2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport at 2009 New York Auto Show
- Competes with: Infiniti FX50, BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne
- Looks like: A Range Rover Sport with eyes for the SEMA show
- Drivetrain: 375-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 or 510-hp, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic; four-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: October 2009
The restyled Range Rover Sport gets a big power bump for the 2010 model year thanks to a new supercharged V-8 engine that makes 510 hp. There’s a new base V-8 that makes 375 hp, too. Subtle front and rear styling changes and a revised interior are also part of the package. Pricing information has not been announced.
It seems like more and more SUVs are pushing past the 500-hp mark, what with the introduction of the new BMX X5 M and X6 M, and now the Range Rover Sport joins the club. It’s a little mind-boggling to see this kind of power offered in an SUV, but the Land Rover’s supercharged powertrain motivates it from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Supercharged models also include paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The Adaptive Dynamics suspension system is newly available for the Range Rover Sport. It automatically adjusts the SUV’s dampers based on driving conditions, and it works whether the Range Rover Sport is on pavement or off-road.
Exterior styling revisions include a restyled front grille that features a new version of the horizontal-bar theme seen on the previous model. The grille is now surrounded in gray cladding, and there are new headlights with circular accent illumination that mimics BMW’s. Around back, the taillights sport a different lens treatment. Nineteen- and 20-inch wheels are available.
Interior changes give the Range Rover Sport a more polished, upscale look. There are fewer buttons in the center control panel that lend this area of the cabin a cleaner appearance, and Land Rover says higher-quality materials are now present. The front seat and backseat are new, and the interior gains LED ambient lighting.
