- Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2014
The all-new Land Rover Range Rover Sport has been designed to capture the distinctive DNA of its predecessor, but with a bold evolution which has placed it firmly at the heart of the marque's striking new three-model portfolio between the Range Rover and the Evoque.
Range Rover Sport occupies a unique position within its segment, and the new model builds on those core strengths with a design which confirms its status as the definitive premium Sports SUV. With its 'faster' windscreen angle, streamlined profile and sloping roofline, the new Sport is 8 percent more aerodynamic than the previous model and achieves a drag figure of Cd 0.34.
While it was developed alongside the Range Rover and shares some commonality with its sister vehicle, the all-new Range Rover Sport benefits from 75 percent unique parts, a significant number of which directly influence the way the new Sport looks and feels.
Bold and progressive exterior design
The dynamic new Range Rover Sport has a bold and progressive exterior design which positions the vehicle confidently within the latest Range Rover line-up. With a fresh interpretation of the current model's strong design DNA, the new vehicle has a sleek and contemporary appearance, with its sloping roofline offering a distinctive sporting character.
The new Sport is just 62mm longer than its predecessor, yet at 4850mm, it is shorter than other 7-seater SUVs and most E segment sedans, bringing greater manoeuvrability and ease of parking. However, a significantly longer wheelbase (increased by 178mm) provides greater room and improved access for rear passengers. The new Sport is 149mm shorter and 55mm lower than the new Range Rover on which it is based and model-for-model weighs 45kg less.
Exciting new interpretations of Range Rover Sport design cues include the signature clamshell bonnet, floating roof and side fender vents. The vehicle also features bold new versions of the powerful wheel arch graphic, horizontal body feature lines and distinctive rocker mouldings which are key elements of the model's strong DNA.
While retaining the powerful Range Rover Sport character, the front end has a more modern, streamlined appearance, with its slimmer lights, rearward sloping grille and more sculpted corners.
Eye-catching details
Eye-catching design details serve to emphasise the new Range Rover Sport's more dynamic and contemporary character. The side fender vents are executed with a more dynamic, sloping treatment. Matching twin vents are executed in the bonnet, enhancing the powerful and sporting character of the vehicle.
Designers have also continued the classic Range Rover Sport two-bar theme, reflected in the twin strakes on the fender vents, the two bar front grille, and the twin lines in the tail lamp graphics.
Near-flush side glazing, combined with a premium gloss black finish to the pillars, enhance the bold Range Rover Sport floating roof graphic - which can be highlighted with three contrast roof colours of grey, black or silver - while also emphasising the more streamlined form of the body. Brembo brake calipers finished in red and a Black Pack, which removes all brightwork from the exterior, are also available to create a more bespoke appearance.
At the front, the large outboard air intakes and bold trapezoidal shapes housing the central bumper beam and skid plate send out a strong, high performance message. The same trapezoidal theme is repeated at the rear, with the skid plate flanked by large twin exhaust outlets.
The front lamps continue the bold evolution of the Sport, with highly distinctive LED signature graphics which feature a new distinctive graphic. The slimmer design creates a more aggressive, technical appearance.
At the rear, the lamps have a more compact treatment with a striking new design that uses LED technology. The main tail and stop lamps echo the headlamps' distinctive design language, while the direction indicators use a new interpretation of the 'twin line' graphic from the current model.
Both front and rear lamps flow round into the shoulders of the body with the distinctive tapering blade graphic featured on the other vehicles in the latest Range Rover portfolio.
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 top quality materials.
Building on the signature Range Rover Sport interior architecture, the centrepiece of the cabin is the bold intersection between the strong horizontal elements of the instrument panel and the vertical lines of the centre stack. The dynamic character of the cockpit is enhanced by the faster angle of the centre stack, with its striking satin chrome pillars which flow from the instrument panel through into the rear cabin and the aluminium accents that flow from the centre console into the fascia.
The centre console is mounted higher, positioning the controls closer to the driver and creating a more cocooning sensation for the front occupants. This cocooning feel is emphasised by the strong visual graphic of the fascia mid-section trim accents linking to the doors, and surrounding the occupants with a band of contrasting colour.
The sporting ambience of the interior is also reflected in the smaller diameter, thicker rimmed steering wheel, vertical gear shifter and seats with more generous side bolsters.
The front and rear seats feature a more sculptured design with enhanced padding to the front and individual seating in the second row. Special attention has been given to providing increased rear seat comfort, offering improved rear legroom (+24mm knee room) and shoulder-room, plus the choice of 60/40 or 40/20/40 split rear seats and the option of powered third row occasional 5+2 'secret' seating (which folds away into the floor) for enhanced versatility.
