These improvements are partly due to the introduction of the new, highly-efficient,
ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox, combining smooth shifting and improved fuel economy. The combined fuel economy has improved from 30.7mpg to 32.1mpg.In conjunction with the new 8-speed gearbox, the Range Rover Sport SDV6 comes equipped with the 'Drive Select' rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift.
All EU5 SDV6 models are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) making them among the cleanest diesel engines on the market.
Design and equipment levels have moved up a level too with colour changes to exterior detailing and new interior colour ways for the Autobiography Sport. A new powered single piece tailgate has also been introduced across the range for 2012, enabling drivers to set their desired lift height.
Powered tailgate for greater convenience
A new powered restyled tailgate has been introduced across the range for 2012. Operated by the button located on the fascia, the key fob or tailgate, the lift height can now be set by simply holding the tailgate at the desired height and pressing the tailgate button for 10 seconds. The height can be overridden to accommodate other drivers, providing effortless use and greater convenience to the user. The tailgate has been made from aluminium for added weight reduction.
Enhanced interior and external design revisions across the range
The external design and interiors of the Range Rover Sport, Autobiography Sport and Limited Edition are all upgraded for 2012.
For the Range Rover Sport, there are changes to the rear tailgate graphics to create a distinctive new look and a Gloss Black treatment to the headlight inners and grille surround. The SE derivative now sports a Dark Atlas grille whilst the HSE and Supercharged take on the Light Atlas. The Supercharged model is also fitted with a new 20" alloy wheel finished in Sparkle Silver with high-gloss lacquer.
HSE Luxury Pack
A Luxury Pack is also available on the 3.0 SDV6 HSE bringing equipment levels close to that of Supercharged models. The pack includes contrast stitching on selected upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, Premium ICE, extended leather pack, HSE Luxury badge, heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control. The Luxury Pack costs £3,065.
| 3.0 LR-SDV6 256hp | |
| Height mm (in) | 1784 (70.2) |
| Width mm (in) | 2158 (85.0) |
| Length mm (in) | 4972 (195.7) |
| Wheelbase mm (in) | 2745 (108) |
| Turning Circle m (ft) | 11.9 (39.04) |
| Drag coefficient Cd | 0.37 |
| EU Kerb Weight kg (lb) |
2535-2670 (5589-5886) |
| Front suspension |
Air sprung
Independent double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Air sprung Independent double wishbone |
| Brakes Front | 4 piston sliding calliper, 360mm ventilated disc |
| Steering | Speed proportional rack & pinion |
| Four Wheel-Drive system |
Full time 4 wheel drive with std locking centre differential & Terrain ResponseTM |
| Engine type | Longitudinal V6, 24 valve, four OHC, direct injection diesel, parallel sequential turbochargers |
| Displacement cc (cu in) | 2993 (182.6) |
| Bore/stroke mm (in) |
84x90 (3.30x3.54) |
| Compression ratio | 16.1:1 |
| Max power hp (kW) | 256 (188)@4000rpm |
| Max Torque Nm (lbft) | 600 (443)@2000rpm |
| Fuel consumption EU urban/extra urban/combined (mpg-L/100km) | 28.8/34.9/32.1 – 9.8/8.1/8.8 |
| Emissions | EU5 |
| CO2 g/km | 230 |
| Transmission |
ZF 8HP70 8-speed auto |
| Fuel tank capacity litres/imp gals/US gals | 84.1/18.5/22.2 |
| Range (EU), miles (km) | 603 (914)* |
| 0-60mph (sec) | 8.5 |
| 0-100kph (sec) | 8.9 |
| Top speed mph (km/h) | 124 (200) |
*manufacturer's estimate
The 2012 Model year Range Rover Sport is on-sale in the UK from October and available from £48,795 on the road.
