Thursday, August 29, 2013
2006 Range Rover Sport Review
LAND ROVER’S SPORTS TOURER DEBUTS WITH GROUNDBREAKING SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGYLand Rover enters 2006 with the all-new Range Rover Sport, a high-performance SUV with dynamic ability and exceptional comfort. Designed for fast, long distance driving, Range Rover Sport is Land Rover’s first entry into the highly competitive performance SUV market.
The interior design and components come mostly from the LR3-and the Ford parts bin. But instead of the traditionally blocky SUV architecture, the Range Rover Sport features a wraparound cockpit that envelops the driver in a well-appointed ergonomic cocoon without inducing claustrophobia. And while Land Rover maintained its so-called command-position drivers seat, its noticeably lower and offers more lateral support than the wide-body high-altitude numbers found in most sport-utes.
HIGHLIGHT
#Supercharged 4.2-liter 390 bhp V8 engine or naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8 with 300 bhp
#Dynamic Response suspension system ensures flat cornering, improved handling and excellent control (standard on supercharged model)
#Terrain Response™ system aids in class-leading off-road capability
#Available adaptive cruise control on supercharged model
#Six-speed automatic gearbox with Commandshift™ and adaptive mapping
#Bi-Xenon and available adaptive front lighting
#Four-corner independent, height-adjustable electronic air suspension
#Four-piston Brembo® front brakes in supercharged model
A true performance vehicle, Range Rover Sport features a powerful V8 engine, inspiring and sophisticated on-road capability and the first application of Land Rover’s Dynamic Response system.
The supercharged models, in addition to the 4.2-liter V8 390 bhp engine, receive unique seating surfaces, chrome exhaust extensions, Dynamic Response, Brembo® front brakes, adaptive front lighting, cooler box, the cold climate package, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and black-on-silver badging.
BODY/CHASSIS CONSTRUCTION
Land Rover’s innovative new Integrated Body-frame™ platform architecture matches the strength of a ladder-frame with the lightness and rigidity of a monocoque, delivering the best of both approaches. Range Rover Sport uses strong boron steel for the A- and B- pillars, and aluminum for large panels. Its single-piece tailgate design allows for a more rounded vehicle shape and makes it one of the most aerodynamic SUVs on the market. Key chassis features include:
#Isolated monocoque body – part of the Land Rover developed Integrated Body-frame™ architecture
#Advanced use of latest hydroforming technology using boron steel and advanced high-strength steels
#108-inch wheelbase
#Lightweight magnesium alloy in front structure and front crash crumple zone
#Single tailgate with separate lifting glass
#Treated steel panels to prevent electrolytic interaction with adjoining steel components
POWERTRAIN
NATURALLY ASPIRATED
#4.4-liter, alloy V8 develops 300 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
#Electronic throttle controlled variable camshaft phasing
SUPERCHARGED
#4.2-liter, alloy V8 develops 390 bhp at 5,750 rpm and 410 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm
Range Rover Sport delivers inspiring and refined performance on all surfaces, and as expected from a Land Rover, is supremely capable off-road. The HSE model is equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8 engine, while the supercharged model has a powerful 4.2-liter V8. Each has been extensively proven in a variety of climates, surfaces and extreme temperatures. All models come standard with Land Rover’s Terrain Response™ system and a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with CommandShift™. Key powertrain features include:
#Aluminum V8
#Redesigned oil pump and improved oil sealing for wading
#Terrain Response™ dynamic systems control
#Electronically controlled locking center differential
#Optional electronically locking rear axle differential
Six-speed automatic gearbox with CommandShift™ and adaptive mapping
SUSPENSION, WHEELS & TIRES The supercharged models are fitted with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, while the HSE models come standard with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
NATURALLY ASPIRATED
#9 x 9-inch alloy wheels standard
#255/50R19 tires
SUPERCHARGED
#20 x 9.5-inch alloy wheels standard
#275/40R20 tires
Both on- and off-road capability is enhanced with agile, electronically controlled airspring suspension, and Land Rover’s newest technology, Dynamic Response. Standard on the supercharged model, this computer-controlled active anti-roll system senses cornering forces, and acts to optimize body control and handling. This technology is one of the key reasons why Range Rover Sport has the agility and handling of a much smaller, sporty vehicle. It also decouples off-road to allow greater wheel articulation during tough, all-terrain driving. Key suspension features include:
#Available Dynamic Response system
#Electronic air suspension with automatic load-leveling and multiple modes: access, standard and off-road
#Height adjustable, cross-linked air suspension for improved off-road performance and wheel articulation
#Four-wheel independent, double wishbones front and rear
Monotube dampers
#ZF Servotronic rack-and-pinion
#Speed sensitive/variable ratio steering
SAFETY & SECURITY
Range Rover Sport’s electronic stability controls, powerful brakes and class-leading traction aid in the safety of the vehicle’s occupants. Additionally, the Integrated Body-frame™ improves vehicle safety with its strength, lightness and rigidity. The hydroformed side members give exceptional side impact protection and buckle points control the vehicle’s collapse in an accident, as it crumples, taking energy away from the occupants.
