Range Rover Sport Pinion and introduction
This new five-passenger premium sport-utility vehicle filled a price gap between Land Rover's LR3 and its ultraluxury Range Rover models. In fact, the all-wheel-drive Range Rover Sport was smaller than either, designed to compete with "high-performance" SUVs such as V8 versions of the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, as well as Cadillac's SRX. Based on the seven-passenger LR3's body-on-frame structure, the Range Rover Sport came as the HSE model with a 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8, and in Supercharged trim with a 390-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8. Both engines were sourced from Jaguar, which was owned by Land Rover's parent company, Ford. A six-speed automatic with manual shift gate was the sole transmission. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing was standard, and included Land Rover's Terrain Response system, designed to automatically tailor AWD performance to specific off-road conditions. Also included were a height-adjustable air suspension, antiskid/traction control, and antilock four-wheel disc brakes. The Supercharged model came with 20-inch wheels and Brembo-brand front brakes. On the HSE, 19-inch tires were standard and 20-inch optional. Both models contained front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and a navigation system. Standard on the Supercharged model and available for the HSE were wood interior trim, heated seats, and Land Rover's Dynamic Response suspension system, designed to counteract body lean in turns. Satellite radio, wireless cell phone link capability, and rear DVD entertainment were options. Adaptive cruise control was available for the Supercharged edition.
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