Tata brands Land Rover and Jaguar are continuing with sharing family engine technologies. In a clear break from the old trusted 2.7-litre turbo diesel and 4.2-litre supercharged engines, the newly launched 2010 model year Land Rover Range Rover Sport will be using the new 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel and the 5.0-litre supercharged petrol.
The 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo diesel produces 245PS and maximum torque of 600Nm. This is a detuned version of the 275PS Jaguar unit but torque remains the same. Land Rover says it will deliver 500Nm of torque from idle in 500 milliseconds. It returns a fuel consumption figure of 30.7 mpg* (9.2 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle.
The 5.0-litre supercharged on the other hand makes a hectic 510PS and 625Nm of torque. That puts it squarely in the midst of performance SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. Performance figures are not yet provided but you can rest assured that it will be quite rapid. It has a stiffened suspension system and Brembo brakes. Both powerplants use a 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
A few changes have been made to the exterior. A new front bumper with redesigned wings is fitted. Also included are LED headlights, two-stripe LED indicators, colour-coded door mirrors, a new two-bar grille and new rear light clusters.
Inside a plusher feel is added by the increased use of leather. There are 50 percent fewer switches and those that made it are covered in chrome. ICE is courtesy of a new radio/CDMP3 player with a 5-inch screen, USB connectivity and an exclusive iPod jack.
Because this is still a 4x4 Land Rover, it has kept its Terrain Response system but has introduced an added feature called Sand Launch Control which makes it easier to move off the soft stuff.
