The next generation Range Rover Sport is in the pipeline and will be launched in 2013. This new model (codenamed L494) will see a lot of changes and deviations from the outgoing version. It will have an all new aluminum chassis and body modified from its bigger brother, the new Range Rover, thus dumping the older chassis which was borrowed from the Discovery. This in turn will make the new Range Rover Sport a lot lighter, by about 400 kgs, and more agile. The new model will also be available as a 5–seat as well as 7–seat options, making it quite a practical SUV.
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There are few changes in the styling with a sloping roof, big spoiler and other cosmetic touches which give it a sportier appearance. Land Rover says that this new Sport will be more sporty to drive and will possess better handling characteristics. They are testing the car at the Nurburgring for improved driver involvement and feel with a quicker steering and better tuned suspension. Thus the new Range Rover Sport will give good competition to the likes of the Mercedes ML63 AMG and the Porsche Cayenne GTS.
The 2013 Range Rover Sport is expected to be powered by the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, boasting of 255 BHP of power as well as the supercharged 5.0–litre V8 petrol engine with more than 500 BHP of power. It is also expected that a new diesel-electric hybrid engine, developed by Land Rover, will find its way into the new Sport. Due to all the changes, it is expected that it will be slightly more expensive than the current model, but given the capabilities and a more complete package, the new Range Rover Sport will definitely be worth the asking price.
Source – AutoExpress