The latest addition to the Range Rover family is built on the new MLA-Flex platform and new technologies.
Earlier in February this year, Land Rover Singapore unveiled a new addition to its flagship Range Rover series: the third-gen Range Rover Sport. Invitees to the media launch got a first glimpse of the 2.8-tonne behemoth, which is touted to be the marque’s most advanced and dynamically capable SUV yet.
At first glance, the car resembles closely to its fellow siblings in the Range Rover family. Its design cues and silhouette will be familiar even to those who aren’t a motorhead. Upon closer inspection, however, one would take notice of the subtle differences like its stealth-like front grille and Digital LED lighting units with distinctive Daytime Running Light signature. These additions are the slimmest Land Rover has incorporated into a Range Rover.
Elsewhere, the other parts of the recently designed Range Rover Sport possess strong and well-defined contours, resulting in a back section displaying the Range Rover emblem and LED taillights within a full-width element. To round up the exterior and elevate its sporting aesthetics, the car is fitted with a spoiler, the largest ever added to a Range Rover.
Apart from its modernist style, where clean, reductive lines are free from excessive elements, another notable feature of the Range Rover Sport is its MLA-Flex platform. This makes the SUV 35 per cent stiffer than the previous Range Rover and works flawlessly with its suite of systems governed by the Integrated Chassis Control system.
Nick Collins, Executive Director Vehicle Programmes, shares: “Land Rover’s pioneering flexible MLA architecture and the latest chassis systems come together to deliver the highest levels of dynamism we’ve ever seen on Range Rover Sport. Integrated Chassis Control governs the comprehensive suite of innovations, coordinating everything from the latest switchable-volume air suspension system to our Dynamic Response Pro electronic active roll control. The result is the most engaging and thrilling Range Rover Sport ever.”
The Range Rover Sport launched in Singapore has two variants: P400 Dynamic HSE and P400 Dynamic HSE. And powering this handsome vehicle is a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that is partly hybrid, which sends 394bhp and 550Nm of torque via its eight-speed ZF automatic transmission; it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just eight seconds and hit a top speed of 206km/h.
In line with the global shift towards electrification, the Range Rover Sport will be able to support a fully electrified powertrain starting in 2024 while a plug-in variant is expected to be available in the near future.
Inside the Range Rover Sport, the cabin features the trademark Range Rover Command Driving Position, its latest technologies, and the finest materials ranging from luxurious-grained, Windsor or soft Semi-Aniline leather options. Innovative and sustainable material options such as tactile and lightweight Ultrafabrics in Duo Tone colourways are also offered to customers. These textile options extend to the car’s dashboard and door detailing, which blends seamlessly with the new Moonlight Chrome interior finishers.
Apart from the smooth driving experience of the Range Rover Sport, the car’s entertainment system also contributes to the overall enjoyment. Its audio speakers are developed with Meridian and concealed behind the textile of the rear doors and are capable of delivering high-fidelity music playback while also boasting active noise cancellation capabilities.
At the centre of the Range Rover Sport is the award-winning Pivi Pro Infotainment. It lets users control everything the car offers, from navigation to media and vehicle settings. Moreover, the system learns the habits of its users and intelligently customises the onboard experience.
The new Range Rover Sport also has a collection of interconnected systems, such as the Dynamic Response Pro and Dynamic Air Suspension, with switchable-volume air springs, all controlled by the Integrated Chassis Control system. These systems have been personalised to offer a comfortable and smooth ride, as well as responsive handling, that fits the luxurious nature of the vehicle.
Speaking more about the new Range Rover Sport, Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Range Rover, said: “Our latest range Rover Sport fully embraces our modernist approach of vehicle design whilst amplifying its unquestionable sporting and confident character.”
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