Land Rover Sport the 4×4 Luxury
The luxurious Range Rover Sport, the SUV produced by Land Rover since 2005 is the fifth model in the Land Rover lineup, and represents a totally new design for the brand. Unlike the “classic” Land Rover models, Range Rover sport is marketed as a sports tourer, and is a more driver focused vehicle. Even if it is a luxury vehicle, the same 4×4 capabilities that turned Land Rover into a world-wide off-road reliable vehicle, are present in the Range Rover Sport.
There are more motorizations for the Sport, that is primary powered by a 4.2 litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine that provides 390hp (supercharged). Another motorization is the 4.4 litre variant that produces 320hp and it’s adapted to produce greater torque. These petrol engines are equipped with a sump and oil pickup system which allows operation at extreme angles. Another variant is the 2.7 litre TD V6 turbo diesel that produces 190 hp. The Sport and Vogue models that debuted in 2007 share a 3.6 litre twin turbodiesel TD V8. All Range Rover Sport models feature a 6 speed automatic transmission with Command Shift which allows the driver to sequentially manipulate gear changes.
The Sport model was designed to give the driver a unique off-road experience, trough the dynamic response active anti-sway electro-hydraulic bars. These detect cornering forces, and activate/deactivate according to them. Another plus that makes driving this Rover a pleasure, is the speed sensitive steering system adopted from Jaguar. This is a standard feature on all models.
Yet another plus is the ACC (Active Cruise Control) with Forward Alert system. Thanks to this, the incorporated front bumper radar detects the ahead vehicles and adapts the speed accordingly.
Range Rover Sport has long been criticized by activists who claim that the vehicle is not at all eco-friendly – this lead to a temporary delay of production when protesters infiltrated and assembly facility. Greenpeace activists stated that while the Land Rover Defender range is typically used for off-road on a regular basis, the Range Rover Sport was intended primarily for on road performance, and the un-friendliness towards the environment is not justified.
Even if the Sport was intended mainly for on road use, the vehicle is also off-road ready, as it is to be expected from a Range Rover. Due to this, a number of off-road modifications can be made. To cite just a few extras that can be added: trailer harness kit, side steps, decals and auxiliary lightning.
As it can be clearly seen, Range Rover Sport is an off-road beast masked under a sports SUV exterior. Even if it’s considered to be not so environmentally friendly and a luxury car, if you want to buy a new 4×4 and you can afford a Range Rover Sport ( over $40,000) then this is your best choice, since you’ll get a safe, sturdy and luxurious car, which can get you literally anywhere.
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