2009 New York International Auto Show: 510hp 2010 Range Rover Sport

Turtle necks! For some odd reason every time I see a Land Rover Range Rover I see someone with a turtle neck shirt or sweater driving it. Maybe it is a status symbol for the preppy people. Don’t tell my uncle I said this because he happens to drive one.

The newest Range Rover Sport offers a 5.0L direct-injection V8 which in supercharged form puts out 510hp which is good for pushing this mammoth from 0 to 60mph in 5.9 seconds. The Sport version is all about sport with a slightly tweaked exterior but remains to have the classic look of distinguished people who wear turtle necks.

Below is the press release including high-resolution images and additional specs on the new 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport appearing at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.

PRESS RELEASE

Unrivalled capability and dynamics from the 2010 Range Rover Sport. 

• All-new efficient and powerful LR-V8 engines.
• LR-V8 5.0 liter Supercharged .

510 bhp and 461 lb/ft torque.

• 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated.

375 bhp and 375 lb/ft torque

• Striking exterior design changes create a more stylish and sporting look.
• Redesigned interior bringing new levels of refinement and craftsmanship.
• Steering wheel with paddle-shift gear change on Supercharged model.
• Chassis refinements including active damping, new brakes and updates to the Terrain ResponseTM system, bringing even greater breadth of capability.
• Cutting edge technologies including available surround camera system with tow assist, and a high beam assist option.

“The Range Rover Sport’s performance, ride and handling have been transformed with the introduction of new engines, transmission and chassis systems. Combine these enhancements with the contemporary style and luxury of the revised interior, and it’s clear that the Range Rover Sport remains the only choice as the quintessential SUV sports tourer,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.

The Range Rover Sport reaffirms its status as the most exciting and dynamic member of the Land Rover range with a comprehensive package of engineering and design changes for the 2010 model year. The vehicle’s stylish new appearance signals the transformation under the skin, which includes two powerful and efficient new engines – the LR-V8 naturally aspirated and LR-V8 5.0-liter Supercharged, enhanced levels of interior craftsmanship and refinement, and significant improvements to both on-road and off-road driving dynamics.

A comprehensive program of chassis system modifications has transformed the Range Rover Sport’s on-road dynamics, while also delivering a substantial improvement in its off-road capabilities.

The introduction of new systems such as Adaptive Dynamics, working in conjunction with existing Dynamic Response on Supercharged models, and the addition of the road-focused Dynamic program to the Terrain ResponseTM system help enhance agility and ride quality. Further improvements to the Terrain ResponseTM system ensure that off-road capability is kept at the expected class-leading level.

The Range Rover Sport’s stylish, muscular exterior has been updated to provide a cleaner, more sculpted feel. Striking signature LED headlamps combine with a new two-bar grille, front bumpers and fenders to create a more sporting and aerodynamic stance. At the rear, new light clusters and a revised bumper design mirror the smoother front-end.

The interior has been comprehensively redesigned, using higher quality materials, soft-touch finishes and superior craftsmanship to create a premium environment which is truly worthy of the Range Rover brand.
“The Range Rover Sport has generated a passionate following among customers who require the performance and refinement of a true sports tourer, but who value the formidable off-road ability of a Land Rover. Now that we have widened its range of capabilities even further, the following for the Range Rover Sport looks set to grow stronger still,” says Phil Popham.

“Both the new LR-V8 engines are suited to the sporting character of the Range Rover Sport, providing generous low-end torque and spirited performance along with levels of refinement worthy of the Range Rover name.” says Phil Hodgkinson, Product Development Director.

New engines deliver exceptional performance and refinement.
The most significant changes on the 2010 Range Rover Sport are to its powertrains. The vehicle benefits from two powerful new engines: 510bhp LR-V8 5.0-liter supercharged and a 375bhp LR-V8 5.0 liter naturally aspirated engine.

