New Land Rover range
Land Rover takes new Range Rover, RR Sport and Discovery SUVs to New York show
Fresh versions of the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery made their world debuts at the New York Motor Show – and they all benefit from more luxurious cabins and new engines.
Confirming its place at the top of the pile is the Range Rover. A remoulded bumper, repositioned foglamps and more compact grille give the front a cleaner, more contemporary look, while light clusters front and rear are now lit up with LEDs.
Power comes from supercharged versions of Jaguar Land Rover’s all-new 5-litre V8 powerplant, delivering an ample 503bhp. Diesel fans can still order the 268bhp TDV8.
Inside, luxury-grade leather can be specified on the pillars and headlining for an extra £2500 – which leaves every inch of the cabin covered in hide. An all-new 12-inch TFT screen replaces the traditional analogue dials, so the speedo and odometer are displayed in hi-res graphics instead.
The real headline grabber in the Range Rover, though, is the world’s first dual-view screen. Derived from 3D TV, it allows the driver to view satellite navigation directions from one angle, while the front seat passenger watches a film on the same display.
For the Range Rover Sport, focus was on improving the driving experience. New Bilstein adaptive dampers are fitted, as is speed-sensitive steering. Plus, the Terrain Response system has been tweaked to include a Dynamic mode, giving quicker gearshifts.
Engine choices include the same naturally aspirated and supercharged 5-litre V8s as the RR, as well as the V6 twin-turbo diesel from the new Jaguar XF S. A more simple twin-bar hexagonal grille and new LED lights set the Range Rover Sport apart on the outside, while touchscreens give the cabin a less cluttered layout.
The Discovery gets a matching hexagonal grille, body-coloured arches and optional 20-inch alloys, plus better materials and a more minimalist design inside. Sales of the new models are set to start later this year, with subtle prices rises likely.
