2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Preview

Much of the LR3's chassis hardware was carried over, including the advanced double-wishbone air suspension and variable-assist

The Sport has little to do with the flagship Range Rover, and everything to do with the new LR3. (Photo: Land Rover)

rack and pinion steering, albeit with sportier settings to make the Range Rover Sport more responsive to an enthused driver's command, especially around tight, low-speed corners.

Keeping with its 'driver's pedigree,' the Range Rover Sport includes a list of equipment brimming with goodies to allow its prospective owner to get the most out of the vehicle's abilities.

Active safety features such as traction control and emergency brake assist are the first lines of defense in times of emergency, while dynamic stability control is present to prevent the vehicle from tipping over in avoidance maneuvers.

Standard on the top-of-the-line supercharged model is Land Rover's new Dynamic Response system, which senses cornering

The Sport is marketed as a sports car-slaying utility vehicle, but this claim by no means limits it to paved tarmac. (Photo: Land Rover)

forces and by use of the car's adaptive suspension, counteracts body roll to optimize on-road performance. The system can be decoupled to allow greater wheel articulation during off-roading. Also standard on the supercharged model are four-piston Brembo front brakes with large, ventilated discs.

Though the Sport is marketed as a sports car-slaying utility vehicle, this claim by no means limits it to paved tarmac - it simply wouldn't be fitting to badge it as a Land Rover if it did.