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5.0 LR-V8 Supercharged and 5.0 LR-V8 Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engines

Land Rover's remarkable 5.0 LR-V8 petrol engines continue to head the Range Rover Sport powertrain range in 2012. With the supercharged version developing 510 hp and 461 lb-ft (625 Nm) torque and the naturally aspirated version, 375 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) torque, they set new standards in petrol engine design when first introduced, packed as they are with innovation design features aimed at boosting both performance and economy. Despite the supreme levels of power and torque, the 5.0 LR-V8 naturally aspirated meets both the European EU5 and ULEV 2 emissions standards and has CO2 emissions of 327 g/km. The 5.0 LR-V8 supercharged is just as efficient with CO2 emissions of only 348 g/km.

On the supercharged engine, a sixth-generation, twin-vortex system (TVS) supercharger feeds air through twin intercoolers, water-cooled by their own discrete cooling circuit. The high-helix rotor design improves the supercharger's thermodynamic efficiency and does away with traditional supercharger whine, making it almost inaudible. Air is delivered through twin air boxes, which reduce flow loss and are highly efficient. Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are neatly packaged in the V of the engine, helping reduce engine height.

More Efficient Diesels for 2012

The exceptional 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines in the iconic Range Rover Sport (not available in North America) now offer even greater efficiencies, with reduced CO2, improved fuel economy and an increase in power for 2012. The output of the more powerful 245 hp engine has been increased to 256 hp with CO2 emissions reduced from 243 g/km to 230 g/km; whilst CO2 emissions for the entry level 211 hp engine have been substantially reduced from 243 g/km to 224 g/km, thanks to a low-flow fuel injection system.

These improvements are partly due to the introduction of the new, highly-efficient, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox, combining smooth shifting and improved fuel economy. In conjunction with the new 8-speed gearbox, the Range Rover Sport comes equipped with the rotary gear shift selector and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift.

The awe-inspiring 5.0 LR-V8 Supercharged remains unchanged for 2012, continuing to offer supreme power and sublime refinement.

All EU5 models are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) making them among the cleanest diesel engines on the market.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Both petrol engines are equipped with the ultra-refined ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission for 2012. Its characteristics have been optimized by Land Rover engineers to provide the same class-leading response and rapid, refined shifts on all engines. Their superior power and torque characteristics make it possible to actuate the transmission's lock-up clutches much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, optimizing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Advanced Chassis, Brakes and Suspension

As standard on the Range Rover Sport 5.0 LR-V8 supercharged petrol and as an option on the 256PS 3.0 LR-TDV6 only, an Adaptive Dynamics system is available which operates in conjunction with the existing Dynamic Response system. With Adaptive Dynamics, DampTronic Valve Technology replaces conventional dampers and monitors damper pressure 500 times a second, continuously adapting to surface conditions and driving style thanks to an active valve technology. The chassis is complemented by high performance braking systems which include four-piston opposed calliper front disc brakes on the diesel models and lightweight aluminum, six-piston Brembo calipers for the supercharged models. A variable ratio steering rack improves stability in high speed cruising and increases driver involvement on twisting roads. The high performance character of the Range Rover Sport chassis is further emphasized by the Roll Stability Control system which responds to steering inputs from the driver and intervenes by braking individual wheels if the possibility of a rollover is detected.

Off-Road Ability

When it comes to off-road ability, Land Rover vehicles are acknowledged as setting the standards for others to follow. In 2011, two additional functions were added, Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

Hill Start Assist retains the initial driver-generated brake pressure, long enough for the foot to move from brake pedal to throttle without the car rolling backwards. The brake is released after a sufficient time has elapsed or when the engine is supplying enough torque to move the car up the hill. Hill Start Assist is always available, not selectable, and neither is its operation indicated to the driver.

Gradient Acceleration Control is designed to provide safety cover on severe gradients when the driver does not have Hill Descent Control engaged. By pressurizing the brake system, Gradient Acceleration Control slows the car to a limit determined by the throttle position when the car is descending the slope in the driver's intended direction of travel. This includes descending the slope forwards in drive, or rearwards in reverse. Otherwise (such as descending while facing up the gradient with Drive selected) Gradient Acceleration Control restricts speed to 3 mph for up to 20 seconds, allowing the driver to regain proper control. "These new features enhance the outstanding ability of the Range Rover Sport off-road while continuing to deliver an intoxicating driving experience on-road. They also deliver an added layer of safety and support to drivers who want to discover what their vehicle is really capable of," said Nick Veale, Vehicle Engineering Manager.

Powered Tailgate

A new powered tailgate has been introduced for the majority of markets across the range for 2012. Operated by the button located on the fascia, the key fob or tailgate, the lift height can now be set by simply holding the tailgate at the desired height and pressing the tailgate button for 10 seconds. The height can be overridden to accommodate other drivers, providing effortless use and greater convenience to the user.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications