2009 Land Rover Range Rover

The Range Rover Sport can't be mistaken for anything but a Land Rover. Sure, its supercharged engine puts out 390 hp, beating both the BMW X5 4.8i and the Porsche Cayenne S, but it hasn't sacrificed its Land Rover heritage while chasing performance numbers. I like that the large side windows haven't given way to a high beltline, and I even like the quirky controls that immediately let you know you're in a Land Rover. Reportedly, like all Land Rovers, it's also quite good off-road, although there aren't any off-road courses along my 12-mile commute that would allow me to confirm that claim. Like professional golfer John Daly, the Range Rover Sport is too heavy, too expensive, and too thirsty, but it's still a lot of fun to hang out with.

Land Rover has won two Residual Value Awards from the Automotive Lease Guide for the 2009-model-year vehicle lineup, which awards vehicles that will retain the highest percentage of their original price following a 36-month lease term. The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport won the award for luxury SUVs, and the 2009 Land Rover LR2 was the winner for the Near Luxury SUV class. The Range Rover Sport has been at the top of the luxury SUV list for the past four years; the LR2 is winning its first.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport "Stormer Edition" will be showcased at the London International Boat Show, which runs from January 9 through 18. The "Stormer Edition" is based on the U.K. Range Rover Sport TDV6 "S", but is enhanced with a host of new features.

There will be only 300 "Stormer Edition" Range Rover Sports to go on sale in the U.K. in March. There will be three color choices: Santorini Black, Alaska White, and Stornoway Grey. Pricing starts at $63,500.