Daniel Craig Drives 2014 Range Rover Sport at New York Launch
Land Rover enlisted Daniel Craig to drive the new Range Rover Sport through Manhattan to unveil the 2014 model at the New York Auto Show, highlighting its updated design and features.
Land Rover turned to Daniel Craig to introduce the 2014 Range Rover Sport, handing the actor the keys for a high-profile drive through Manhattan ahead of the SUV’s official unveiling at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The event put the redesigned Sport centre stage in front of global media, with Craig’s involvement drawing extra attention to the brand’s new flagship performance SUV.
The 2014 Range Rover Sport arrived with a new aluminium-intensive platform, shared with the standard Range Rover, promising a lighter and more agile drive than its predecessor. Land Rover claimed a weight saving of up to 420kg compared to the outgoing model, depending on specification. The updated chassis and suspension aimed to close the gap between off-road ability and on-road dynamics, a key selling point for the Sport badge.
Engines and technical updates
For 2014, the entry-level engine in the US was a 3.0-litre supercharged V6, replacing the previous naturally aspirated V8. This V6 sent power through an eight-speed automatic gearbox supplied by ZF. The top-spec version retained a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, producing 510hp. Both engines featured all-wheel drive with a choice of single-speed Torsen or optional two-speed transfer case, supporting the model’s dual focus on performance and off-road capability.
| Base engine | 3.0-litre supercharged V6 |
|---|---|
| Top engine | 5.0-litre supercharged V8 (510hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
Land Rover also introduced a third row of seats for the first time in the Sport, increasing practicality for families. The cabin featured improved materials and technology, aiming to bring the Sport closer to the full-size Range Rover in terms of comfort and refinement.
Pricing and availability
At launch, US pricing for the 2014 Range Rover Sport started at $63,495 for the SE, $68,495 for the HSE, and $79,995 for the Supercharged V8. The model’s debut in New York was part of a global rollout, with the US as a key market for the new generation.
The Range Rover Sport’s New York launch with Daniel Craig was a calculated move by Land Rover to emphasise the SUV’s blend of British luxury and urban performance. The event set the tone for the model’s international campaign and highlighted its technical advances over the previous generation. For more on the model’s unveiling, see2014 Range Rover Sport Officially Unveiled.
