2018 Range Rover Sport Off-Road Capabilities – Video
Recognized for its exemplary off-road performance, the new Range Rover Sport builds upon this with the P400e, as its electric motor offers greater control of torque. This facilitates improved low-speed control and superior pull-away on low-grip surfaces. The low range transmission can also be operated in pure EV mode for all-terrain journeys.
The Land Rover Terrain Response® 2 technology has been retuned to intelligently and precisely distribute torque from the electric motor, which has no creep speed and maximum torque from zero rpm, to all four wheels, giving greater control during low-speed off-road maneuvers, reaffirming its outstanding breadth of capability5.
Handling and performance across the model range can also be managed via a series of Terrain Response 2 options. The P400e features a new Comfort mode which calibrates the suspension settings to ensure the most comfortable ride possible, while the Dynamic mode allows drivers to take greater control over the individual settings, which they can tailor to optimize their experience.
These modes exist alongside Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and Eco.
In Eco mode, the driver receives instantaneous feedback and guidance on driving more efficiently, while minimizing electrical power consumption and highlighting the effects of certain features on fuel efficiency. It also softens the throttle pedal response, modifies the automatic transmission shift pattern and switches off heating for the door mirrors, steering wheel and seats to optimize fuel efficiency.
The new Range Rover Sport also benefits from the Jaguar Land Rover Low Traction Launch System, which helps to exploit all available traction when pulling away on low friction surfaces. Unlike All-Terrain Progress Control, the company’s all-terrain cruise control technology, Low Traction Launch relies on the driver by initiating a unique throttle map to provide a more usable torque curve. The system is specifically designed to help drivers pull-away from a standstill on low friction surfaces such as wet grass, loose gravel and snow5.
Hill Descent Control (HDC®) is also fitted as standard, while excellent ground clearance and a smooth underfloor help the new model negotiate rough terrain5.
Wading capability for the P400e is also uncompromised with a maximum depth of 33.5-in (850mm) shared with the rest of the Range Rover Sport line-up. For deep water wading, it is recommended that the Ingenium gasoline engine is running to prevent water entering the exhaust system.
The four-wheel-drive capability of the new Range Rover Sport is managed by a new transfer case design, which has a smart actuator rather than a separate motor and ECU. This results in a 3.3-lb (1.5kg) reduction in weight and is controlled via a multi-plate clutch. Together with the bevel gear center differential it provides a 50:50 torque split.
Using wheel slip information from a range of sensors, the clutch distributes torque evenly between all four wheels, while a ‘shift on the move’ system allows selectable high and low gears up to 37mph (60km/h). The Active Rear Locking Differential can also be optimized to assist with cornering stability and traction5.
A weight-optimized four-wheel drive system is available on certain models and features a single-speed transfer box and Torsen differential. This provides a 42:58 torque split and offers excellent on-road performance and agility.