Superior materials, superior craftsmanship
Every new Range Rover Sport is crafted using the highest quality materials, with carefully selected colours and textures to enhance the model's unique blend of luxury with a distinctive sporting character. The use of more technical finishes and veneers gives the cabin a more dynamic and contemporary feel.
Material quality has been raised to a new level, with more luxurious soft-touch surfaces in key touch points around the cabin, such as the fascia mid-section.
Luxurious soft-touch surfaces are offset by authentic metal details which are cool to the touch and stunning to look at. These include the striking satin chrome pillars each side of the centre stack with an immaculate noble plated finish, and the choice of distinctive aluminium finishes on the centre console, fascia ends and door trims.
The obsession with 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. The impeccable stitching is specified precisely by Range Rover experts, from the length and direction of the stitching, to the spin, thickness and material of the thread. Even the size and shape of the needle is defined, to guarantee the highest quality finish.
Individual choice for discerning customers
To maximise personalisation, the new Sport offers even more individual choice for customers to enable them to create their own bespoke vehicle, with an outstanding selection of colour themes and finishes.
An expanded choice of special features includes innovations such as colour-themed interiors with duo or tri-tone designs, a stunning range of factory fitted alloy wheels from 19- and 20-inch (one design each) to 21-inch (five designs) and up to 22-inches (two designs) in diameter including the iconic "Viper's Nest" wheel available for the first time across all Range Rover models.
The features extend from striking design elements like a gloss black grille and exterior details, body-coloured bumpers and side sills, and unique interior colour themes and finishes, to performance items such as a Vmax uplift to 250km/h / 155mph [5.0 S/C], special 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels, and red Brembo brake calipers.
The full range of design options available to Range Rover Sport:
- 11 interior colour themes, plus additional choice of seat colour
- 4 aluminium interior finishes, 3 real wood veneers
- 3 headliner colours
- 19 exterior paint finishes
- 3 contrast roof colours - Corris Grey, Santorini Black or Indus Silver
- 9 alloy wheel designs, on 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inch
- Atlas Silver, Dark Atlas or Gloss Black finish for the exterior accents
- Illuminated tread plates
DYNAMIC CAPABILITY
The all-new Range Rover Sport marks a significant step forward for the model, adopting advanced lightweight 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.
The unprecedented investment in premium technologies has reinforced the Range Rover Sport's unique proposition in the SUV segment, delivering significantly improved on-road handling with enhanced capability in challenging off-road conditions.
Connected on-road dynamics
The new Range Rover Sport has been engineered to deliver dramatically improved on-road driving dynamics, with more connected and agile handling complemented by enhanced ride and refinement.
The vehicle's state-of-the-art aluminium monocoque platform - engineered in parallel with the new Range Rover - is 39 percent lighter than the previous model's steel semi-monocoque plus chassis frame design, leading to significantly improved agility and performance.
This new stiff and light structure is supported by an all-new lightweight front and rear suspension concept, which has been designed to deliver a much broader range of dynamic capabilities across all terrains.
An all-new steering system, totally re-engineered four-corner air suspension, and the latest chassis and stability technologies - including upgraded Dynamic Response and Adaptive Dynamics systems - also contribute to the step change in ability.
The advanced vehicle specification, together with meticulous tuning by vehicle dynamics specialists has enabled the new Sport to provide an engaging and responsive driving character, while being composed and confident in all conditions.
Its on-road dynamics are characterised by lighter, more 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 a more effortless, supple feel.
State-of-the-art lightweight suspension
Underpinning the enhanced driving capability of the new Range Rover Sport is a state-of-the-art new lightweight suspension. The result of an extensive Land Rover research programme to identify a next-generation suspension concept for premium AWD vehicles, the new systems use a clean sheet design engineered to deliver best-in-class vehicle dynamics.
Primarily constructed from lightweight aluminium components, the suspension is fully-independent and double isolated, with wide-spaced double-wishbones at the front and an advanced multi-link layout at the rear.
The new suspension system delivers class-leading wheel travel - with 260mm of movement at the front and 272mm at the rear, compared to less than 200mm for most competitor vehicles - providing exceptional wheel articulation and composure to deal with the toughest conditions.
The lightweight chassis architecture is combined with a next-generation four-corner air suspension to optimise the vehicle's versatility both on- and off-road. The air springs now offer variable ride height (+35mm and +65mm, rather than a single +55mm position on the previous model), which delivers 10mm increased maximum suspension lift (up to 50km/h) and are also cross-linked for maximum axle articulation.
