510hp supercharged V8 added to Range Rover Sport

Joining the facelifted Range Rover SUV on Land Rover’s stands at this week’s New York Auto Show, which has also undergone a subtle styling update and powertrain transplant. First and foremost, the updated SUV is now available with a supercharged 5.0L V8 churning out more than 510hp (380kW) and 461lb-ft (624Nm) of torque.

Also part of the 2010 model year facelift is the introduction of a 375hp (280kW) naturally aspirated version with 375lb-ft (507Nm) of torque. Both engines were developed in-house by the Jaguar Land Rover powertrain team, and also appears in the recently updated Jaguar XF and XK range.

The performance of the all-new naturally aspirated LR-V8 is now a virtual-match for the outgoing 4.2L supercharged engine. The naturally aspirated model completes the 0-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the outgoing supercharged unit), while the supercharged version is propelled from rest to 60mph in just 5.9 seconds.

But a power hike isn’t the end of the story. Land Rover engineers have also put the Range Rover Sport through a comprehensive program of chassis system modifications to improve on-road dynamics while preserving the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. This includes the new ‘Adaptive Dynamics’ suspension management system, and the addition of the road-focused ‘Dynamic’ mode for improved agility and ride quality.

The SUV’s body has also been updated to provide a cleaner, more sculpted feel. New LED-detailed headlamps combine with a new two-bar grille, front bumpers and fenders to create a more sporting and aerodynamic stance. At the rear, new light clusters and a revised bumper design mirror the smoother front-end.

The interior has also been redesigned, with higher quality materials and soft-touch finishes improving comfort levels.