Designed specifically for the Range Sport and its tamer Range Rover sibling, the new TDV8 produces 200 kW at 4 000 r/min and a peak torque figure of 640 Nm from 2 000 r/min.
Land Rover claims a 0 - 100 time of 8.6 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 209 km/h. The engine is mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox. It returns 11.1 l/100 km on the combined cycle.
The TDV8 derivative rides on the independent double wishbone air suspension system used by the other Range Rover Sport models. The TDV8 shares its braking system with the supercharged V8 using four-piston Brembo calipers at the front.
Land Rover's Terrain Response system with five suspension settings that adjust to suit the current on- or off-road conditions is standard too.
An earlier encounter with the Range Rover Sport TDV8 proved that, despite its hefty two tonne-plus mass, the 3.6-litre is very capable of prodigious in-gear acceleration and head-snapping speeds. It also has what is perhaps one of the most chilling V8 roars around.
The introduction of the TDV8 sees specification upgrades across the Sport range, although the TDV6 and naturally aspirated and supercharged petrol V8 mills remain unchanged.
Interior adjustments include a metallic finish to several controls and clearer instrument graphics. Other feature upgrades include stowage pouches behind the driver seats, improved satellite navigation, one-touch indicator signals and a power tailgate function.
Optional is a new TV unit capable of processing digital TV signals and an electronic Tyre Pressure Monitor.
The Range Rover Sport TDV8 costs R752 000.