Click above for more high-res spy shots of the 2009 Range Rover Sport
The 2009 Range Rover Sport looks like it's getting a slightly revised face. After undergoing minor cosmetic surgery, the Sport comes out with grillework that's reminiscent of the Land Rover LR2's as well as a new front bumper. Out back and along the sides, the SUV seems to be unchanged compared to the current model. One of Brenda Priddy's clandestine operatives snagged the freshened Ranger Rover Sport frolicking undisguised somewhere in Europe where it looks cold and snowy. As for when it'll be shown to the public, who knows? Geneva's just around the corner, though, so we'll have our gang keep an eye out for it when they're not eyeballing Renaults or noshing on good chocolate and tasty Lake Geneva perch filets.
[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SPG @ Feb 16th 2008 6:08PM
Not a bad update but I preferred the original sport look a bit more.
Then again I think the older the Range Rover the better.
Reuben @ Feb 16th 2008 7:04PM
Yeah, a plastic bumper, that's what I'd want on my 70K SUV.
John @ Feb 16th 2008 8:52PM
WOW.. The once GREAT and rugged Range Rover sport turned into a hideous weak piece of junk. Back in the dya range rovers were made TOUGH..while still maintaining their elegance. Now look at this...Obviously this change is to cater to the American public. I just can't help but notice that many European manufacturers are dumbing down their cars to get better sales here in the USA.
almost Dr. G.. @ Feb 16th 2008 9:21PM
john,
its bc us dumb americans arent satisfied with what our big 3 produce so we want things from europe. like ford europe, opel (saturn), etc. besides, gas guzzlers like these LR's are far less attainable (gas prices, large size) in european countries relative to people who are willing to pay $1000 a month on a lease and do 10mpg with an offroad vehicle theyll never really use here in the states. the markets change according to demand.
British_Rover @ Feb 16th 2008 11:57PM
Every modern car made has a plastic bumper and a plastic front girl. You have to have plastic in the front because of crash regulations and if it is a European vehicle you have to have even more deformable plastic to meet pedestrian crash test standards.
British_Rover @ Feb 17th 2008 12:06AM
girl should be grill
k.w.a @ Feb 17th 2008 2:45AM
...it looks exactly the same. I guess land rover's not one to mess with success
lovice @ Feb 17th 2008 6:17AM
Come on guys, this is just a cover for the real new front pumper! What's wrong with you guys? Never seen a facelifted car out testing before? How could you think that is the new front bumper?
Reuben @ Feb 17th 2008 8:20AM
In retrospect, yes I know most cars have plastic bumpers (my wrangler does not), my complaint revolves around the fact that it sticks out further than the other panels and is unpainted, two things I hope and bet they will fix for production. Otherwise it's a good looking truck.
lovice @ Feb 17th 2008 10:35AM
Because the real front pumper is behind this big unpainted plastic pumper (cover).
Reuben @ Feb 17th 2008 11:48AM
Good.
British_Rover @ Feb 17th 2008 11:23AM
Interesting that the Sport in that picture is non-supercharged, no intercooler on the passenger side lower corner, but has the silver supercharged grill and exposed exhaust tips.
trevor2k @ Feb 17th 2008 11:35AM
And the bumper is just hiding the new 5.0l DI V8 with more hp and better fuel economy.
MikeW @ Feb 18th 2008 10:25AM
and the ZF 8 speed automatic too?
Reuben @ Feb 17th 2008 11:54AM
My mistake, I am speaking of the cover, not the bumper. Plus I'm sure this is not the final production design.
dpb! @ Feb 17th 2008 2:29PM
Pretty much all bumpers now-a-days are plastic, even on 100k+ SUV's!