The fifth-generation air suspension system provides up to 115mm of regular movement, from the lowest setting 'access height' (now 10mm lower at 50mm for easier entry and exit) to the standard off-road height. An automatic extension (triggered by sensors) and a manually selected extension, both raise the Sport by 35mm, giving a total movement range of 185mm.
To achieve superior performance, both in terms of ride quality and the ability to change swiftly between different ride heights, the air suspension hardware has been completely re-engineered. Ride quality has been improved through the fitment of new low-hysteresis front air springs, which are able to absorb small irregularities much more effectively. The springs use a thinner, suppler material, which is protected by a metal casing.
Advanced technologies enhance dynamics
The performance of the suspension systems on the new Sport is enhanced by the use of advanced chassis and vehicle technologies to optimise vehicle dynamics.
More powerful models are equipped with a dedicated Dynamic modein the Terrain Response® 2 system, providing a more sporting bias during enthusiastic on-road driving, with a firmer ride, tighter body control, reduced roll and more responsive steering and performance.
Dynamic mode activates unique calibrations for a wide range of vehicle and chassis systems including the power steering, throttle and transmission responses, damping and lean control, and settings for the traction and stability systems.
To deliver the ultimate sporting driving experience, Dynamic mode 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 Responsetransforms vehicle handling and occupant comfort. A next-generation two channel system, it is capable of controlling the front and rear axles independently, allowing it to be tuned to deliver increased low-speed agility, along with enhanced control and stability at high speed.
The Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differentialfeatures an electronically controlled differential which can vary the degree of lock-up almost instantaneously to further optimise traction, handling and cornering stability. The rear diff reacts 70ms faster than the outgoing car.
Torque Vectoring by Brakinguses the car's brake system to imitate the effect of a torque vectoring differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine torque between the four wheels during cornering, resulting in improved grip and steering, and a reduced level of understeer.
The system operates using the car's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module, and monitors the vehicle 100 times per second. As the car accelerates through a corner, the system uses yaw sensors to detect the beginning 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.
More powerful Sport 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 minimise body roll, providing a composed, flat ride.
A key element of the vehicle's agile and engaging character, the all-newElectric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)system features variable-ratio speed-sensitive assistance. The system has been meticulously tuned for a more responsive, confident and intuitive character. Geared for 3.0 turns lock-to-lock the system provides a faster overall steering ratio, but is slower just around the on-centre position for enhanced stability and control at speed.
Sports Command Driving Position enhances confidence and control
The all-new Range Rover Sport provides drivers with a Sports Command Driving Position (CDP), which combines the supreme sense of confidence and control offered by the Range Rover, but with a more sporting, less upright seating position which is similar to that in the Evoque.
The Sport's CDP offers an elevated and reassuring view of the vehicle's surroundings, and the new model has been carefully developed to retain the excellent visibility over the bonnet which contributes to the unique Range Rover character.
Meticulous development work on the vehicle package and pillar design ensured that the outstanding all-round visibility of the current vehicle has improved. Despite the vehicle's sleeker, more aerodynamic profile, it still offers a seating position which is 50-to-100mm higher than its direct competitors.
In development, like all Range Rovers, the new model was given headroom targets, taking into account provision for off-road head movements, which were rigidly enforced, resulting in more generous headroom, and enhanced clearance during off-road excursions.
Intuitive display technologies
The all-new Range Rover Sport offers the driver an enhanced set of displays and controls, introducing the latest technologies in an elegant, uncluttered layout with state-of-the-art functionality.
For the first time on Range Rover Sport, high series models feature the state-of-the-art 12.3-inch high-resolution display technology for the main instrument pack, as pioneered by the Range Rover. This is accompanied by an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display on the centre console for infotainment and secondary functions, with optional Dual View.
The screen graphics on both displays have been ingeniously designed to create the impression of 3D surfaces, beautifully lit and 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 colour scheme, with the current gear position presented prominently between the two dials. The Hybrid model will have its own unique display content, with an easy-to-understand power gauge.
Where the 12.3-inch screen is not specified, vehicles feature sporty twin analogue dials with a central 5-inch colour display.
The new model is the first Range Rover to offer a Head-Up Display, using laser technology for superior clarity and contrast. The colour display projects key vehicle and navigation data directly into the driver's field of vision. The height and brightness of the display can be manually adjusted.
Throughout the cockpit, the control layout has been significantly simplified, with 50 percent fewer switches to deliver class-leading ease-of-use.
