Prototypes for Land Rover’s facelifted Range Rover Sport have been spotted again, this time undergoing cold weather testing in Northern Europe. The performance SUV already received a series of upgrades in 2007, including the introduction of a 3.6L twin turbo diesel V8, so for its next update the list of changes have been kept to a minimum.

The facelifted SUV is due to hit the streets by the middle of this year and is likely to be available with the existing 3.6L diesel as well as a new 5.0L V8 engine. This is the same unit that recently debuted in the all-new Jaguar XFR, although the Range Rover Sport will likely miss out on the supercharger as well as the 510hp (380kW) output.

Another possibility is the introduction of a V6 twin-turbo diesel, likely to be the new 3.0L unit used by Jaguar for its XF Diesel S. The commonrail turbodiesel V6 engine is rated at 271hp (202kW) and 443lb-ft (600Nm) of torque.

In addition to the engine upgrade, the new Sport will also receive a slightly revised face including a new grille design that’s reminiscent of the Land Rover Freelander/LR2 as well as a new front bumper. The side vents will also feature a slightly different design to the ports on the current model, and the headlights will be updated as well.

2009 Range Rover Sport facelift 2
2009 Range Rover Sport facelift