The Land Rover Range Rover Sport occupies a unique space in the automotive world. It blends the off-road capability that Land Rover is famous for with the undeniable luxury and performance of a high-end SUV. This article delves into the history of the Range Rover Sport, exploring its evolution through the generations and its continued success.
History
Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Sport in 2005, but the concept of a sportier Range Rover had been brewing for decades. In the 1970s, Land Rover experimented with prototypes that offered a more performance-oriented driving experience while retaining the Range Rover’s off-road prowess. These ideas eventually culminated in the first Range Rover Sport.
First Generation Range Rover Sport | 2005-2013
The first-generation SUV was a hit. It shared its platform with the Range Rover but offered a sleeker, more muscular design. It boasted powerful engines, including a supercharged V8 that delivered exhilarating performance. Despite its sporty character, the SUV remained adept at handling off-road challenges, making it a true luxury all-terrain vehicle.
- It introduced a supercharged V8 engine option, a first for the Range Rover lineup, providing exhilarating power for on-road driving.
- Land Rover introduced its innovative Terrain Response system in this generation, allowing drivers to optimise the vehicle for various terrains with a simple selection.
Second Generation Range Rover Sport | 2013-2022
The second-generation SUV, introduced in 2013, marked a significant leap forward. Land Rover significantly reduced the vehicle’s weight, leading to improved handling and fuel efficiency. The engine options became even more powerful, with a top-of-the-line supercharged V8 producing a staggering 550hp.
- Land Rover employed lighter materials, leading to a remarkable weight reduction that significantly improved handling and fuel efficiency.
- This generation marked the debut of a plug-in hybrid option in the SUV.
Third Generation Range Rover Sport | 2022 – Present
The latest iteration of the SUV, launched in 2022, takes luxury and performance to new heights. The interior features the latest in-car technology and premium materials, creating a comfortable and luxurious environment for all passengers.
The third-generation SUV also pushes the boundaries of off-road capability. Land Rover’s advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent off-road technology make tackling challenging terrain more manageable than ever before.
The current generation offers the most diverse engine options yet, including a powerful V8, a refined plug-in hybrid with an extended electric driving range, and a selection of powerful and efficient mild-hybrid options.
Tianmen Mountain Road
In 2018, a standard production Range Rover Sport SVR beat the record for the fastest ascent of the Tianmen Mountain Road. This challenging road has 99 corners and the SVR completed it in 9 minutes and 51 seconds, beating a previous record set by a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar.
Most Popular Range Rover Sport Generations In The UAE
All three generations of the SUV are popular in the UAE. While the second and third-generation SUVs have more buyers, the first-gen is now considered a classic and is a collector’s item.
Range Rover Sport Prices In The UAE
The used Range Rover Sport in the UAE is priced between AED 19,000 and AED 500,000. The new Range Rover Sport in the UAE costs between AED 450,000 and AED 1.18 million.
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