Test Drive: The New Range Rover Sport | Range Rover

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

First Drive: The New Range Rover Sport

Reborn as an entirely new model, it features an all-aluminum body, a downsized engine, and an evolved Terrain Response system.New Range Rover Sport. Debuting at theNew York Auto Showin March 2013, it finally arrived in Japan last winter.It has finally arrived in JapanPositioned between its larger sibling, the "Range Rover," and its smaller sibling, the "Evoque," what kind of character does this new Range Rover Sport possess? Tatsuya Kushima offers his impressions.

Text by Tatsuya KushimaPhotographs by Masayuki Arakawa

A Fusion of Traditional Craftsmanship and Cutting-Edge Technology

"For example, a restaurant with an excellent chef will provide explanations even before the meal. They'll talk about the ingredients, the aromas. In the same way, catalog photos hold significant meaning. Even with just a single seat, we must convey that the stitching is meticulously crafted.—"

I recalled the words of David Saddington, who is in charge of interior design at Land Rover, while looking at the catalog for the new "Range Rover Sport."Tokyo Motor ShowThis comment was made when I asked him about the new Range Rover Sport at the show last year.

What he means is this: the new Range Rover Sport is meticulously designed and finished. And effectively promoting that is also an important task.

Indeed, the name "Range Rover" has a certain magic. Known as a royal warrant holder brand in Britain, it carries a strong sense of nobility. However, it also tends to be associated with a classical image. Therefore, the key point in communication tools, starting with the catalog, is to convey that it is a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

David Saddington, Studio Director of Land Rover Design

Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE

New Range Rover SportI've driven the new Range Rover Sport several times already. It debuted at last year's New York Auto Show, and I drove it repeatedly overseas around that time. I even experienced acceleration up to 260 km/h and full braking on a closed airfield. While I've attended many new car test drives, this was an experience that's hard to come by.

Of course, this was driven by their confidence and the desire to define the car's character. By offering a sporty driving experience that the Range Rover couldn't achieve, they aimed to differentiate it from its sibling models. This effort has paid off handsomely, earning high praise from media outlets worldwide. It has been named "SUV of the Year" by numerous publications, including the UK's Top Gear magazine and America's Bloomberg.com.

Range Rover Sport

First Drive: The New Range Rover Sport (2)

The V6 is More Than Enough; the V8 is Overwhelming.

Regarding its profile, the design masterfully hints at its relationship with its sibling models. While possessing the stately presence of the larger Range Rover, it also incorporates the casual, sporty elements of the smaller "Evoque." The angle of the rear pillar and the side character lines contribute to this impression. Depending on the angle, it might appear more like its elder sibling, while from another, it could seem like the younger one.

Saddington, mentioned earlier, had this to say about it: "Simplicity and elegance are fundamental. This is driven by customer demand, but the car's functionality is also a key point."

Indeed, like its predecessors, this car is primarily built with straight lines. Even when aiming for an emotional appeal, this aspect remains unchanged. This design complements the short overhangs and the deep front and rear angles.

The engine lineup includes a 3-liter V6 and a 5-liter V8. Both feature dual overhead camshafts and are paired with a supercharger. In essence, the V6 serves as the replacement for the naturally aspirated 5-liter V8. The engine has been downsized while maintaining power. The maximum output is 340 ps for the former and 510 ps for the latter.

To briefly describe the engine feel, the honest impression is that the V6 is more than sufficient. With a larger engine available, one is tempted to compare it to the V8, but it delivers power without complaint for everyday driving and even for moderately sporty excursions. The acceleration is superb, responding linearly to throttle input, and there are no issues with stability at high speeds. The handling at such times is also nimble, and I felt no unease with its responsive suspension.

It feels as if I'm maneuvering a car that's two sizes smaller. Moreover, even its height doesn't feel like a disadvantage.

The V8 supercharged engine mounted on the Autobiography Dynamic

As for the V8, that's a different beast altogether. From its roaring exhaust note to its explosive acceleration, it offers a different driving experience than the V6 model. I once test-drove an American pickup truck with a V10 engine, and the acceleration felt similar. Be warned, however, as distant utility poles will seem to approach rapidly.

Yet, even so, the suspension isn't stiff, which is characteristic of the Range Rover family. The air suspension provides a ride that is neither too hard nor too soft. Personally, I've experienced air suspensions from various brands, and generally, those from British cars feel refined. There's no unnatural stiffness at the bottom with softness at the top.

Range Rover Sport

First Drive: The New Range Rover Sport (3)

The Manufacturer's Intent Radiates from the Catalog

By the way, I forgot to mention, the new model features an all-aluminum frame. This means it shares part of its structure with the Range Rover.—In other words, it has gained a costly chassis. Compared to its previous shared frame with the "Discovery", this is a significant leap. It can now be considered a true sibling model.

It goes without saying that these elements contribute to the driving performance I've described. In that sense, the evolution of its internals is dramatic, far beyond what meets the eye. It also incorporates a wide array of electronic devices.

Speaking of which, Saddington also said this: "The new Range Rover Sport was designed to look like it's in motion, even when stationary."

It's certainly well-crafted. As I handled the catalog for this article, I felt the various intentions of its creators. How about you? Why not take a look at the catalog for this car yourself?