The LR-V8 engines are all-new and designed by the Jaguar Land Rover powertrain team using an impressive collection of state-of-the-art technologies. They were developed with an emphasis on delivering a smooth, refined and responsive performance, without a corresponding increase in fuel consumption. Both meet the stringent ULEV2 emissions standards.

“We have given the Range Rover Sport two truly state-of-the-art new powertrains. Each engine – whether supercharged or naturally aspirated – delivers outstanding performance and refinement.”
Ron Lee, Group Chief Engineer, Powertrain.

The performance of the all-new naturally aspirated LR-V8 is now a virtual-match for the outgoing 4.2L supercharged engine The new naturally aspirated vehicle completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the outgoing supercharged unit). For those who want the ultimate performance Range Rover Sport, there is now the all-new LR-V8 5.0L Supercharged, which is propelled from rest to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds.

The engines were developed in conjunction with Jaguar – the first time engines have been designed from the outset with the requirements of both brands in mind. Shared primary objectives included the highest possible torque and fast response from low revs.

Although the basic engine architecture is the same for each brand, Land Rover engine requirements differ to satisfy demanding all-terrain needs . For example, they feature a deeper sump to accommodate the extreme tilting angles that Range Rover Sport may be subjected to off-road. In addition, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor.

All-new LR-V8 engines deliver outstanding performance and efficiency.

• All-new 5.0-liter V8 design with 510bhp SAE supercharged and 375bhp SAE naturally aspirated versions.
• 510bhp engine has 29 percent* more power and 12 percent* more torque than previous 4.2-liter supercharged engine.
• 375bhp engine has 25 percent* more power and 19 percent* more torque than previous 4.4-liter engine.
• Conforms to stringent ULEV2 emissions regulations.
• Multi-hole central spray-guided direct injection is highly efficient – industry first.
• High efficiency, 6th generation Eaton^TM twin-vortex supercharger.
• Torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four cams in V8 engine – industry first.
• Camshaft profile switching and variable length inlet manifold optimizes power and torque.
• Reverse cooling improves engine efficiency and speeds cabin warm-up.
• Class-leading, low-friction design features.
• Lightweight construction uses recycled materials.
• 15,000 mile (24,000 km) service intervals.

Direct injection – increased power and torque, low emissions.
One of the key features of the new LR-V8 is an industry first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar (2175 psi) directly to the cylinder. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control.

Fuel is delivered by twin, high pressure fuel pumps driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all new engine block. Delivery of fuel direct to the cylinder has substantially contributed to improved low speed, dynamic response which is particularly useful off-road while adding to driving pleasure on-road. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy.

During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and reduced emissions.

New variable camshaft timing system boosts engine torque, saves energy.
A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another industry first. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.

VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine’s speed range.

The response rate of the new VCT units is 25 percent higher than before with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver’s demand.
6th generation supercharger – quieter and more efficient.

A sixth generation, Eaton^TM twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the 510 bhp engine. A compact Roots-type unit it feeds air through twin intercoolers which in turn are water-cooled by their own cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design both improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is now almost inaudible. The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurised intake-air and so optimize power.

The air intake has been radically redesigned compared to the previous V8. The intake air path is a direct feed to the supercharger inlet from the centrally mounted front throttle body. Air is delivered through twin air boxes which reduce flow loss and further increase efficiency. Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the V of the engine to deliver a low overall engine height.

Warm up quickly with reverse flow cooling.
The search for greater efficiency has in some areas led to a complete rethink of fundamental engine design concepts. An example is the innovative reverse flow cooling system which delivers thermodynamic and friction improvements. The new design means coolant is pumped through the cylinder heads before flowing through the block and returning to the radiator. Since the cylinder heads remain cooler, the knock threshold is pushed back allowing greater optimization of ignition timing for improved efficiency.

In addition, the 22 kW oil to water heat exchanger, packaged at the core of the engine, transfers heat from the coolant to the lubricating oil during warm up, bringing the oil up to operating temperature 14 percent faster than the previous cooling system. This ‘reverse flow’ approach substantially improves fuel consumption in the crucial engine warm-up period and helps warm the cabin more quickly.

