Spicing up a trip to the country club
By Thom Blackett
|
August 23, 2005
Overview
Mention the Land Rover Range Rover, and anyone familiar with automobiles will understand that you refer to one of the world’s most capable four-wheel drive vehicles. However, the paved roads leading to muddy and rock-strewn trails expose the Range Rover as a mere mid-pack contender in terms of on-road handling. That was until the release of the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.As the Sport moniker suggests, this new version of Land Rover’s patriarch is designed to add some fun to the daily drive, while maintaining the Range Rover’s king-of-the-hill ranking among off-road vehicles. Serving to boost the fun quotient are the Sport’s overall smaller dimensions, revised suspension, and two potent V8 engines.
Pricing
When compared to its bigger brother, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover, the Sport model is smaller in size and price. The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE sells for $56,750, while the Supercharged model goes for $69,750. Prices include a $665 destination charge.
Buyers of the slightly larger and more luxurious Range Rover will need to shell out an extra $20,000.
Dimensions
The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s wheelbase is 5.3 inches shorter than that of the regular Range Rover. Two fewer inches of ground clearance improve the Sport’s handling, as do the 3.5 fewer inches of overall height. Width is down just over an inch compared to the regular Range Rover, and body length has shrunk by about seven inches.
Suspension
More like a sports car than a sport utility vehicle, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport features a fully-independent, double-wishbone suspension system that is designed to provide impressive on-road handling matched with off-road flexibility.
Air Springs
Air springs are included in the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s suspension. Complemented by monotube shocks, the springs automatically become firmer in corners and at high speeds, and soften at slow speeds or over rough surfaces. This system also allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s height.
4WD System
Featured on every 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport model is a full-time four-wheel-drive system with an active center differential. During routine driving, power is distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels, and is automatically redistributed as necessary. A locking rear differential is optional.
Transfer Case
Standard on every 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport model is a two-speed transfer case, featuring high and low gears. Switching gears can be done while the vehicle is moving, and is accomplished with an electric switch located on the center console.
Transmission
Whether you choose the HSE or Supercharged model, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport that ends up in your driveway will have a six-speed, adaptive automatic transmission. Land Rover’s CommandShift manually interactive feature is standard and has been specially tuned for this application, helping to provide a bit more driving excitement to the Sport. There is also a sport mode that increases performance by holding lower gears longer.
HSE Engine
Motivating the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE is a 4.4-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam V8 engine. Power is rated at 300 horsepower, available at 5,500 rpm; 315 lb.-ft. of torque peaks at 4,000 rpm.
Supercharged Engine
Skip over the already impressive power of the HSE model, and the Supercharged model will reward you with an extra 90 horsepower and 95 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged houses a 4.2-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam V8 engine. A total of 390 supercharged horsepower is available at 5,750 rpm and 410 lb.-ft. of torque is unleashed at 3,500 rpm.
Performance
Billed as the fastest Land Rover ever built, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged accelerates from zero to sixty miles-per-hour in 7.2 seconds, and reaches a maximum velocity of 140 miles-per-hour.
With 90 fewer horses, the HSE model takes an extra second (8.2) to reach sixty miles-per-hour, and taps out at 130 miles-per-hour.
MPG
Land Rover estimates that the 2006 Range Rover Sport HSE will return 18.5 mpg in mixed city and highway driving, while the Supercharged model will achieve 17.5 mpg in mixed driving.
Dynamic Response
Optional on the HSE model and standard on the Supercharged model is Land Rover’s Dynamic Response stability control system. When cornering, hydraulic motors stiffen the stabilizer bars in response to body lean, allowing for more stable and sportier handling. The system is also effective at providing a relatively compliant ride over irregular surfaces.
Safety
When developing this new model, Land Rover engineers focused on the safety of Sport occupants as well as others. Inside, front dual, front dual side, and side curtain airbags are standard on every 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport model. Outside, bumpers are mounted low to correspond more closely with those of smaller cars, serving to even the odds for passengers of those relatively diminutive vehicles.
Exterior
Besides its more athletic underpinnings, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport wears a design that differs slightly from its big brother, the Range Rover. The Sport has a less boxy shape, due in part to the steeper rake of the front and rear windows and the diminished greenhouse. Both front fenders include unique side vents, and the sloping rear roofline is accented by a body-color spoiler. One of those side vents allows hot air to escape the engine compartment, while the other is an air intake point for the engine.
