The Range Rover Sport has become something of an unlikely hero. While the Range Rover has managed to cement its position among the mink and manure set, it’s Sport-badged sibling bridges the gap between sophisticate and urban cool.

By Hailey Philander


The Range Rover Sport has become something of an unlikely hero. While the Range Rover has managed to cement its position among the mink and manure set, its Sport-badged sibling bridges the gap between sophisticate and urban cool.

The offshoot was initially launched with two V8 engine derivatives - the 4,2-litre supercharged engine delivering 287 kW at 5 700 r/min and peak torque of 550 N.m at 3 500 r/min, and a normally aspirated 4,4-litre producing 220 kW and 425 N.m at 5 500 and 4 000 r/min respectively.

A late, but very welcome, addition to the Sport range is the TDV8, which was developed specially for the Range Rover and its more athletic sibling. And what an addition it is...

Land Rover claims its diesel V8's 3 630 cm3 capacity should be good for 200 kW at 4 000 r/min and 640 N.m of torque from 2 000 r/min. Those outputs should allow the Range Sport TDV8 to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9,2 seconds and record a top speed of 209 km/h. Such claimed figures are rather impressive, especially if one considers that this machinery tips the scales at well over two tonne - a lot of metal for one turbodiesel V8 to cart about.

Not that the absence of a turbodiesel option has detracted from the Range Rover Sport's appeal - Land Rover has battled to meet consumer demand for its super SUV since its launch date. What the TDV8 does do with tremendous success, however, is increase the range's fun factor with gusto.

Physically, there's really nothing to set the turbodielsel apart from its petrol-engined siblings apart from the donning of the traditional green and yellow badge on the front grille (petrol-engined models have grilles bearing a black and silver logo). However, one would assume that with a physical presence as imposing as the Sport, adding another engine would really not require too much in the way of extra hardware.

It's the TDV8 that does all the talking here and it doesn't take much to get it going. Playing with the throttle prompts this big machine to unleash one of the most spine-tingling V8 howls around. It takes everything you associate with big V8s and slashes it to ribbons without breaking so much as a sweat, and its standard-issue six-speed automatic transmission doesn’t skip a beat.

Most unlike any turbodiesel I've ever sampled, this engine is tireless in its determination to annihilate blacktop with its savagery. But being a Range Rover Sport, it's also very adept off road.

Equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system, this machine excels in most terrains. Whether on a fast gravel track, a muddy and rutted field, wading across a river or crawling up a wall of rocks, Land Rover's Terrain Response system adapts the Sport's throttle and suspension settings to suit the environment.

All the trappings that regularly feature on the Range Rover specification list are included. These include independent double wishbone air suspension, Dynamic Response system that monitors cornering forces, four piston Brembo front calipers and a choice of either 19- or 20-inch alloy rims. Inside the cabin, metal finishes and revised instrument graphics help to spruce things up.

The turbodiesel will be available in South Africa from March.


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Original article from Car