Strong and compact.
The new LR-V8 engines are built around a stiff, all new, aluminium block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Land Rover, the blocks are high pressure die-cast rather than sand-cast, providing a superior finish and dimensional greater accuracy. The engines also have aluminium heads, with four-valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads and blocks are manufactured using recycled aluminum alloy for the first time, thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engines.
The new direct injection engine is more compact than its predecessor. Overall engine length has been reduced by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture.

Reduced internal friction combats CO2.
Internal friction, a major contributor to increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, has been targeted by careful design of the engines’ components. As a result, the Range Rover Sport’s new LR-V8 achieves another best in class, for crank train friction.

All engine bearings were the subject of an extensive optimization, reducing friction without compromising reliability. Diamond-Like Carbon coating (DLC) has been used to reduce friction on the fuel pump tappets and a solid film lubricant has been used to coat the piston skirts.

Land Rover has developed a unique, intelligent oil-pump pressure relief valve (PRV) which senses oil pressure deep in the engine’s oil galleries to more accurately control oil pump delivery. As a result, oil pump frictional losses are reduced during the warm-up period.

The engine has also been designed around a 5W-20 semi-synthetic oil. The new oil has a lower viscosity, primarily at low temperatures, reducing parasitic losses in the engines and contributing to an extension in service intervals from 7,500 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. The new LR-V8 engine is also fitted with an electronic oil level indicator for added peace of mind.

Responsive new transmission.
Both LR-V8 engines on the Range Rover Sport are mated to the revised and super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimized by Land Rover engineers to provide class-leading response, with rapid and refined shifts. The dramatic enhancement of both power and torque low down the rev range on the new engines have made it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutch much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, so helping with improvement in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The transmission features an intelligent sport mode, which can sense and adapt transmission characteristics to particular driving styles. For the first time on the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, the driver can change gears manually with a steering wheel mounted paddle-shift.

Transformed vehicle dynamics
A comprehensive program of chassis refinements has been introduced to the Range Rover Sport for 2010. The enhancements transform the dynamics and handling characteristics of the vehicle, allowing drivers to fully exploit the capabilities of the new, high performance engine line-up.

Adaptive Dynamics system
The 2010 Range Rover Sport features a new Adaptive Dynamics System, which works in conjunction with the existing Dynamic Response system to enhance control of the vehicle’s ride and handling.

Land Rover has employed the world’s first production system for this computer model-based predictive technology, which continually optimizes damper settings for the widest possible range of conditions. Conventional dampers are replaced by precision DampTronic Valve Technology^TM damper units, which incorporate continually adjustable damper-valves.

The predictive technology enables damper settings on each wheel to be continuously refined between ‘soft’, comfort oriented settings and ‘hard’, firm body control settings; damper pressure on each wheel is monitored 500 times per second. The system optimizes the vehicle’s body and ride control, instantly responding to both the demands of the prevailing driving style and of the terrain encountered, in both on and off-road situations.
Greater driver involvement through the wheel.

Steering response is improved on the Range Rover Sport with the stiffening of the front suspension lower arm forward bushing, enhancing the sense of driver involvement with the vehicle at higher speeds.

The revised variable ratio steering rack complements this by improving stability at high speed cruising – and increasing sensitivity at higher lock angles.

Braking system gets more power and feel.
The Range Rover Sport is equipped with a new braking system which has been comprehensively updated to provide enhanced stopping power and improved driver feel.

The brakes for the naturally aspirated vehicle are modelled on the 4-piston opposed caliper performance system from the outgoing Supercharged model. The updated system employs 14.2-inch (360mm) ventilated front discs with new twin piston sliding cast-iron calipers for enhanced pedal feel. The rear features 13.8-inch (350mm) ventilated discs with lightweight aluminum single piston sliding calipers.