Brakes
Charged with stopping the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover HSE are 337-mm ventilated front and 350-mm ventilated rear disc brakes. Move up to the Supercharged model for Brembo calipers. Ventilated discs increase to 360-mm in the front and the rears equal the HSE’s 350-mm. Also standard are antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, and traction control.
Off-Road
To merit wearing the family badge, the 2006 Range Rover Sport, and every other Land Rover vehicle, must pass strict off-road tests. All models must ford water 700-mm deep, travel up and down a 45-degree hill, and traverse a 35-degree gradient.
Range Stormer
Initially introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as the Range Stormer concept, the production Land Rover Range Rover Sport is available for the 2006 model year in both HSE and Supercharged trims. From the outside, the Supercharged model is distinguished by a bright grille, integrated front fender vents, 20-inch alloy wheels, black and silver badges, and dual stainless steel exhaust.
Materials
With both high integral strength and a low curb weight in mind, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is comprised of steel, aluminum, and magnesium. The doors, front fenders, and A- and B-pillars are made of steel, while the roof panel is formed from aluminum. Magnesium alloy has been used in creating the front substructure.
Adaptive Cruise
A radar-based adaptive cruise control system is optional on the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. When activated, this technology allows the Range Rover Sport to travel at a set speed and maintain a safe and specific distance from the vehicle ahead.
Cargo
Designers have made it easy to access the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s 71 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The tailgate can be opened as one unit, or the rear window can be flipped up for quick access. A split rear bench seat flips and folds forward to expand the rear storage area.
Wheels
Housed in the wheel wells of the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE are 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P255/55R19 tires. Supercharged models wear P275/40R20 tires fitted to 20-inch alloy wheels.
Features
Among the many luxury features on the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport are leather seats, navigation system, power sunroof, 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system with 550 watts, six-disc CD changer, and dual zone climate control. Voice-activated navigation and audio controls are also available, as is a rear DVD entertainment system.
Terrain Response
Featured on the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a Terrain Response system, first introduced on the Land Rover LR3 model. With five unique settings and integrated with the Sport’s multiple electronic and traction systems, Terrain Response ensures that the vehicle responds properly to a variety of climatic situations.
The five settings are designed for: general driving; grass, gravel, or snow; mud and ruts; sand; and rock crawling.
Steering
Overall handling of the Range Rover Sport benefits from a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system. By varying the amount of assist, engineers were able to make the Sport feel nimble around town, while providing a firm and tight feel at higher speeds. The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle, placement that is designed to improve crash performance.
When compared to its bigger brother, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover, the Sport model is smaller in size and price. The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE sells for $56,750, while the Supercharged model goes for $69,750. Prices include a $665 destination charge.
Buyers of the slightly larger and more luxurious Range Rover will need to shell out an extra $20,000.
Dimensions
The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s wheelbase is 5.3 inches shorter than that of the regular Range Rover. Two fewer inches of ground clearance improve the Sport’s handling, as do the 3.5 fewer inches of overall height. Width is down just over an inch compared to the regular Range Rover, and body length has shrunk by about seven inches.
Suspension
More like a sports car than a sport utility vehicle, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport features a fully-independent, double-wishbone suspension system that is designed to provide impressive on-road handling matched with off-road flexibility.
Air Springs
Air springs are included in the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s suspension. Complemented by monotube shocks, the springs automatically become firmer in corners and at high speeds, and soften at slow speeds or over rough surfaces. This system also allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s height.
4WD System
Featured on every 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport model is a full-time four-wheel-drive system with an active center differential. During routine driving, power is distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels, and is automatically redistributed as necessary. A locking rear differential is optional.
Transfer Case
Standard on every 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport model is a two-speed transfer case, featuring high and low gears. Switching gears can be done while the vehicle is moving, and is accomplished with an electric switch located on the center console.
Transmission
Whether you choose the HSE or Supercharged model, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport that ends up in your driveway will have a six-speed, adaptive automatic transmission. Land Rover’s CommandShift manually interactive feature is standard and has been specially tuned for this application, helping to provide a bit more driving excitement to the Sport. There is also a sport mode that increases performance by holding lower gears longer.
HSE Engine
Motivating the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE is a 4.4-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam V8 engine. Power is rated at 300 horsepower, available at 5,500 rpm; 315 lb.-ft. of torque peaks at 4,000 rpm.
