build quality and help erase the reputation it has for prolific oil leaks and electrical problems. Hopefully it will do better than the new Range Rover did in registering second to last in the July 2003 JD Powers initial quality survey. This was before the Ford ownershiop had time to take hold, and it is notable that Ford-owned Jaguar had risen well into the top half of rankings in the same survey. Meanwhile, it could well be worth checking out extended warranties for your Range Rover Sport -- these are cheaper if you don't wait until the factory warranty expires.

The Range Rover Sport Common Problems and Fixes page will catalog the problems most often reported to me by owners of the new model, so please write in with your experiences so other owners can benefit. We are also starting an Ownership Experience page for the Sport, relating first hand the good and bad experiences of some owners.

Stay tuned, and if you have any experience with the Range Rover Sport please email me so we can share it with other buyers.

Model Year Details and Updates

For full details of each model year, see the Range Rover Model Year Details pages. There is a separate page for each model year of the RR Sport, as listed below.
2005: RR Sport introduced as a 2006 model
2006: Model continues unchanged
2007: No signicicant updates. Minor shcnges in color and options packages.

Technical Specifications

Fir full tecnical specifications on the Range Rove Sport models, see the RR Sport Technical Specs page.

Financing:
Capital One Auto Finance  Range Rover Financing at extremely low rates, 15 minute approval, "Blank Checks" and unbelievable service
Roadloans.com Range Rover financing at very low rates even without perfect credit
Range Rover Financing Page More information on financing and leasing

Insurance:
The Range Rover Insurance page lists sources for low cost insurance quotes.

Extended Warranties
Range Rover Extended Warranty page for information on guaranteeing extended coverage after the factory warranty runs out.

Extended Warranty Information

Like earlier Range Rover models, this is a high maintenance vehicle, and many owners may wish to have their pride and joy covered by an extended warranty to avoid the likelihood of major repair expenses. Land Rover dealers usually offer some form of extended coverage, but it can be less expensive to obtain a policy from a third party source. It is easiest and much cheaper to arrange such extended warranties while your vehicle is still under its original factory policy. Unfortunately, due to the reputation of Range Rovers for expensive repairs, most of the well-known auto warranty providers will not cover them, but a few have specialized in providing affordable policies for these vehicles. For more information, see the Range Rover Extended Warranty Information page.

More Information on the Range Rover Sport

On Rangerovers.net:
RR Sport 2006 Model Year Details
RR Sport 2007 Model Year Details
RR Sport Technical Specs
RR Sport Forum
RR Sport Common Symptoms and Fixes
RR Sport Winch Accessory
On and Off-Road Test Drive by Rangerovers.net
Tire & Wheel options for the RR Sport
Latest News and Model Updates
Air Suspension Details and Operation (RR III -- similar to RR Sport)
Range Rover Extended Warranties
Service: Dealer and Independent Shops

Coming Soon:
Ownership Experiences: Listing of RR Sport owner comments
Repair Operation Details for Range Rover Sport
Outfitting and Accessories for the Sport
Parts Sources for Range Rover Sport

If you have owned or leased the Range Rover Sport, please email me so your experience can be shared with others.

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