The braking system for the Supercharged model has been developed in conjunction with performance brake specialists Brembo^TM. This system employs 15-inch (380mm) ventilated front discs with unique lightweight aluminum six-piston opposed action monoblock calipers. 14.3-inch (365mm) ventilated discs with single piston sliding calipers are fitted at the rear.

Enhanced emergency braking.
Models fitted with the Adaptive Cruise Control option also benefit from a new Advanced Emergency Brake Assist system, which is designed to detect the driver’s responses to a potential emergency situation.

Working in conjunction with the Forward Alert System’s radar, Advanced Emergency Brake Assist primes the vehicle’s braking system, and even initiates braking in extreme circumstances if a collision is judged possible. Valuable improvements in braking distances have been recorded in the testing of this system.

Greater control and safety around corners.
A refinement to the dynamic stability control system helps automatically slow the vehicle if taking a corner too fast, thus enhancing driver control.

The system operates according to steering inputs from the driver. In extreme cases, automatic braking intervenes to help reduce the vehicle speed, with the braking pressure level applied according to the steering inputs.

This feature is complemented by the new Roll Stability Control system, which is designed to intervene in the unlikely case of an extreme situation in which the possible onset of a rollover is detected. In such situations, the system is designed to take over and perform very rapid, wheel specific braking, to help reduce speed and marginally widen the cornering radius.

In more extreme cases the system is designed to initiate marginal understeer by sharply increasing brake force on the outer wheels, again widening the turning radius.

Updates for award-winning Terrain ResponseTM and Hill Descent Control.
For the 2010 Range Rover Sport, Land Rover’s award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system gains new features and refinements, further extending the vehicle’s all-terrain capability.
Most significantly, the Terrain ResponseTM system now includes a new ‘Dynamic’ program, designed for sporting on-road driving.

Dynamic program delivers a responsive driving experience.
When the driver selects the new Dynamic program, the Terrain Response^TM system tailors the vehicles chassis and powertrain settings to deliver a more sporting and responsive driving experience. Tighter body control and quicker steering responses are achieved by adjustments to the Adaptive Dynamics system, while the accelerator pedal mapping, dynamic stability control system and gear-change settings are also given more sporting characteristics.

The Dynamic program has also been specially tuned to take advantage of chassis changes to the supercharged model which is designed to deliver improved driver confidence at higher speeds. The changes include a 20% stiffer rear roll control bar, and further revisions to the steering system, suspension bushings and wheel alignment settings.

Coping with tougher conditions.
For soft sand – one of the most power-hungry surfaces – ‘sand launch control’ has now been introduced, which makes for noticeably easier drive-away. New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand.

New for Range Rover Sport, revisions to the rock crawl program improve brake and traction control response times, helping to reduce the vehicle’s wheels rolling in an unintended direction when traversing boulders, and giving a more composed drive through rocky terrain.

Land Rover’s much-acclaimed Hill Descent Control system is enhanced on the latest Range Rover Sport with the addition of Gradient Release Control. This inhibits the initial rate of acceleration when descending very steep inclines, to increase control when braking is released at extreme angles.

More sporting design for a more sporting vehicle.
“We have given the Range Rover Sport a cleaner, more muscular appearance which is the perfect complement to its new range of high performance engines. Striking new signature LED headlamps, a two-bar grille and a larger air intake create a bold new frontal graphic which helps to reinforce the vehicle’s athletic stance.”
Design director, Gerry McGovern

The new design theme for the 2010 Range Rover Sport emphasises its position as the most dynamic model in the Land Rover range, creating a sporting, cleaner and more sculpted appearance.

At the front, new signature LED headlamps provide a technical focal point, and feature Range Rover inspired interlocking circle lamps. With a new two-bar grille and larger air intake, the vehicle’s frontal graphic is much more slim, athletic and low-slung.

The new front bumper blends with redesigned front fenders to form a simple, sculpted surface, offering improved aerodynamics and a lower, more sporting visual stance.

