Filed under: SUVs, Land Rover
Land Rover gets limited with Range Rover Sport LE
Click for a pair of high-res images of the 2008 Range Rover Sport LE
Perhaps trying to keep things interesting, Land Rover just announced a new version of its popular Range Rover Sport for the U.S. market. The Range Rover Sport LE will be a true Limited Edition, with only 250 copies making their way to dealerships starting this month. Some exterior changes that will help you spot this special version include flush-mounted bumpers, a different roof spoiler, body-colored lower cladding, a new rear exhaust "treatment," and some spiffy-looking 20-inch Stormer wheels.
Interior changes include a Luxury Interior Package comprising the cold climate option, adaptive front lighting, premium leather seats, hand-polished oak wooden trim and a center console cooler box. Unique carpet mats, a rear seat A/V system, and adaptive cruise control are also included. The LE uses the supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine, permanent 4WD, and Land Rover's Terrain Response system to uphold the company's reputation for on- and off-road prowess. If you can find a dealer that has one available, expect pricing to be around $81,450.
Full press release after the jump.
[Source: Land Rover]
Gallery: 2008 Range Rover Sport LE
PRESS RELEASE:
LAND ROVER OFFERS A SPECIAL VERSION OF ITS HIGHLY POPULAR RANGE ROVER SPORT
Irvine, Calif, August 10, 2007 – Following the huge success of the Range Rover Sport in the U.S. market, Land Rover North America is delighted to announce that a special version known as the LE will go on sale immediately.
The Range Rover Sport LE will be a very exclusive model with only 250 available in North America from August. This special version is equipped with flush-fitting front and rear bumpers, an extended rear roof spoiler, body-colored lower side panels, a new rear exhaust treatment, tread strips and 20-inch Stormer wheels which add to the vehicle's visual appeal.
Inside the Range Rover Sport LE, there is a Luxury Interior Package that includes a cold climate option, adaptive front lighting, premium leather seats, hand-polished oak wooden trim and a center console cooler box. Carpet mats are also included. Furthermore, an audio visual entertainment system for rear seat passengers and adaptive cruise control are also included.
"Land Rover is delighted to offer a limited edition Range Rover Sport for those customers who want something a little different," said Finbar McFall, Vice President of Marketing, Land Rover North America. "With many exclusive features and options, the Range Rover Sport LE will appeal to those consumers who want a level of personalization that reflects their taste and style."
With the legendary on- and off-road prowess of the 2008 Range Rover Sport, the LE features a 4.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine. The permanent four wheel drive system is coupled with Land Rover's proven Terrain Response™ system to provide the go-anywhere capability associated with the current Land Rover range.
The Range Rover Sport Supercharged equipped with the Limited Edition Package is priced at $81,450.
Land Rover North America is part of Ford Motor Company's Premier Automotive Group with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR2 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull and Halewood, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to www.LandRoverusa.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Travis 4:49PM (8/10/2007)
WAY overpriced!
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Tool 5:01PM (8/10/2007)
Why be a wannabe? For $75K you get could the real Range Rover instead of this LR3 platform makeover?
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RickCA 5:28PM (8/10/2007)
This is true..but the Range Rover Sport is such a better looking car inside and out in design compared to its bigger bretheren. Even if I could afford an 80k car I'd go for the Sport VS the regular Range Rover
RickCA 5:45PM (8/10/2007)
This is true..but the Range Rover Sport is such a better looking car inside and out in design compared to its bigger bretheren. Even if I could afford an 80k car I'd go for the Sport VS the regular Range Rover
Shark 10:07PM (8/10/2007)
This remark always surprises me, it is a range rover sport. Nobody is pretending that it's a range rover. List price is $81k, but good luck finding one under $100k. It will look nice next to my "real" supercharged Range Rover.
carguy 5:54PM (8/10/2007)
Does the limited also come with the limited reliability that is standard on all Ranger Rover products?
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trevor2k 7:17PM (8/10/2007)
Typical Autoblog post:
[Ed. -- Gosh I hope you meant comment]
*insert generic bash phrase* *insert manufacturer* *insert sarcasm*
Land Rover has one of the best warranties on the planet, and covers the vehicle for 4 yrs 50k miles. Yes, the new vehicles required software updates to work out the kinks of the new jaguar based motor. 95% of all the problems associated with the Land Rovers are software based, that have been fixed with updates.
Tool 11:07AM (8/11/2007)
My Range Rover never required one visit to the dealer due to a warranty issue. It was the best vehicle I have ever owned.
This is probably due to the fact that it was BMW-engineered and even though Ford now owns it, a lot of the parts come from the BMW parts bin.
MiniMe 9:27AM (8/11/2007)
"Land Rover has one of the best warranties on the planet, and covers the vehicle for 4 yrs 50k miles."
Since when is 4 years and 50K miles "one of the best"? My Jeep came with a 7 year 70K warranty. Today it's available with Chryslers limited lifetime warranty.
Ford can't dump this loser quick enough as far as I'm concerned. Nassar sure managed to screw Ford up royally. Ironic to see him involved in trying to guy the premium group from Ford.
