This is the new Range Rover Sport HST, the first
production vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover to launch with a mild-hybrid
powertrain. Powering the Range Rover Sport HST is the all-new 3.0-liter
inline-six cylinder gaasoline engine that boasts 395 hp and 550 Nm of torque. The engine replaces the company’s V6 petrol and is special due to
its implementation of an electric supercharger and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Jaguar Land Rover says the electric supercharger is
driven directly by an electric motor that can spool it up to 120,000 rpm in
half a second. The presence of this electric supercharger is said to virtually
eliminate all lag from the turbocharger. The new engine also reduces CO2
emissions over the petrol V6 by 12 per cent while cutting down on particulate
emissions by 75 per cent.
In addition to the electric supercharger and
efficient turbocharger, the Sport HST’s powertrain includes Continuous Variable
Valve Lift (CVVL), a system that varies inlet valve timing and lift profile to
improve efficiency. There is also a 48-volt system that can harvest energy on
the move, provide torque assistance to the engine, and trigger the Start-Stop
system. The SUV has claimed fuel economy figures of 30.5 mpg (9.3 liters/100
km) combined and CO2 emissions of 213g/km.
As for the Range Rover Sport HSE itself, it will be
sold as a special edition and can be distinguished from other models with
unique badging and carbon fiber trim across the exterior. Inside, Land Rover
has equipped the vehicle with 16-way Dynamic front seats with red and black
leather and satin chrome shift paddles. The vehicle also includes Advanced
Cruise Control, High Speed Emergency Braking, and Land Rover’s Terrain Response
2.
The Range Rover Sport HST will set UK customers back
£ 81,250 (US$ 104,733). It remains to be seen if the car will be sold elsewhere.
