Since its design debut in 2006, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport still has an ultra-contempo look to back up its mile-long name, so there hasn’t been much call to revamp. An LE edition of the Supercharged was made available in the summer of 2007, but the changes were mostly cosmetic and just 250 examples were destined for North America anyway. For this test, we selected the “regular” Supercharged, which drives into 2008 more or less unchanged.
2008 brings the first new Cayenne in two years, as Porsche took 2007 to tweak the trucklet and drop in more power. On the latter note, the new GTS (available in March ’08 as an ’09 model) sneaks in between the S and Turbo models for a more urban appearance with a dose more power over the S, on which it’s based.
We’ll rate each of these luxury SUVs relative to their class for the best score of a possible 100 points through several categories.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged
MSRP (base): $71,175Engine: 4.2-liter supercharged V8
Horsepower: 390 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 410 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
MPG: City: 12; Highway: 18
Performance - 14/20
Given the blower and the all-around tuning, this Land Rover is livelier and more capable than looks might suggest. The 6.7-second run from 0-60 mph doesn’t lie, and the growling response is strong while you're well on your way to the 141-mph governed limit. The handling, coupled with the air suspension, braking with the Brembos, and feedback from the 20-inch alloys on low-profile rubber aren’t up to world-class levels, but the Range Rover Sport Supercharged does invite you to be more daring than you’d otherwise behave in a vehicle like this. What’s even more surprising is how this package doesn’t seem to adversely diminish the off-road prowess, with multiple modes available and controlled on the center console through the important-sounding Terrain Response Selector Knob. A six-speed ZF automatic is the sole transmission offered.
Exterior design - 16/20
This may be the third model year, but the exterior design is aging very gracefully. What struck some as avant-garde in 2006, looks mainstream now. We figure there to be a couple more years of relevance in this look before it begins to get crusty, and that's fine with us.
Interior design - 7/10
Overall, British interiors may not be as inviting as they once were, but it offers a good balance with the modern exterior. You can select one of two leather seating schemes at no extra cost; the same goes for your preference of walnut or dark zebrano wood trim. Ergonomics are acceptable in both the front and the rear, though anyone taller than six feet will be less comfortable in the back as the miles roll by. Cargo space maxes out at 71 cubic feet, with the second-row seats folded.
Sound system/goodies - 8/10
Increasing your odds of needing a hearing aid in your later years, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged comes with a standard 550-watt Harman/Kardon LOGIC 7 system with 14 speakers. For your viewing pleasure, if you’re seated in the rear at least, is an optional DVD system. To defend your foie gras against spoilage on the way home from the market; a cooler in the center console is included at no extra cost. Talk about taking your creature comforts on the road…
Bang for your buck - 12/20
The equation value among luxury SUVs includes the worth of the emblems. You can spend less and get more, but it won’t be a Range Rover Sport Supercharged.
Driving experience - 13/20 Behind the wheel, you’ll never completely forget you’re in an SUV. On the other hand, you’ll always be reminded you’re not in just any SUV. The Range Rover Sport exceeds on- and off-road performance expectations without getting too carried away on either count.
Overall score - 70/100
For aging sports car drivers in search of more room, a softer ride and easier ingress/egress, the “Sport” in the multi-syllabic name of this Land Rover is surprisingly justified.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
MSRP (base): $69,300Engine: 4.8-liter V8
Horsepower: 405 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
MPG (automatic): City: 13; Highway: 18
Performance - 19/20
With a worked-over, naturally aspirated V8 drivetrain from the Cayenne S, the GTS benefits from a shorter final drive ratio (4.1:1 versus 3.55:1), a slightly higher redline and a few extra horsepower (405 versus 385). Torque is unchanged, but it’s still a brilliant package. And for the first time since the 928, a Porsche V8 and an honest-to-Ferdinand manual transmission -- a ZF six-speed to be exact -- are offered together. The pedal travel and shift throws are a little long, like an old 944, but that’s not to say this setup isn’t fun. It helps the GTS crack off a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds with a 157-mph top speed. We suspect more buyers will go in for the Tiptronic and shrug off the altered 6.1-second 0-60 mph and 156 mph figures. Their payoff, if you are really crunching the numbers (‘cause GTS buyers won’t), lies in slightly better gas mileage. Either way, we only get the height-adjustable air suspension package on 21-inch wheels in the United States as opposed to the more precise, conventional setup of European models. That still doesn’t mar the exceptional performance of the GTS, which simply amazes, all things considered.
Exterior design - 17/20
We’ve always felt previous Cayennes looked too hiked-up, so the GTS’ aggressive stance, double-wing spoiler and ground effects suddenly make this a good-looking SUV. Even the subtle updates to the other models have helped, further distancing unflattering comparisons to the Volkswagen Touareg.
Interior design - 7/10
Minor changes to an already-excellent cabin are limited, with leather and Alcantara throughout. The rear split bench gets more bolstering, so the comfortable passenger count goes from three to two, even though a middle seatbelt and headrest are present. Fold them and you’ll have access to a maximum 62.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Regardless, it’s more fun up front in the new 12-way adjustable sport seats -- particularly the one behind the steering wheel.
Sound system/goodies - 8/10
Yes, the standard 12-speaker audio system is fine, but the optional 350-watt, 14-speaker Bose surround sound system is better. Still, these are both a far cry from the sound of the V8 sound system. As if that couldn’t get any better, activating Sport mode alters the exhaust note from “cool” to “stand back” via lower restriction. The engine also becomes more responsive and the suspension lowers itself for impending "vroom."
Bang for your buck - 17/20
As with the Land Rover, a chunk of your substantial change pays for the Porsche name. Even beyond heritage and good looks though, there’s a lot to back it up. Don’t think of it as a slightly hotter S for $11,400 more; consider it an alternative to the Turbo at $24,400 less.
Driving experience - 18/20 Silly, stupid fun -- what the GTS lacks in practicality is compensated with performance. The numbers alone don’t justify stepping up from the S model. What must be experienced are the overall behavior and road manners at higher speeds. Then, it becomes obvious what was intended -- and very much accomplished.
Overall score - 86/100
“Performance SUV” usually makes as little sense as “instant classic,” but the GTS might just be both.
and the winner is…
On its own, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged is a competent luxury SUV with bite. The teeth just aren’t as sharp as those of the Porsche Cayenne GTS. And it’s just as well. After all, there just aren’t enough burnout marks on Rodeo Drive.86/100
Resources:http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.landrover.com/
http://www.porsche.com/
http://magazine.windingroad.com
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