Supercharged Engine
Skip over the already impressive power of the HSE model, and the Supercharged model will reward you with an extra 90 horsepower and 95 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged houses a 4.2-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam V8 engine. A total of 390 supercharged horsepower is available at 5,750 rpm and 410 lb.-ft. of torque is unleashed at 3,500 rpm.
Performance
Billed as the fastest Land Rover ever built, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged accelerates from zero to sixty miles-per-hour in 7.2 seconds, and reaches a maximum velocity of 140 miles-per-hour.
With 90 fewer horses, the HSE model takes an extra second (8.2) to reach sixty miles-per-hour, and taps out at 130 miles-per-hour.
MPG
Land Rover estimates that the 2006 Range Rover Sport HSE will return 18.5 mpg in mixed city and highway driving, while the Supercharged model will achieve 17.5 mpg in mixed driving.
Dynamic Response
Optional on the HSE model and standard on the Supercharged model is Land Rover’s Dynamic Response stability control system. When cornering, hydraulic motors stiffen the stabilizer bars in response to body lean, allowing for more stable and sportier handling. The system is also effective at providing a relatively compliant ride over irregular surfaces.
Safety
When developing this new model, Land Rover engineers focused on the safety of Sport occupants as well as others. Inside, front dual, front dual side, and side curtain airbags are standard on every 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport model. Outside, bumpers are mounted low to correspond more closely with those of smaller cars, serving to even the odds for passengers of those relatively diminutive vehicles.
Exterior
Besides its more athletic underpinnings, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport wears a design that differs slightly from its big brother, the Range Rover. The Sport has a less boxy shape, due in part to the steeper rake of the front and rear windows and the diminished greenhouse. Both front fenders include unique side vents, and the sloping rear roofline is accented by a body-color spoiler. One of those side vents allows hot air to escape the engine compartment, while the other is an air intake point for the engine.
Brakes
Charged with stopping the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover HSE are 337-mm ventilated front and 350-mm ventilated rear disc brakes. Move up to the Supercharged model for Brembo calipers. Ventilated discs increase to 360-mm in the front and the rears equal the HSE’s 350-mm. Also standard are antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, and traction control.
Off-Road
To merit wearing the family badge, the 2006 Range Rover Sport, and every other Land Rover vehicle, must pass strict off-road tests. All models must ford water 700-mm deep, travel up and down a 45-degree hill, and traverse a 35-degree gradient.
Range Stormer
Initially introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as the Range Stormer concept, the production Land Rover Range Rover Sport is available for the 2006 model year in both HSE and Supercharged trims. From the outside, the Supercharged model is distinguished by a bright grille, integrated front fender vents, 20-inch alloy wheels, black and silver badges, and dual stainless steel exhaust.
Materials
With both high integral strength and a low curb weight in mind, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is comprised of steel, aluminum, and magnesium. The doors, front fenders, and A- and B-pillars are made of steel, while the roof panel is formed from aluminum. Magnesium alloy has been used in creating the front substructure.
Adaptive Cruise
A radar-based adaptive cruise control system is optional on the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. When activated, this technology allows the Range Rover Sport to travel at a set speed and maintain a safe and specific distance from the vehicle ahead.
Cargo
Designers have made it easy to access the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s 71 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The tailgate can be opened as one unit, or the rear window can be flipped up for quick access. A split rear bench seat flips and folds forward to expand the rear storage area.
Wheels
Housed in the wheel wells of the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE are 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P255/55R19 tires. Supercharged models wear P275/40R20 tires fitted to 20-inch alloy wheels.
Features
Among the many luxury features on the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport are leather seats, navigation system, power sunroof, 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system with 550 watts, six-disc CD changer, and dual zone climate control. Voice-activated navigation and audio controls are also available, as is a rear DVD entertainment system.
Terrain Response
Featured on the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a Terrain Response system, first introduced on the Land Rover LR3 model. With five unique settings and integrated with the Sport’s multiple electronic and traction systems, Terrain Response ensures that the vehicle responds properly to a variety of climatic situations.
The five settings are designed for: general driving; grass, gravel, or snow; mud and ruts; sand; and rock crawling.
Steering
Overall handling of the Range Rover Sport benefits from a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system. By varying the amount of assist, engineers were able to make the Sport feel nimble around town, while providing a firm and tight feel at higher speeds. The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle, placement that is designed to improve crash performance.
Photos courtesy of Land Rover