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The Range Rover Sport is now available in South Africa with a new in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol engine in a choice of two outputs. The mild hybrid engines enhance performance, refinement and responses along with improved fuel economy.
The new six-cylinder unit has an innovative combination of advanced features, including the introduction of an electric supercharger to deliver immediate power response. Able to spool fully in just 0.5 seconds at up to 6,500rpm to maximum boost pressure, the new technology virtually eliminates turbo lag.
Supported by a twin-scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift, which boost power and help the engine breathe with maximum efficiency, the design of the all-new six-cylinder engine optimises performance and fuel economy as well as reducing emissions – all with customary Range Rover poise and refinement.
The clever set-up is based around an all-new Start-Stop system that switches off when stationary and pairs the new 3.0-litre engine with an electric motor. This allows the system to harvest energy whilst the vehicle is decelerating and store it in a 48V battery. This energy can then be re-deployed through torque-assist, reducing C02 emissions by reducing the work load on the engine.
These performance-boosting technologies work alongside a new Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain that is underpinned by the new engine, bringing enhanced efficiency to the range. The Range Rover Sport P360 (265kW) delivers fuel economy of 9.2L/100km and CO2 emissions of 213g/km*, while accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds. This model is sold in S, SE and HSE specification levels.
Available exclusively on the new HST model, a more powerful 294kW version of the MHEV Ingenium engine powers the Range Rover Sport from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and to a top speed of 225km/h. This P400 engine achieves the same fuel economy figure but with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.
Designed and developed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover, the latest six-cylinder Ingenium engine is manufactured at the £1billion Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, alongside the current four-cylinder petrol and diesel units.
Nick Rogers, Executive Director of Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “In-line six-cylinder engines are inherently better balanced than V6 designs and our all-new Ingenium unit builds on that promise to optimise efficiency in all operating conditions. Advanced features, including an electric supercharger, ensure distinctive Range Rover Sport performance and responses, while the intelligent MHEV system harvests energy to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.”
The new HST model features a unique combination of interior and exterior updates including bespoke badging and carbon fibre trim on the bonnet, front grille, side vents and tailgate. Customers will have a choice of two alloy wheel designs and five exterior colours – Santorini Black, Fuji White, Hakuba Silver, Firenze Red and Carpathian Grey. The HST will be identified by red brake calipers, with a grey anodised option also available.
Inside, the 16-way Dynamic front seats feature an updated colour pattern with suedecloth detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever, Satin Chrome gear shift paddles and an HST badged facia. In addition, the suite of safety enhancements includes Advanced Cruise Control – featuring Stop & Go and Steer Assist – alongside High Speed Emergency Braking. Owners will also benefit from traditional capability features, such as Terrain Response 2.
The Range Rover Sport P360 and HST are available in South Africa now, priced from R1,369,000 and R1,874,600 respectively.
