Range Stormer

The Range Rover Sport offers most of the amenities of the standard Range Rover and adds a dash of on-road performance.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is based on the platform that underpins the Land Rover LR3. Though designed for spirited on-road driving, the Range Rover Sport retains the legendary off-road ruggedness for which Land Rover is known. A removable chin spoiler increases the vehicle’s potential approach and departure angles for serious rock-climbing abilities.

Styling is reminiscent of the Land Rover Range Rover, but a steeply raked windshield and rear window lend more of a swept-back and sporty look. Larger wheels and tires also contribute to the muscular aesthetic.

Engine choices include two reworked Jaguar V8s — a 300-hp 4.4-liter, and a 390-hp supercharged 4.2-liter that’s said to take this large and heavy vehicle to 60 mph in a competitive 7.2 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission adapts shift patterns to driving style and can be shifted manually. It features a low-range function that engages electronically on the fly for creeping over rough terrain. The four-wheel-drive system is always on and is enhanced by an electronically controlled center differential to route power to the wheels with the most grip whether driving on-road or off.

A stiff structure and sophisticated independent air-sprung suspension create taut, sporty handling. The double-wishbone front and rear suspension setup is similar in design to that of many sports cars.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s myriad chassis control systems include Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control and Active Roll Mitigation, which predicts unbalanced weight and further helps to stabilize the vehicle during severe handling maneuvers. Land Rover has developed new technology called Dynamic Response to further improve the vehicle's on-road handling, standard on the Supercharged model and optional on other versions.

The computer-controlled system senses cornering forces and works to keep the vehicle from leaning too much around turns. When going off-road, the system deactivates to allow for greater wheel articulation over rugged terrain.

Off-road prowess is equally impressive, as all Land Rover Range Rover Sport models come standard with the same high-tech Terrain Response system that debuted on the LR3. It automatically selects or indicates for the driver the most appropriate settings for the onboard electronic controls and traction aids, including ride height, engine torque response, Hill Descent Control, electronic traction control, and transmission settings, according to five sets of road conditions, including three off-road modes for mud, sand, and rocky trails.

As with all Land Rovers, the Range Rover Sport's interior is tastefully and conservatively designed, decked in rich leathers, woods and metallic trim bits. Ergonomics, however, are not the vehicle’s strong suit, and Land Rover traditionally suffers from among the most confusing to operate dashboard switchgear in the industry.

The cabin is roomy and provides adequate comfort for five passengers. A DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, power sunroof, premium Harman Kardon audio system and six airbags are among the vehicle’s long list of standard features.

The line gained a new top model, the HST, in 2007. It comes wrapped in more-radical (at least for a Range Rover) exterior styling that’s inspired by the Range Stormer concept car that was first shown at the Detroit auto show in January 2004. The company is calling the new version a “sports tourer,” which is an appellation that’s also used to describe the crossover SUV-like Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz R-Class models. It’s based upon, and is mechanically identical to, the supercharged version of the Range Rover Sport.

The HST is denoted by specific, flush-fitting bumpers at the front and rear, with a larger front grille, deeper front air intakes and new fog lamps that are embedded in the lower front spoiler. The vehicle gets a monochromatic paint treatment, with chromed side vents, 20-inch “Stormer” alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler and rectangular tailpipes. In addition, the HST gets a standard power sunroof, an electronic active locking rear differential and deep-tinted privacy glass. Inside, the HST is graced with a specific, hand-polished oak trim. It’s available in Bonatti Grey, Cairns Blue, Java Black, Rimini Red and Zermatt Silver exterior treatments.