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2014 Range Rover Sport – Full-time intelligent 4WD systems, a “Range Rover” without Low-Range!

The 2014 Range Rover Sport brings a new option to the Sport line with a choice of two-speed or single-speed transfer case.  While the Evoque doesn’t have true low-range, the Sport always had more Range Rover pedigree.

Here’s the official text on the subject:

Full-time intelligent 4WD systems

The new Range Rover Sport offers a choice of two full-time intelligent 4WD systems, each able to find drive on the most challenging low-grip surfaces.

One system provides a two-speed transfer case with low-range option for the most demanding off-road conditions, with a 50/50 percent default front to rear torque split. Optimum traction is maintained through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the centre differential which distributes torque between the wheels at anything between 100 percent front and 100 percent rear. This is combined with sophisticated electronic traction control systems.

The transfer case offers selectable high and low range, using a two-speed fully synchronized ‘shift on the move’ system which allows the driver to change range from low to high at speeds up to 60km/h without having to stop the vehicle, providing exceptional driving flexibility. The high-range provides a direct drive ratio of 1:1, while the low range ratio is 2.93:1 giving an extremely low crawl speed.

The alternative system is 18kg lighter and features an all-new single-speed transfer case with a Torsen differential and 42/58 percent default front to rear torque split that is designed to provide a rear-wheel drive bias for optimum driving dynamics, whilst maintaining off-road performance. The Torsen centre differential constantly varies torque distribution between 62 percent front and 78 percent rear depending on conditions and grip available. The traction control system has been optimised to work in harmony with the differential to deliver excellent traction in all conditions.

To further optimise traction and stability in extreme conditions, more powerful Sport models are also specified with the Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential in combination with the twin-speed 4WD driveline. The locking rear differential has been further optimised to work in conjunction with the electronic torque vectoring system.

And here’s something I noticed on those first interior pictures, along with the missing Low Range button, Rock Crawl is also missing from the Terrain Response 2 controls.

l494-no-rock-crawl

Here’s another shot, not as clear but this vehicle obviously has the two-speed traditional transfer case.

l494-low-range-for-realz

2013-03-25T02:51:41-04:00March 27, 2013|

2014 Range Rover Sport supercharged V6 gets to 60 in 6.9sec, 0.3 faster than 375hp Classic #NewRangeRoverSport

It’s faster to 60 than the Range Rover Sport Classic with it’s 375hp V8!

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With a weight reduction of about 800lbs., the new 340hp supercharged V6 Range Rover Sport is quicker than the previous model with its 375hp 5-liter V8, achieving the dash from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds2, a reduction of 0.3 seconds. Enthusiastic drivers will also be pleased with a sporting engine note, emphasized by using a sound symposer on the intake system.

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2013-03-25T18:54:30-04:00March 26, 2013|

2014 Range Rover Sport getting a real app & Hotspot, just not in the U.S. #NewRangeRoverSport

Land Rover does currently provide an app in the U.S. but it’s really nothing more that a digital owners manual.  For the 2014 Range Rover Sport, they’ve stepped it up a little.

l494-landroverapp

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Advanced Land Rover customer support features

The new Range Rover Sport offers a number of advanced new Land Rover customer support features, with a range of valuable services to enhance safety, convenience and security. The features, which utilise a telematics module and mobile SIM chip, plus the vehicle’s GPS locator, include:

  • Emergency Call – provides the ability to notify emergency services either automatically, in the event of a crash, or manually via an in-car button, with the current location to ensure an appropriate response. A trained operator will call through to the vehicle while emergency services are dispatched.
  • Land Rover Assist Call – in the event of a breakdown, an in-car button is provided to contact a trained Land Rover Assist operator, automatically providing the current location to ensure the optimal response time.
  • InControl App – provides a solution for Apple or Android smartphones enabling customers to locate their vehicle (and get directions back to their car), check fuel level and range, and see any alerts (e.g. Washer Fluid Low). Customers can also log all their journeys and have them automatically e-mailed to them, to enable company expenses to be completed. The App also allows customers to locate their preferred or nearest dealer, manage theft alerts or contact Land Rover Assist (if they are no longer with their vehicle).
  • Stolen Vehicle Tracking – in the event of a suspected break-in to their vehicle, customers will automatically receive a notification. If the vehicle has been stolen, customers confirm this with Land Rover’s secure operating centre which will coordinate with local enforcement authorities to track, immobilise and recover the vehicle.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot – provides a high bandwidth Wi-Fi hotspot so passengers can use the internet on smartphones and tablets from a single data contract. The hotspot uses the antenna on the roof to deliver excellent connectivity.

 

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2013-03-27T01:24:48-04:00March 26, 2013|
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