In the event of a crash, an automatic protection sequence takes place. This includes instant shut-down of the engine and fuel system, and operation of the hazard warning system. All the interior lights are activated and all doors are automatically unlocked. Central locking features and a security system maintain the security of the vehicle. Key safety and security features include:
#Rigid steel safety-cage construction
#Command driving position for optimal visibility
#Frontal structure designed to minimize the effect of a collision with a smaller vehicle
#Static glass is bonded for additional structural rigidity
#Latest generation Bosch four channel-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS)
#Four-piston Brembo® front brakes in supercharged model
#Electronically set parking brake using drum incorporated into rear rotor
#Electronic brake assist (EBA) for extra boost in an emergency stop
#Active roll mitigation (ARM) predicts unbalanced weight and stabilizes vehicle
#Dynamic stability control (DSC) to maintain directional control
#Hill descent control (HDC) for slow, sure movement down steep inclines
#Terrain Response™ matches vehicle dynamic systems to terrain
#Four-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC)
#Electronic brake force distribution (EBFD)
#Six airbags - Side impact protection from seat-mounted thorax airbags for the front seat and #side curtain airbags running the length of the passenger compartment
#Automatic protection sequence takes place in the event of a crash
#Shutdown of engine and fuel system
#Activates hazard warning system and all interior lights
#Doors automatically unlock
#Mid-mounted fuel tank with anti-burst construction
#LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tether for Children) system for child seat attachment
#Bi-Xenon and available adaptive front lighting that swivels headlights to track vehicle direction
#Front and rear fog lamps
#Vehicle security system with engine immobilization feature
#Keyless entry. Central locking of all doors
#Child locks for rear doors
#Deep-tinted glass
AUDIO & NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
A comprehensive in-car entertainment and information system with harman/kardon® LOGIC7™ technology is standard in all models. The system uses 13 speakers and is powered by a 12-channel digitally controlled amplifier. Each channel produces 50 watts to create a ‘surround-sound’ effect within the vehicle. Satellite DVD-based navigation includes the latest-generation of off-road navigation. The screen also displays information from the Terrain Response™ system. Key audio and navigation features include:
#Premium 550-watt harman/kardon® LOGIC7™ digital surround-sound AM/FM-stereo audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 13 speakers
#Auxiliary audio inputs
#Steering wheel-mounted audio controls for volume, station and track selection
#Available satellite digital audio receiver system (SDARS) offering SIRIUS satellite radio
#DVD-based GPS navigation with off-road interface, and coordinate settings
#Voice recognition for navigation and audio controls
#Touch screen 7-inch LCD dash mounted screen
#The screen also has a 4x4 interface showing the settings of the Terrain Response? system #including gear, range and front wheel position
#Available DVD-based Rear Seat Entertainment package with two integrated front headrest displays, six-disc DVD changer, touchscreen interface and remote control
COMFORT & CONVENIENCEA
comfortable interior with a ‘driver-biased’ sports cockpit, the Range Rover Sport offers spacious seating for five people and incorporates premium materials throughout. Key comfort and convenience features include:
#Reclining, ergonomically designed, eight-way power-adjustable front bucket driver seats
#Dual-zone automatic, independent climate control system with CFC-free air conditioning
#Seats have high bolsters for lateral support and maximum grip
#Two-level cushion heating in front and rear seating
#Elemental center console ensuring proximity of controls to driver
#Front and rear park distance control
#Sunroof
#Available personal telephone integration system featuring Bluetooth? technology
#Power windows with back-lit controls
#Rear-window wiper and washer
#Power-adjustable, heated exterior mirrors
#Available adaptive cruise control on supercharged models with forward alert
#Programmable key fob, giving remote control over functions such as air suspension
PRICING
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HSE model is $56,750. The supercharged model retails for $69,750. Prices include a $665 destination and delivery charge.
WARRANTY & SERVICE All
2006 model year Land Rovers come with a new-vehicle limited warranty. Key warranty features include:
#Four-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance during warranty coverage on all 2006 model year Land Rovers
#Six-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation limited warranty
Land Rover Roadside Assistance provided for the duration of the new-vehicle limited warranty
source : media.ford.com