Land Rover makes shopping for the all-new Range Rover Sport easy. Just two versions are available, the HSE ($56,085) and the Supercharged ($69,085). The HSE comes with a 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8. Not surprisingly, the Supercharged has a supercharged V8 displacing 4.2 liters and making 390 horsepower. Both engines drive through a new-for-2006, six-speed CommandShift automatic (that's also fitted in the top-of-the-line Range Rover). Full-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed, shift-on-the-fly, electronic transfer case is standard, as is an electronically controlled, locking center differential. Optional is a rear differential lock ($500).
The marketing people at Land Rover didn't leave off much when outfitting and trimming the HSE. Standard amenities include dual-zone, automatic climate control; cruise control; eight-way power front seats; power outside mirrors, windows and central locking; three memory settings for driver's seat and mirrors; digital, 13-speaker, surround-sound AM/FM/CD stereo with six-disc, in-dash changer and auxiliary audio inputs; DVD-based GPS navigation system with voice recognition and dash-mounted, seven-inch, touch-screen LCD display incorporating a picture-in-picture monitor of 4X4 settings and status; sunroof; front and rear park assist; and five function-programmable key fob.
Ride and handling features include Dynamic Stability Control and Active Roll Mitigation, which combine to heighten directional control and rollover resistance; Hill Descent Control, which automatically applies appropriate braking on steep downhill inclines; Terrain Response, a manually selectable set of four, pre-programmed suspension and engine management settings for various off-road conditions; and, of course, Land Rover's trademark load-leveling, height-adjustable air suspension.
Options for HSE: a rear-seat entertainment system consisting of two displays integrated into the back sides of the front seat head restraints, a six-disc CD changer, touchscreen interface, two wireless head sets and a wireless remote control ($2500); hands-free cell phone/Bluetooth capability ($500); satellite radio ($400 plus subscription fee); 20-inch alloy wheels ($4000); the Cold Climate package ($1050) with heated seats all 'round and heated windshield and washer jets; the Luxury Interior package ($2750), which includes upgraded leather upholstery, cherry wood trim, a center console cool box, the Cold Climate package, and adaptive headlights that pivot when you turn the steering wheel.
The Supercharged model, or S/C, comes standard with everything on the HSE plus the Luxury Interior and Cold Climate packages, Brembo front brakes, the 20-inch alloy wheels, and the Dynamic Response System, which electronically adjusts the stabilizer bars for optimal cornering. Otherwise, the S/C offers the same options (same prices) as the HSE. The S/C also offers optional adaptive cruise control ($2000).
The Special Edition package ($5000) for the S/C, capped at 380 units, features unique 20-inch Stormer wheels like those on Range Rover's concept vehicle, the Range Stormer, along with hand-polished lined oak wood trim, the rear-seat entertainment system, special floor mats and tread strips, the satellite radio and a choice of Vesuvius Orange or Java Black paint.
Safety features on the Sport comprise twin, dual-stage front airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags for torso protection; full-coverage side curtain airbags to protect against head injury in side-impacts and rollovers; child safety seat anchors (LATCH); antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; and all-terrain traction control.