The Range Rover Sport has been updated for 2010 but not with new panels and designer work, instead it is a pair of more powerful yet efficient engines, a new ZF sourced six-speed automatic transmission and some upscale upgrades to the cabin accommodations. New impressive-looking LED-encrusted headlights attract more attention than some Audi’s on a drive. On the inside, the cabin layout remains but with extra effort put in for material and feel. Under the hood is a direct injected 5.0-liter engine that is good for a top speed of 205km/h as there is a V8 rumbling 375 horsepower and 510Nm of thrust to give this 3 tonne SUV it’s claimed a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds.
The steering feel has also been improved by stiffening the front suspension’s lower arm bushings. This gives this sporty Range Rover very surefooted handling in a wide variety of driving conditions and during aggressive driving. We were pleasantly surprised at how flat this SUV corners under hard cornering leading us to believe that it was specifically designed for slaloms. The Range Rover’s new multi spoke, 20-inch wheels fill out the wheel wells just fine, and stopping power is great.
Every Range Rover Sport comes with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system; a dial with six settings for varying driving conditions. The driver can select from settings including general driving, sand (new for 2010 in the V8 Supercharged version), rock crawl, mud and ruts, and grass/gravel/snow. The Dynamic Program tightens steering and body control while also reconfiguring the stability control system for snappier responses allowing even the most immature of drivers to feel confident in the rough.
With a asking price of RM588,888.00 it leaves us to wonder why most high profile executives want a sedan when this does what a luxury sedan needs to do whilst having world class off road technology and some luxury features that will shame supposed luxury cars.
Range Rover V8 Specifications
Engine: V8-PetrolDisplacement: 5000ccMax power: 375hp @ 6500rpmMax torque: 510Nm @ 3500rpmGearbox: 6-speed Auto
0-100km/h: 7.6sec
Top Speed: 206km/h
Selling Price: RM588,888.00
