The 2008 Range Rover Sport comes in two models: HSE ($57,725) and Supercharged ($71,175).
The HSE comes with a 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8. The Supercharged model features a supercharged V8 displacing 4.2 liters and making 390 horsepower. Both engines drive through the same six-speed CommandShift automatic transmission (also fitted in the top-of-the-line Range Rover). Full-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed, shift-on-the-fly, electronic transfer case is standard, as is an electronically controlled, locking center differential.
HSE standard features include dual-zone, automatic climate control; cruise control; eight-way power front seats; power tilt-and-telescope steering column; power folding outside mirrors, central locks and windows (with one-touch operation from the front passenger's position); three memory settings for driver's seat and mirrors; digital, 14-speaker, surround-sound AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-disc, in-dash changer and auxiliary audio inputs; sunroof; front and rear park assist; five function-programmable key fob; Personal Telephone Integration System with Bluetooth capability; and a DVD-based GPS navigation system with voice recognition and dash-mounted, seven-inch, touch-screen LCD display incorporating a picture-in-picture monitor of 4X4 settings and status.
Ride and handling features include Dynamic Stability Control and Active Roll Mitigation, which combine to heighten directional control and rollover resistance; Hill Descent Control, which automatically applies appropriate braking on steep downhill inclines; Terrain Response, a manually selectable set of four pre-programmed suspension and engine management settings for various off-road conditions; and, of course, Land Rover's trademark load-leveling, height-adjustable air suspension.
Options for HSE include Sirius Satellite Radio ($400, plus subscription fee); and 20-inch alloy wheels ($4,000). The Cold Climate package ($1,300) adds heated seats front and rear, a heated windshield and heated washer jets. The Luxury Package ($3,000) includes the Cold Climate package but upgrades the leather upholstery and includes a choice of straight-grained walnut or dark Zebrano wood trim, a center console cool box, and adaptive headlights that pivot when you turn the steering wheel. The Dynamic Response Package ($2,000) combines high-performance Brembo front brakes with the Dynamic Response System, which electronically adjusts the stabilizer bars for optimal cornering.
The Supercharged model, or S/C, comes standard with everything on the HSE plus the Luxury, Cold Climate, and Dynamic Response packages; Sirius Satellite Radio; and 20-inch alloy wheels. Optional Stormer alloy wheels ($1,000) of equal size but with a different design are available, as is Adaptive Cruise Control ($2,000). S/C buyers can also choose straight-grained walnut or dark Zebrano wood interior trim with no extra charge for either.
Optional on both models is an infinitely variable electronic rear differential lock ($500), and a rear-seat entertainment system ($2,500) consisting of two displays integrated into the back sides of the front seat head restraints, a six-disc DVD changer, touchscreen interface, two wireless head sets and a wireless remote control.
Safety features on the Range Rover Sport comprise twin, dual-stage front airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags for torso protection; full-coverage side curtain airbags to protect against head injury in side-impacts and rollovers; child safety seat anchors (LATCH); antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; and all-terrain traction control.