Land Rover is reportedly developing high-performance RS versions of the new Range Rover Sport and the Evoque. According to a report from Autocar, the Evoque RS will launch first, possibly by the end of this year, while the Range Rover Sport RS is expected to arrive sometime in 2014.
The Range Rover Evoque RS will be powered by a 300hp version of the already available 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Modest will be the key word as far as styling upgrades are concerned, with Land Rover preferring “subtle ways” to make the RS model stand out from the rest of the range instead of the usual tricks like larger wheels, wheelarches and sill extensions.
As for the Range Rover Sport RS, sources say it will be powered by an upgraded version of the 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine, delivering at least the same 542 hp as the Jaguar XKR-S, XFR-S and XJR. That is 39 hp more than the new RR Sport’s supercharged V8. According to the report, the SUV will sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in approximately 4.5 seconds.
The Range Rover Sport RS will boast a unique front bumper design with large air intakes replacing the fog lights. The rear bumper and lower skid plate will also feature changes. Other upgrades may include software changes for the active anti-roll bars and air springs and a more powerful braking system.
By Dan Mihalascu
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