Most people think of SUV's as giant gas-guzzlers that are meant for heavy duty activities. However, some SUV's don't have the latest in technology including Bluetooth, GPS Navigation, and Satellite Radio. Other aren't as appealing as we think they are when we look at them. Most, honestly, are not even as tough as we think they are. So, in reality, there is not perfect SUV. This has changed. Say hello to the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
The gentlemen at Land Rover in Warwickshire, England wanted to create a vehicle with the durability and stability of an SUV, the power and handling of a sports car, and the fuel efficiency of a standard economy car. The ended up producing the high-tech, ultra-powerful, and surprisingly fuel efficient SUV. Range Rover consumers have the option of choosing one of two engines. First, there is the 5.0 liter Naturally Aspirated LR-V8 engine producing 375 horsepower. This new engine produces 25% more power, 19% more torque, and 13% more acceleration than its previous model. With a 0-60 of just 7 seconds, LR-V8 helps the Range Rover Sport reach a top speed of about 130 miles per hour. Then, there is the 5.0 liter Supercharged LR-V8 engine producing an impressive 510 horsepower. This engine also out performs the engine of its previous model with 31% more power, 12% more torque, and 24% more acceleration. The supercharged engine helps the Range Rover Sport reach a 0-60 in under 6 seconds and a top speed of over 140 miles per hour. With two very powerful V8 engines, Land Rover has shown us that the Range Rover Sport is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
The new Range Rover Sport is smart as it is powerful. The interior of the SUV is loaded with all new bells and whistles that make it stand out in any crowd. One new whistle is the new Touch Screen Interface located to the right of the steering allowing the driver to do what they desire with a lift of a finger. This central interface puts drivers in command of almost everything available in the car. One of those things include the Hard Disk Drive Satellite Navigation System that gives you points of interest (POI) nearest to your location so you don't have to travel far to get to a restaurant or shopping mall. Another is the revolutionary surround camera system. How this system works is there are five hidden cameras situated around the vehicle providing drivers with a vivid 360 degree view of the area around them through their Touch Screen. This can be beneficial when dealing with blind spots while driving. The surround camera system allows drivers to observe objects below their line of sight and gives vital views at blind spots. Basically, with this SUV, you'll never be afraid of blind spots ever again.
The Range Rover Sport is also smart while driving. It's advanced Adaptive Dynamics Suspension system helps drivers drive smoothly on any terrain. The system monitors each wheel 500 times a second the analyze the type of terrain and the behavior of the car. It will then adjust the each wheel's damper setting to deliver the smoothness of drives. This means that potholes, bumpy roads, and speed bumps are no match for the Range Rover Sport. Another astounding feature in the SUV is the Terrain Response System. This system allows drivers to climb over rocks and boulders and glide through soft sand and ice and snow with a turn of the dial. Located on the the center console as a dial with 5 options displaying an icon for each option. By turning the dial to the appropriate option, the engine, transmission, suspension and traction settings are instantly reconfigured for optimum drivability in all conditions. This means that when driving this SUV, you'll feel like you're driving a tank with nothing standing in your way. These are just some of the many features available on the Range Rover Sport.
The Range Rover Sport, surprisingly, is also very fuel efficient and green for its size. Unlike the last generation model, which had a disappointing 12 mpg fuel economy, this generation's Range Rover Sport has a surprising 15 mpg with 12 in the city and 18 on the highway, making it more fuel efficient than its competition. Don't let the gas rating fool you, though. This SUV has improved in emissions. Due to the new engines, CO2 emissions of the Range Rover Sport have improved from 5.6 to 6.2% respectively. The curb weight of this car is 5891 lb. Yes, it's heavy, but its pretty fuel efficient for an SUV with over 500 horsepower.
The Range Rover Sport is only available to consumers who have truly earned it. The base price for the SUV is $60,495. The SUV with all the bells and whistles makes out to about $90,000. If you're a true explorer and you have the money to buy such expensive equipment, buy this car.
Alright so it's with the go green movement and can drive over pretty much anything, eliminating blind spots while it travels...but here's a feminine opinion...it's not pretty. I don't know why anyone would spend 90,000 dollars to drive a car that most likely no one looks good driving in. lol...but maybe for a car guy it's not all about the looks. Great job with details!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea how cool an SUV could be. I have always been opposed to the gas-guzzlers as you said, but now I am reconsidering. I really think its cool that the car essentially eliminates blind spots and ensures safety. Although I think the BMW X5 M is a better car all around, I think that the 2010 Range Rover is a close competitor. Obi, your articles never disappoint.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the difference between the BMW X5 M and the 2010 Range Rover? To me they're just large vehicles that enjoy mercilessly passing me on the parkway.
ReplyDeleteLol, Lacey, although there might not seem to be any differences exteriorly, under the hood is where it all matters. The BMW X5 M runs an impressive 0-60 mph in only 4 seconds. This is comparable to BMW's finest sports cars, but the only difference is that the X5 M is an SUV!
ReplyDeleteBut Obi, does it have a cup holder??
ReplyDeleteI love the blind-spot elimination technology (tho wonder why it takes cameras to do this...not possible with mirrors?). But I'm with Lacey; its looks don't grab me. Looks like a souped-up station wagon to me.