Land Rover has taken the wraps off its new special-edition Range Rover Sport HST derivative, which gains a 3,0-litre six-cylinder inline petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid element.
According to the Whitley-based firm, the new engine (which uses a twin-scroll turbocharger) is “more responsive and better balanced” than the outgoing V6, offering 294 kW and 550 N.m of torque (send to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission). As a result, the Range Rover Sport HST will hit 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 6,2 seconds before topping out at 225 km/h.
The new inline-six furthermore employs an electric supercharger that Land Rover says is capable of spooling fully (so, up to 120 000 r/min) in just 0,5 seconds via a direct connection with the throttle. This, the firm claims, eliminates turbo lag.
Meanwhile, the mild-hybrid system incorporates a small electric motor (and a new start-stop function), harvesting energy through regenerative braking and storing it in a 48V battery for later use, such as when pulling away.
The special-edition HST boasts a model-specific combination of interior and exterior updates, including bespoke badging and carbon-fibre trim on the bonnet, grille, side vents and tailgate. There will be a choice of two alloy wheel designs and five exterior colours, while red brake callipers will ship standard (anodised grey items will be optional).
Inside, you’ll find 16-way electrically adjustable front seats with an updated colour pattern, along with suede-cloth detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever. Satin chrome shift-paddles and an HST-badge on the facia will also be included.
