2014 Range Rover Sport Climbs Pikes Peak in Record Time

PEABODY, Mass., July 3, 2013 — Rising 4,720 feet through 156 corners on 12.42 miles of asphalt, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb course in Colorado presents an unforgiving challenge for even the most skilled driver. That is, unless that driver is behind the wheel of the redesigned 2014 Range Rover Sport, which recently raced to the course's 14,110-foot apex in just 12:35.61, a new record for a production SUV.

Driven by Pikes Peak specialist Paul Dallenbach, the new Range Rover Sport maintained an average speed of 59.17 mph as it climbed to an altitude where the air holds just 58 percent of the oxygen found at sea level. While those conditions can significantly diminish engine performance, the SUV's 510-horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8 proved more than up to the task. The only modifications made to the Range Rover Sport from its production model were the required roll cage and harness seatbelts to meet safety protocol.

"Land Rover has touted its 2014 Range Rover Sport as the fastest, most agile and most responsive version yet, and the model's record ride up Pikes Peak offers solid proof of those claims," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Land Rover Peabody, a Greater Boston Range Rover dealer. "Any number of capable SUVs could climb Pikes Peak, but to do it quickly, you need a vehicle that is extremely nimble through the turns. Fortunately, the next-generation Range Rover Sport is very light on its feet with its new frame."

Arriving at dealerships late this summer, the 2014 Range Rover Sport features an all-new aluminum unibody structure that drops about 800 pounds compared to its predecessor, thereby improving agility. Meanwhile, new aluminum front and rear suspensions make for a more dynamic ride, incorporating Land Rover's next-generation four-corner air suspension system. The use of lightweight aluminum throughout the SUV and a standard ZF eight-speed automatic transmission also combine to achieve significant gains in fuel economy over the 2013 Range Rover Sport.

According to Edmunds.com, fans of the Range Rover Sport could receive an even more fuel-efficient option within a few years. The auto-research site recently reported that diesel-hybrid variants of the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover are in the works for U.S. buyers. Slated for debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September before going on sale first in Europe, both models will house a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine paired with an electric motor. Non-hybrid V6 and V8 turbodiesel versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are expected to be headed stateside along with the diesel hybrids.

"U.S. sales of diesel vehicles have grown by 24 percent in the past two years, so Land Rover is trying to meet consumer demand with its upcoming diesel hybrids, but it is also using the move as another way to improve fuel efficiency without diluting its signature capability," added Edwards. "Diesel engines are very responsive because they produce a lot of low-end torque, but they also return impressive fuel economy that can be boosted even further with the addition of an electric motor."

About Land Rover Peabody
Land Rover Peabody is home to a remarkable group of off-road enthusiasts who know exactly what their customers expect in Land Rover sales and service. They're proud to offer the latest Land Rover models, as well as unparalleled Land Rover service and OEM parts, and they invite new customers to take a test-drive on their unique demonstration course to experience Land Rover performance firsthand. Browse their selection online at www.roverpeabody.com, visit the showroom at 247 Newbury St. in Peabody, Massachusetts, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/landroverpeabody or call them at 888-472-4137.