2011 RANGE ROVER SPORT MODELS GAIN AUDIO, LUXURY AND TECHNOLOGY FEATURES
09/20/2010
Land Rover
The Range Rover Sport models enter the 2011 model year with a solid round of refinements, following a transformational 2010 model year that imbued these performance-focused luxury SUVs with all-new powertrains, a more luxurious interior and enhanced chassis control technology.
In addition, a 2011 Range Rover Sport GT Limited Edition is available, combining the performance of the naturally aspirated 375-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 with a similar styling presence to the Range Rover Sport Autobiography, along with additional features. The Autobiography, which was introduced for 2010 as a limited edition, becomes an option package for 2011.
The 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE has a base MSRP of $60,495 (includes $850 destination and delivery charge) and is again available with the HSE LUX upgrade packages. The Range Rover Sport Supercharged returns with its formidable 510-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, at an MSRP of $75,395. New and reconfigured option packages enhance luxury and value.
New for 2011 highlights:
- Standard Extended Leather Package and contrast stitching on seats, center console and door panels on HSE LUX and Supercharged trim levels.
- New Vision Assist Package includes:; Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS; swiveling headlights); Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA), and a Surround Camera System.
- Standard audio system now comprises 240-watt harman/kardon(R) electronics and amplifiers and 9 speakers (including subwoofer).
- Optional Premium Audio includes 480-watt harman/kardon digital surround sound; 13 speakers plus subwoofer; HD radio, and satellite radio (satellite radio standard on Supercharged model).
- New paint colors: Fuji White, Baltic Blue and Siberian Silver.
Two performance levels
The Range Rover Sport offers the choice of two power levels: the standard 5.0-liter LR-V8 with direct fuel injection and torque-activated Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) produces 375 hp and 375 lb.-ft. peak torque and meets the stringent ULEV2 (ultra low emissions vehicle) regulations. The LR-V8, which was new for 2010, is teamed to a 6-speed adaptive automatic transmission with CommandShift(TM) featuring Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes.
The Range Rover Sport can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 7.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds). The transmission sends power to all four wheels through an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case with shift-on-the-move capability.
The Range Rover Sport Supercharged is powered by the same 510-horsepower version of the LR-V8 as the Range Rover Supercharged. The 5.0-liter direct-injection engine is fortified with an Eaton(TM) twin-vortex supercharger and dual intercoolers, all of which are packaged within the engine's V for a low overall engine height. The engine produces 461 lb.-ft. of peak torque from 2,500-5,500 rpm, enabling the Range Rover Sport Supercharged to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. In the Supercharged model, the driver can shift gears manually with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters.
Even with its road-focused performance credentials, the Range Rover Sport is engineered for off-road travel. The LR-V8 has a deep, pressure die-cast oil pan to accommodate extreme tilting angles. Belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor. With the use of 5W-20 semi-synthetic oil, normal service intervals are extended to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
"Sport" throughout
The Range Rover Sport chassis received a thorough upgrade last year, the Supercharged model also gaining the Adaptive Dynamics System. With Adaptive Dynamics, precision DampTronic Valve Technology(TM) damper units replace conventional dampers (shock absorbers). These monitor vehicle conditions up to 500 times per second, optimizing the vehicle's body and ride control in response to the driving style and terrain conditions, in both on and off-road situations. The Range Rover Sport Supercharged model is also equipped with larger, more powerful brakes, featuring high performance 6-piston front calipers.
Advanced dynamic control
Dynamic Stability Control in the Range Rover Sport models is designed to help automatically slow the vehicle if taking a corner too fast. In extreme cases, automatic braking intervenes to help reduce the vehicle speed, with braking pressure level applied according to steering inputs. This feature is complemented by the Roll Stability Control system, which intervenes with selective braking action on individual wheels if the onset of a rollover is detected.
The Adaptive Cruise Control option for the Supercharged model also includes Collision Mitigation by Braking. Working in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control's radar, the system primes the vehicle's braking system and can even initiate braking in extreme circumstances if a collision is judged possible.
Terrain Response(TM)
As in all Land Rover and Range Rover models, Terrain Response optimizes the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations. In the standard Range Rover Sport model, there are five driver-selectable settings to suit different conditions: General Driving; Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand; Mud and Ruts, and Rock Crawl. In the Supercharged model, Terrain Response also includes a Dynamic Mode, which tailors the vehicle's chassis and powertrain settings to deliver a more sporting and responsive on-road driving experience.
Premium interior environment
The Range Rover Sport design theme emphasizes its position as the most dynamic model in the Land Rover range. Signature LED headlamps provide a technical focal point and feature Range Rover inspired interlocking circle lamps.
The interior, with its cockpit feel and soft-touch finishes, reflects the brand's standards of quality and craftsmanship. Leather is used extensively on major surfaces, in a wide choice of colors. Rich dark shades border narrow sections in lighter tones, and the effect is completed by a generous selection of fine wood finishes. The soft-touch dash can be wrapped in stitched, premium-grade European leather.
Front and rear seats feature a deep, sculpted shape. Electrically adjustable side bolsters are available on the front seats. Ambient lighting adds to the premium feel of the cabin, with white LEDs that cast subtle halos around interior door handles and pockets, as well as on the dash and center console area.
Infotainment systems and displays
As standard, a 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information LCD screen within the instrument cluster displays key information in a clean, simple and user-friendly manner. A hard-drive navigation system, part of the HSE and HSE LUX packages, provides fast route calculation.
Part of the available Vision Assist Package, five digital cameras make up the Surround Camera System, relaying to the touch-screen a near 360-degree view from the vehicle. The cameras, which support easier parking, towing and off-road maneuvering, function immediately as the vehicle is started, and have options for selecting and zooming in to assist with close quarter parking and with towing.