Project Kahn Unwraps Range Rover RS500 with 500HP Cosworth-Tuned V8 Diesel

UK-based tuning firm Project Kahn has unleashed its latest creation based on the diesel-powered Land Rover Range Rover. The comprehensive tune covers both the interior and exterior styling as well as the 4.4-liter V8 diesel, courtesy of renowned engine tuner Cosworth.

On the outside, the Range Rover RS500 gets redesigned bumpers, the rear featuring a diffuser, lowered side skirts and a quad tail pipe exhaust system developed by Cosworth. Certain components are painted in silver and form a nic contrast with the black paintjob and tinted windows. The RS500 rides on 22-inch RSX alloys with a multi-spoke design.

Inside, bespoke black quilted leather with silver stitching wraps the seats, glove box and dashboard. There's also aluminum decor on the doorsills, center console, gear lever, air vents and steering wheel. Manufactured in Italy with original Land Rover parts, the new steering wheel has a motorsport-inspired contour and promises to offer a better grip.

The final piece of the RS500 puzzle is the Cosworth performance upgrade, which squeezes 500 horsepower out the 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine, up from the standard version's 313 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: New Range Rover Evoque 5-Door Launch Film

Now that Land Rover has unleashed most of the details surrounding its new Range Rover Evoque 5-door, the British company is turning its attention on promoting the crossover model to the social media. Beginning from Wednesday, December 1st, the automaker will share a new animated film of the five-door Evoque on its official social media pages including Facebook. For those curious enough (or bored...) to want to take a look, follow the break for the official clip.

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Range Rover Evoque 5-Door Blasts into LA Show

Following the presentation of the three-door model earlier this year, the five-door version of the all-new Range Rover Evoque made its global public debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Despite the added practicality and -according to Land Rover- slightly more spacious cabin, the 5-door Evoque looks as good as it's three-door sibling.

"The addition of the five-door to the Range Rover Evoque line-up extends the appeal of our brand still further," said Land Rover's Managing Director Phil Popham. "While retaining everything that's great about the Range Rover Evoque coupe, this new five-door bodystyle will offer customers even more choice, greater versatility and flexibility."

The new 5d model measures 1.18 inches (30mm) taller than the so-called coupe model offering more headroom, while rear seat passengers also benefit from over 1.97 inches (50mm) more shoulder room. When required, the Evoque's luggage capacity can be expanded to a considerable 51 cubic ft (1445 liters) with the rear seats folded down.

While European buyers will get the option of diesel powerplants, here in the U.S. the Evoque 5d will be offered exclusively with a 2.0-liter Si4 gasoline engine that combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing, for an output of 240bhp and a 0-60 mph [96 km/h] sprint time of 7.1 seconds.

At launch, U.S. models will come fitted with standard permanent all-wheel-drive with the Land Rover Terrain Response system and a six-speed auto transmission.

North American deliveries will begin from Fall 2011 with indicative pricing starting from around $45,000.

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