The side view of the vehicle features new two-stripe LED indicators, along with redesigned two-section fender vents. Color coded door mirrors complete the visual changes.

At the rear, Range Rover inspired light clusters create a fresh new look, while the smooth and sculpted bumper design mirrors the style of the front-end.

New front wheel deflectors help reduce drag and new 19 and 20-inch tires are available on Range Rover Sport, optimized for rolling resistance and improved tire wear.

Premium interior environment.
The interior has been comprehensively redesigned, and features significantly improved standards of quality and craftsmanship.

The cabin retains its popular cockpit feel but incorporates higher quality materials, sumptuous soft-touch finishes and superb detailing throughout the interior. Leather is used extensively on major surfaces, in a wider choice of colors. To create a more sporting feel, rich dark shades ‘sandwich’ narrow sections in lighter tones, and the effect is completed by a generous selection of stylish wood finishes.

The soft-touch fascia is all new, with a smooth and clean-looking design that can be wrapped in stitched, premium grade European leather. It features an architectural beam that runs across the width of the cabin, supported by natural wood finish pillars.

To enhance the clean look of the interior, the fascia now has 50 percent fewer switches; the switches themselves now feature noble accents. The signature roller-shutter cup-holder cover is now finished in a high-quality metallic sheen.

There are new seats front and rear, which feature a deeper, more sculpted shape; electrically adjustable side bolsters are available on the front seats for the first time.

New ambient lighting adds to the premium qualities of the cabin, with the introduction of white LEDs to cast subtle halos around interior door handles and pockets, as well as on the fascia and center console area.

Cutting edge vehicle technologies.
“The 2010 Range Rover Sport features a host of new technologies that will really enhance the driving and ownership experience for our customers. But in each case the complexity is hidden from view – we’ve made every system intuitive and simple to use.”
Stuart Frith, Chief Program Engineer.

The latest Range Rover Sport incorporates a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art technologies, designed to improve comfort, convenience, safety and security for all vehicle occupants.

Infotainment systems and displays.
A new hard-drive navigation system provides faster route calculation and improved system reliability.
The navigation system adopts an easy-to-use navigation structure which now also features ‘towards guidance.’ This supplements the junction map and icon-based information with details of the actual road signage viewed by the driver along the route.

The new Portable Audio Interface allows connectivity to an array of personal audio storage devices, USB sticks and MP3 players, enabling the various devices’ functions to be accessed and controlled via the facia-mounted touch-screen system. One of the connectivity ports is a dedicated iPodTM point made exclusively by Land Rover, for continued functionality in extreme driving conditions, by helping to prevent the device coming loose from the socket.

A new 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information screen is also introduced with the 2010 Range Rover Sport. Sitting within the instrument cluster, the message center display ensures key information is communicated in a clean, simple and user-friendly manner.

Improving safety and security.
Outside the vehicle, convenient and relevant new systems enhance safety and security.
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. It features five digital cameras which relay a near 360-degree view to the touch-screen display. The cameras function immediately as the vehicle is started, and have options for selecting and zooming in to assist with close quarter parking and with towing.

The patented reverse ‘tow assist’ and tow hitch assist functions (selected from the touch screen menu) help perform accurate towing maneuvers. The wide fields of vision on the side cameras give a clear view of the reversing trailer and the images are electronically manipulated to provide an undistorted view. Guide lines overlaid on the rear camera image illustrate both the vehicle and trailer’s trajectory and these move in line with steering inputs, making it easier for the driver to predict where the trailer will move to, before performing the reversing maneuver.

Specific characteristics such as type of trailer, number of axles and width guides can be fed into the system to enhance the system outputs.

The Range Rover Sport’s new LED front headlights incorporate available High Beam Assist technology. This can automatically switch on high beam headlights where external light levels are below the system’s threshold. Importantly, the system is also designed to detect preceding and approaching traffic, and in a split second will automatically switch back to low beam to avoid dazzling others.