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Gotham2112 11:34AM (8/11/2007)
If you have never owned or driven a Range Rover or Range Rover Sport, then why even reply to this posting. The Sport has been one of the best selling Land Rovers to date. The new LE will be a nice subtle body change to the regular Sport. The new square exhaust tips look awesome in person. As far as reliability, Tool and Trevor have it correct. Again, own a current gen LR and then you your comment means something.
MiniMe 4:05PM (8/11/2007)
Long version:
My comments are just as valid as any. You do not have to be an owner of a Range Rover to acknowledge thier abysmal reliability.
Ford needs to dump this loser of a subsidiary asap, if for no other reason than it makes very little money both on a relative scale and in terms of return on investment.
Range Rover also casts a negative halo on the general perception of the quality and reliability of FoMoCo products in general.
These effects are the opposite of what a luxury brand is supposed to achieve.
And so I expect you'll be taking your own admonition to heart and refrain from commenting on any topic presented on AutoBlog not directly related to a brand you actually own.
Short version:
One doesn't have to climb down into a sewer to know it's going to stink.
British_Rover 7:15PM (8/11/2007)
You guys missed that the interior color of the Limited Edition Sport has never been available in US Market Sports before.
I sell Land Rovers and I have customers with over 50,000 miles on their Range Rovers that have never had a warranty claim. Also your 7/70 warranty is power train only so you can't compare that to a bumper to bumper warranty.
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Jacksun 4:09PM (8/13/2007)
I agree this is a little pricey, but as LE's go not too bad.
As far as warranties, one really can't compare a Jeep or Toyota to the Land Rover. Even the lifetime Jeep warranty only applies to the first buyer, and as a company exec said "we don't think it will have a big impact as most people only keep their cars for 5 - 8 years". One needs to look at comparable class vehicles, and when you do 4 years, 50k miles with complimentary scheduled maintenance is world class. Not to mention Land Rover actually gives you a Land Rover loaner vehicle, without question no matter what you are getting fixed. Last time I dealt with Ford they refused to give me a 10.00 rental at no charge when I was having $500.00 worth of work done.
As for Ford, all they did was use Volvo, Land Rover, and Jag technology to add to their vehicles, which if left without this technology would simply be in a bigger mess than they are now. Ford really gave nothing back to these groups except maybe the mass production knowledge and some quality control.
Overall quality of Land Rovers are excellent, service is first class, warranty recalls are minimal (non-existant in my case), and reliability is superb.
Unfortunately the LE is not available in Canada, or I would buy one without hesitation.
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mashisoyo 12:04PM (8/23/2007)
Unfortunately this is only a re-badged Range Rover Sport HST which is sold in the UK! Too bad they are only bringing 250 to the US and calling it a limited edition!
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Leonard Lane 9:41PM (9/06/2007)
I have a 2006 RR Sport HSE and have put 50K miles on it with only one little issue other than software updates, and that being the cigarette lighter didnt work. I have NEVER had a better vehicle. I love this thing. I usually lease for 2 years so I have been through some different vehicles, but never as nice and comfortable as the RR Sport. I currently have the new LE on order, with expected delivery around the 13th of september. I can't wait! I have driven the bigger brother RR and if you enjoy driving then the sport is the way to go. They are completly different vehicles and have completly different drivers. Sport = fun!
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quietcoolone 9:56AM (9/07/2007)
I've owned 3 Rovers and are about to buy a 4th. Discovery I, Discovery II, LR3 and RR Sport Supercharged in March 2008. I've not had any major issues with any of these vehicles. It goes without saying that maintenance is where most Car companies make their money. You can pickup a Hyundai for $10K and pay $5-6K in maintenance after 2-3 years of ownership. LR warranty covers the entire vehicle-- they even change oil filters, fluids etc in my LR3.. To date I've had 4 schedule maintenance appointments and have not paid a penny for anything.
I do find it funny that most negative post are from non-LandRover owners.. why is that? Don't base your opinions on here say or what you read in the magazines. After all these folks are being paid to write and will write anything to cause controversy. Car and Driver has a review almost opposite to Edmund's.. what does this mean? you do that math.
I also find it funny that most car magazines criticize LR weight-- the strongest man in the world is not 200lbs but more like 350lbs.. you do the math.
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Uly48 6:49PM (9/26/2007)
It was expensive, but now that my LE has arrived I must say it is one of the finest automobiles I have ever had the pleasure of driving. Having owned Prosche, Audi (RS6) Jeep SRT8 and others, there is no doubt in my mind that this is truly a car that I will enjoy for many years. I must admit to some trepidation prior to my purchase, but I am confident that the "bugs" these cars experienced when they first came out in 2006 are now history. Boy are the neighbors jealous :)
daves05 6:14PM (9/27/2007)
We have the last two of these in the country brand new - selling at MSRP call 610-841-5700
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Disappointed in SC 4:38PM (4/06/2008)
While this new car is sure to be beautiful and fun to drive, it will be hard for me to be enthusiastic. Up until midnight last night, my 2007 RR Sport Supercharged was my favorite car I've ever owned... so what happened at midnight? Well, my beautiful (and expensive) car (with only 13k miles and full of gas) sputtered to a stop on a dark road and would not restart. It took most of my day today to get it towed to the dealer. I ignored the comments on Consumer Reports because I wanted this sexy car... and now I'm regretting it! Glad it was me driving and not my wife with the kids out on the interstate!
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