The intuitive approach is reflected in the other major controls, such as the perfectly-placed vertical gear shifter, the rotary Terrain Response® 2 control, the simplified Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning dials, and the twin five-way toggle switches and auxiliary functions on the steering wheel.
Class-leading off-road capability
Building on Land Rover's legendary history for tackling the toughest climates and road surfaces, the all-new Range Rover Sport has been developed to achieve class-leading all-terrain capability, with supreme composure in all conditions.
Terrain Response® 2 and off-road technologies
The Sport enhances its class-leading status through the introduction of the ground-breaking next-generation version of Land Rover's Terrain Response® system, which takes the capabilities of the award-winning system to a new level.
Developed by a small team of Land Rover specialists, Terrain Response® 2 features an Auto setting which uses sophisticated 'intelligent' systems to analyse the current driving conditions, and automatically select the most suitable terrain programme.
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 all Terrain Response® systems, each setting optimises driveability and traction by adapting the responses of the car's engine, gearbox, centre differential and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain.
While it functions completely automatically, Terrain Response® 2 will also provide the driver with additional advice, such as when to select low range or the off-road ride height, when the system calculates that it is necessary.
Stuart Frith, Range Rover Sport Chief Programme 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. So however tough the conditions, the Range Rover Sport will be ready to tackle the journey."
Another unique Land Rover innovation, introduced for the first time on the Range Rover Sport, is the newWade Sensing™feature. Wade Sensing™ uses sensors in the door mirrors to provide the driver with information when driving through water, which is particularly beneficial when visibility is poor and at night. A visual display and warning chimes alert the driver as the water level rises around the vehicle.
To complement these innovative features, the new Sport can also be fitted with a unique suite of all-terrain technologies to help maximise performance and safety, 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).
The operation of these braking and stability systems is enhanced by the latest Bosch 6-piston brake modulator which delivers faster responses and smoother, quieter and more precise operation.
Full-time intelligent 4WD systems
The new Range Rover Sport offers a choice of two full-time intelligent 4WD systems, each able to find drive on the most challenging low-grip surfaces.
One system provides a two-speed transfer case with low-range option for the most demanding off-road conditions, with a 50/50 percent default front to rear torque split. Optimum traction is maintained through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the centre differential which distributes torque between the wheels at anything between 100 percent front and 100 percent rear. This is combined with sophisticated electronic traction control systems.
The transfer case offers selectable high and low range, using a two-speed fully synchronized 'shift on the move' system which allows the driver to change range from low to high at speeds up to 60km/h without having to stop the vehicle, providing exceptional driving flexibility. The high-range provides a direct drive ratio of 1:1, while the low range ratio is 2.93:1 giving an extremely low crawl speed.
The alternative system is 18kg lighter and features an all-new single-speed transfer case with a Torsen differential and 42/58 percent default front to rear torque split that is designed to provide a rear-wheel drive bias for optimum driving dynamics, whilst maintaining off-road performance. The Torsen centre 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 optimised to work in harmony with the differential to deliver excellent traction in all conditions.
To further optimise traction and stability in extreme conditions, more powerful Sport models are also specified with the Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential in combination with the twin-speed 4WD driveline. The locking rear differential has been further optimised to work in conjunction with the electronic torque vectoring system.
Engineered for total capability
From the very start of its development process, the all-new 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 optimised in parallel with that of the new Range Rover, representing the most extensive optimisation process ever undertaken by Land Rover. This involved unprecedented use of advanced computer simulation - demanding well over 1000 years of processor time - to deliver outstanding strength and durability, excellent safety and minimum weight.
To analyse the punishing off-road loads which really push a car's structure to its limits, such as the crunching 'ditch drop' impact, engineers turned to the specialised and incredibly powerful simulation tools more typically used to model crash events.
The new Sport features enhanced body geometry for all-terrain conditions, with a smooth underfloor that helps to provide 51mm more ground clearance than its predecessor at 278mm (measured at the off-road ride height) and approach and departure angles of 33 and 31 degrees. The vehicle underfloor has been specially designed to provide a smooth surface, with a smooth transition between suspension components, to reduce susceptibility to damage or interference.
Wading depth has also been improved significantly - an increase of 150mm over the previous model to 850mm - thanks to an innovative air intake system, which draws air between the inner and outer bonnet panels at the sides of the vehicle before it flows down into the engine's intake system.
The re-engineered air suspension system with its new +35mm intermediate setting means that the off-road mode can remain available at much higher speeds (80km/h vs 50km/h) than was possible before, which is valuable 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 a class leading 546mm, compared to typical competitors' offering of less than 450mm.
