Nevertheless, the limited edition HST will make its home between the two bookends. Along with its increase power and bespoke looks, the HST will adopt the same 2016 upgrades set for the Range Rover Sport. Topping that list are a foot-activated tailgate, automatic access ride height setting, higher-resolution exterior cameras, and Land Rover’s latest InControl app suite.

The new Range Rover Sport HST is said to split the difference between the base Range Rover Sport and the 510-horsepower Ranger Rover Sport SVR. Splitting the difference might be a slight exaggeration, however, considering the vast range between the base and SVR models’ horsepower ratings.

Land Rover is delivering a more powerful version of Range Rover Sport to the 2015 New York Auto Show, complete with upgraded bodywork and interior trim that’s unique to the new trim. More importantly, the new Range Rover Sport HST comes with 40 more horsepower from its tweaked 3.0-liter supercharged V-6.

Exterior

The Range Rover Sport HST’s unique looks play on the popular “murdered out” theme. Stealth Pack lamps front and rear are darker than the standard units and feature non-reflective surrounds. The roof, its pillars, and the rear spoiler are also covered in a Santorini Black color. The dark accents continue onto the 21-inch satin grey wheels or the optional 22-inch Stealth Alloy upgrades.

All of the exterior grilles are colored black as well – including the main grille and those on the hood and front fenders. The lower valance is continues the theme as do the block LAND ROVER badges on the hood and tailgate.

Interior

Inside the Range Rover HST are more unique attributes. The two-tone seats are covered in Oxford Leather with four color combinations. Those who favor a single seat color can order the full Ebony option. Speaking of Ebony, the black color runs it way over nearly every surface of the cabin, save for the contrasting trim.

The dashboard notates the HST designation with special badging, branded carpeted floor mats, and on the driver’s TFT display. Noble-plated paddle shifters accent the bright gas and brake pedals.

Drivetrain

Here’s where 40 of the best changes take place – in horsepower, of course. Land Rover upped the Range Rover Sport’s standard 340 horse, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6’s output to a more respectable 380 horsepower. While the increase is somewhat nominal, it pushes the all-aluminum mill towards the 400 horsepower mark.

Helping this SUV handle like a sports car are a few tweaks in the chassis and its electronics. The Terrain Response 2 system is uniquely calibrated for more daring on-road maneuvers while the engine’s throttle response and shift programming have been sharpened for quicker responses. Range Rover even offers a set of performance brakes for the HST. Those are easily spotted thanks to their red calipers.

Prices

Range Rover hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect it to land somewhere around the upper $60,00 to low $70,000 mark. That puts it (somewhat) between the $64,000 base price for the Range Rover Sport and the exorbitant $81,000 for the 5.0-liter V-8 version.

Competition

Porsche Cayenne

Read our full review here

The mid-range version of Porsche popular SUV is the Cayenne S. Complete with a 3.0-liter V-6 with twin turbochargers bolted on, the engine makes a healthy 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That is considerably more than the RR Sport HST despite being the second from the bottom in terms of performance.

Audi SQ5

Read our full review here

The Range Rover’s other German competitor is the SQ5. The Audi utilizes a similar powertrain setup – a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. In this case, the SQ5 makes 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. That puts it below the Sport HST in terms of power, but not by much.

Conclusion

All told, the limited edition Range Rover Sport HST seems like a decent alternative against the far more expensive Sport V-8 version, while giving Range Rover customers more power and better handling from a familiar platform. Thanks to the added black trim inside and out, the HST is sure to stand apart.

Sadly, ordering the HST package somewhat limits the Range Rover Sport’s abilities in the dirt. The transfer case is limited to the single speed unit verses the dual ratio box offered on other trim levels. Then again, how many people dare to venture past the pavement with their Range Rover Sports anyway?