While this is just the UK Press Release, it definitely gives us an idea of what we’ll be seeing here in the US as well.  Unfortunately no interior shots yet.

Some interesting items to point out:

• The Range Rover Sport will now have a powered tailgate across the range, which I am taking to mean as standard.
• They mention the “a Gloss Black treatment to the headlight inners”, this sounds similar to what we’ve heard they are also going to do on the 2012 Range Rover as well, but this is the first time we’re really seeing that they mean.
• Neat ICE upgrades:  iPod and video streaming by USB, audio streaming by Bluetooth
• And as per the pictures, RANGE ROVER caps on the wheel centers.

Official Press Release follows after the pictures:

More power, reduced CO₂, an 8-speed transmission and improved interior features for the Range Rover Sport in 2012

· Power increased to 256hp on the new 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel

· Substantial CO₂ reductions to EU5 diesel engine range

· New ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox with rotary gear shift selector and paddle shift

· Dual View touch-screen available for the first time

· WhiteFire^TM wireless technology enhances rear seat entertainment

· 825W Premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7 audio system

· ‘Say What You See’ voice command system

· New lightweight aluminium single piece powered tailgate

· Greater trim choice for Autobiography models

· Enhanced exterior and interior design revisions

· HSE Luxury Pack now available

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 6^th July 2011 – The exceptional 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engines in the Range Rover Sport now offer even greater efficiencies, with reduced CO₂, improved fuel economy and an increase in power for 2012. The output of the 245hp engine has been increased to 256hp whilst CO₂ emissions have been reduced from 243g/km to 230g/km.

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.

The awe-inspiring 5.0 LR-V8 Supercharged remains unchanged for 2012, continuing to offer supreme power delivering 0-60mph in under 6.0 seconds and sublime refinement.

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.

For the first time on the Range Rover Sport, the next generation 7-inch touch-screen is available with optional Dual View technology, allowing the driver to view the navigation display whilst the passenger watches TV or a DVD whilst listening on WhiteFire^TM headphones. The rear seat entertainment package has also been enhanced with the availability of WhiteFire^TM wireless technology.

Significant specification and performance improvements have been made to the Hi-ICE and Premium audio systems, offering a staggering 825W of power through 17 speakers on the Premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7. The new ‘Say What You See’ voice command helps the driver learn commands with useful step-by-step screen prompts and allows the use of spoken short codes too.

"The enhancements to the 2012 Range Rover Sport will ensure this car retains its position as one of the most economical and dynamic high performance SUVs on the market today. With greater levels of diesel engine efficiency, lower fuel emissions and exciting new features, the Range Rover Sport continues to live up to its reputation for power and refinement," said Colin Green, Land Rover UK Managing Director.

5.0 LR-V8 supercharged engine continues to lead the pack

Land Rover’s remarkable 5.0 LR-V8 supercharged petrol engine continues to head the Range Rover Sport powertrain range in 2012. Developing 510hp and 625Nm torque it set new standards in petrol engine design when it was introduced, packed as it is with innovation design features aimed at boosting both performance and economy.

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. He tailgate has been made from aluminium foe 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.

Infotainment levels significantly upgraded for 2012

The introduction of the Hi-ICE and Premium audio and infotainment systems sees a significant upgrade for the 2012 Range Rover Sport. There’s new connectivity supporting DVD audio formats on the Hi-Line and Premium systems, a Hard Disc Drive Music server, Dual Tuner to give a seamless signal, iPod and video streaming by USB, audio streaming by Bluetooth and two USB ports are located in the console lid. Rear seat entertainment is further enhanced with the availability of WhiteFire^TM wireless technology incorporating cordless headphones.

The Hi-ICE Harman Kardon System has been upgraded from 9-speakers to 11-speakers and the output boosted from 240W to a substantial 380W. The optional premium Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 system has seen the most dramatic improvement, from 14 to 17 speakers and an almost unbelievable increase in output power from 480W to a staggering 825W.

For the first time on a Range Rover Sport, the next generation 7-inch touch-screen is available with Dual View technology. Dual View first appeared on the Range Rover for 2010, allowing the driver to view the navigation display whilst the passenger watches a DVD. When the Dual View screen is selected a single set of WhiteFire^TM headphones are included to enable to listen to a soundtrack independently of the driver.

Hard Disc Navigation systems include Traffic Message Channel (TMC) and destination entry by voice. The new ‘Say What You See’ voice command helps the driver learn commands with useful step-by-step screen prompts and allows the use of spoken short codes. There’s also a new 7-day timer for the Park Heater.

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.

*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. For more information please visit you local Land Rover dealer or log onto www.landrover.co.uk

Ends.