2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review

Overview

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV engineered for those who take their driving seriously and want a smaller, sportier driving companion with urban styling. The sports luxury SUV for the model year 2012 is all freshened up.

Power and performance

Like the regular Range Rover, the Sport comes with 5.0L direct-inject V8s in either naturally aspirated (NA) or supercharged versions plus a six-speed automatic transmission. The NA pumps out 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque while the supercharged makes 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. These engines provide greater performance with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The Terrain Response system now features the dynamic setting which has been designed for "sporting on-road driving". The LR-V8, introduced last year, has been teamed with a 6-speed adaptive automatic transmission with CommandShift featuring Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes.

Body and styling

For 2012, it comes with standard Extended Leather Package and contrast stitching on seats, center console and door panels on HSE LUX and Supercharged trim levels. The new Vision Assist Package includes Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS; swiveling headlights); Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA) and a Surround Camera System. The standard audio system now consists of 240-watt harman/kardon electronics and amplifiers and 9 speakers (including subwoofer). The 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). There are three new paint colors - Fuji White, Baltic Blue and Siberian Silver. The 2012 Range Rover Sport lineup gets a GT Limited Edition which blends 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, introduced last year as a limited edition, is an optional package for this year.

Safety Features

The Range Rover Sport now offers a sophisticated new remote key which offers both Keyless Entry and Push Button Start. A new Surround Camera System supports easier parking and towing. Four-wheel antilock brakes, airbags, child safety seats, traction and stability control are standard.