2006 Land Rover's Range Rover Sport Supercharged

By Isaac Bouchard
Contributing Automotive Writer

The worst thing about the newest sled from Solihill may be the name. Land Rover decided to expand the Range Rover sub-brand with the new Sport (in both decaf normally aspirated and triple-shot Supercharged forms). And no, it doesn't replace the full size Rangie; instead it's a slightly more manageable beast that fits in the niche where the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 romp.

Based on a shortened LR3 platform, it runs the new Jaguar-derived V8 in both 4.4 liter (300hp/315lbs-ft torque) and 4.2 Supercharged (390hp and 410lbs-ft), as tested. Hooked to the amazing six-speed tranny shared by all the big Rovers, the supercharged motor makes for a potent experience. Prodigious low-end torque pushes you back in the seat, and the NASCAR soundtrack is to die for. While not as potent as the Porsche Turbo, most will find its performance more than adequate. For Rocky Mountain dwellers, we can report that it still pulls hard above 9000 feet. The gearbox is a work of art, snapping off quick upshifts, matching revs on downshifts (which serves to not upset the chassis), and holding whatever gear you put it in while in manual mode, even against the redline.

The chassis doesn't disappoint. Despite being burdened by 5700 pounds, it readily shrugs off the avoirdupois when asked to play. On a switchbacked mountain road tackled at 9/10's, it changed direction adroitly, resisted dive and squat, and stayed flat and neutral up to the limit. Credit the active antiroll bars and adjustable height air suspension for this gravity-defying performance. Only in the tightest corners would it push wide, a reminder that you weren't piloting a sportscar. Combine these attributes with the controlled and cushy (for a truck) Rover ride and you're left with a class-leading ride/handling tradeoff and competitive powertrain. Steering was well geared and (again, for a fully offroad-capable vehicle) feelsome, and the huge Brembo brakes fade-free and easy to modulate.

Flies in the ointment include a small back seat and luggage area for such a behemoth, and an interior that, while comfortable and well thought out, has obviously suffered the wrath of the cost cutting accountants at Ford (Land Rover's owner). This is partially ameliorated by a phenomenal sound system and world-class touch-screen navigation system.

Off-road ability is reputed to be awesome by the journos who drove the Rangie Sport in Moab (though the spec 20" tires the Supercharged model is equipped with are useless off the pavement). Equipped with the right boots, the standard Terrain Response system makes short work of every imaginable condition, altering parameters such as ride height, throttle mapping, and stability control threshold.

The Sport's biggest calling card for many will be its look. Richard Woolley has done a first rate job of combining the classic Rover profile with all the right sporty accoutrements, including flared fenders and sills, a sloping roof, jeweled tail-lamps, and mesh grills to create the blingest ride on the block. Backed with such a pleasurable driving experience (aside from 12mpg thirst), the lads from across the pond have a hit on their hands.

HIGHS: look, power, chassis, snob appeal.

LOWS: mediocre interior quality, (relative) lack of utility, thirst, non-supercharged version flaccid at altitude.

COMPETITION: BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne.

VEHICLE PRICING: $56,750 base to $67,300 loaded (HSE); $69,750 base to $75,550 loaded (Supercharged). For more information www.landroverusa.com

LIFE'S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired and buckle everyone up. Copyright (c) 2005 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved