The new-generation Range Rover has been testing ever since 2011 and when the standard model arrived on the market, we knew the Sport version would be just one step behind. The standard Range Rover arrived last September at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, but Land Rover->ke46 chose to swap continents for the Sport version, and introduce it at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Just like the standard Range Rover, the Sport model will be all about the reduction of weight. For that, Land Rover has paid extra attention to the materials used to construct the vehicle. The most most important addition is an all-new, first-in-class aluminum architecture that helps save an amazing 420 kg (925 pounds).

The new Range Rover Sport will be put on sale in the third quarter of 2013. Customers will have the possibility to choose between four equipment levels: S, SE, HSE and Autobiography.

Update 04/24/2013: Land Rover has unveiled today a new promo video for the new Range Rover Sport -- the most dynamic, agile and responsive Land Rover ever. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 510
• Torque: 461
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

The new Range Rover Sport features the current model's strong design DNA, but adds it a sleek and contemporary appearance. When compared to a standard Range Rover, the new Sport version is 149 mm (5.86 inches) shorter, 55 mm (2.16 inches) lower and weights 45kg (99 pounds) less.

When viewed from the front, the new Range Rover Sport features a more modern, streamlined appearance with slimmer lights, rearward-sloping grille and more sculpted corners. Other design elements of the Sport version include a two-bar theme, for the twin strakes on the fender vents, the two bar front grille and the twin lines in the tail lamp graphics.

The rear lights also adopted a striking new design and are now offered with LED technology.

Dimensions

Interior

The same sophisticated and modern appearance continues on the interior where Land Rover offers the highest quality materials, with carefully selected colors and textures.

When compared to the previous generation, the new Range Rover Sport’s center console is mounted higher, allowing the driver to access the controls more easily. The center stack features striking satin chrome pillars and numerous aluminum accents.

Design Options

-11 interior color themes, plus additional choice of seat color

-4 aluminum interior finishes, 3 real wood veneers

-3 headliner colors

-19 exterior paint finishes

-3 contrast roof colors - Corris Grey, Santorini Black or Indus Silver

-9 alloy wheel designs, on 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inch

-Atlas Silver, Dark Atlas or Gloss Black finish for the exterior accents

-Illuminated tread plates

Drivetrain

When the new Range Rover Sport hits the market, customers will have a choice of four different engines: two gasoline units and two diesel units. Later in the year, Land Rover will also add a 4.4-liter SDV8 diesel engine with an output of 339 horsepower. In 2014 customers will also get a high-efficiency diesel Hybrid model.

The top trim level is powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 supercharged engine that delivers a total of 510 horsepower and sprints the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Next, there is the 3.0-liter V-6 supercharged engine - a first for the Range Rover Sport. It delivers a total of 340 horsepower and sprints the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Diesel fans will have two possibilities. First is an ultra-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel offered in two versions: a 258 horsepower TDV6 and 292 horsepower SDV6. The TDV6 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and the SDV6 does the same in just 6.8 seconds.

All engines will be paired with the advanced electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Suspension and Brakes

The new-generation Range Rover Sport adopts a lightweight aluminum body structure that combines pressed panels with cast, extruded and rolled aluminum-alloy parts, so that the new platform is now 39 percent lighter than the previous model.

Land Rover has also equipped the model with a fully independent, lightweight aluminum suspension with wide-spaced double-wishbones at the front and an advanced multi-link layout at the rear.

There is also an all-new electric power steering system that offers the choice of two full-time four-wheel-drive systems.

Prices

The 2014 Range Rover Sport is priced at $63,495, including $895 destination fee.

Options:

Competitors

As the new Range Rover Sport is among the first large SUVs to be put on a strict diet, it will have a huge advantage over its competitors.

Audi Q7

The next-generation Audi Q7 was rumored to arrive on the market later this year and just like the new Range Rover Sport, it will be about 650 pounds lighter than the current generation. Under the hood, Audi will place a choice of smaller engine, and for the first time, a hybrid version will also be offered.

Mercedes GL-Class

The new-generation GL-Class arrived on the market back in 2012, but no major updates have been made to its weight. The model will be offered in three trim levels: GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, and GL550, with power ranging from 240 to 429 horsepower.

Conclusion

With the new weight-saving techniques, the new Range Rover Sport has a huge advantage over competitors, not because we don't like big cars, but because less weight means less fuel consumption. We’ll have to wait and see if the likes of Mercedes, Audi and Bimmer can match what Land Rover has rolled out.