2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport returns to Land Rover's lineup for 2015 as a lower-priced gateway drug to this upscale SUV maker's well-known Range Rover flagship. The news here is all in trim updates, like a high-performance SVR model ($124,990) powered by a 550-hp supercharged V8 that can haul the sport-tuned chassis and the rest of this truck from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. That new top trim adds racetrack-worthy abilities to a vehicle whose name is more commonly associated with off-roading and posh hunting parties.

The rest of the lineup goes like this: V6 SE ($75,490); V6 HSE ( $79,990); V8 Supercharged ($92,490); V8 Supercharged w/ Dynamic Pack ($95,990); and Autobiography Dynamic ($104,990).

Other new stuff includes a fixed panoramic sunroof for V6 SE trim; puddle lamps that project a silhouette of the vehicle; optional driver assistance package of blind spot monitor, closing vehicle sensing, reverse traffic detection, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition; a "stealth" satin black exterior trim option; front seat with upper articulation and massage, and rear seat entertainment in Autobiography Dynamic trim; a convenience package that adds surround-view camera, park assist, and soft-close doors to trims below Autobiography Dynamic; a premium package that brings fog lights and garage door opener to models above V6 SE; and finally, a luxury package that adds adaptive xenon headlights with LED signature, auto high beams, 16-way front seats, climate-controlled front and rear seats, front console cooler compartment, and four-zone automatic climate control.

If that new SVR model sounds like overkill, consider one of the lesser powertrains: V6 SE and V6 HSE trims use a supercharged V6 making 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while V8 Supercharged models get a V8 good for 510 hp and 461 lb-ft. As we mentioned up top, the SVR's V8 is tuned up for 550 hp and 502 lb-ft. All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. An optional "extra duty" package adds a locking centre differential and low-range 4WD gearing.