8-speed automatic gearbox and more powerful diesel engines for the future Range Rover Sport

After a long wait in which, in my opinion, we have seen very few spy photos of the new generation of the huge Range Rover Sport 2012, we finally have new details about the changes the British brand plans to introduce in the next generation of this high-performance SUV.

Specifically, we need to talk about new power for its diesel engines. For example, the 3.0-litre SDV6, the most powerful engine to date, will gain 10 horsepower, so its output in the next generation will reach 255 hp, an extra power boost that will come together with the introduction of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Naturally, these improvements have also made it possible to reduce CO2 emissions from 243 g/km to 230 g/km, while fuel consumption has dropped from 7.84 litres/100 km to 7.33 litres/100 km. It is a slight improvement that will surely become noticeable over the miles, though it is still quite striking that an SUV of this size and performance consumes just over 7 litres/100 km.

For the rest of the range, there are changes such as the 211 hp version which, thanks to a new low-flow injection system, has managed to cut emissions from 243 g/km to 224 g/km. On the other hand, the most attractive and performance-focused version, fitted with the huge 5.0-litre supercharged V8, will remain apparently unchanged in the 2012 model, so it will continue to offer its 510 hp or acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Finally, it is worth highlighting certain changes in the form of a new range of exterior colours, as well as much more complete exterior equipment, from standard trim levels such as the standard opening tailgate across the entire range, an improved audio system, and a new generation of 7-inch touchscreens available alongside Dual View technology.

Source | Land Rover