NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Range Rover Sport HST revealed

British luxury SUV brand Range Rover has announced a new model to flesh out its BMW X5-rivalling Range Rover Sport line-up, the HST.

Premiering at next week's New York motor show, the HST model is based on the entry-level petrol model — the 250kW 3.0-litre supercharged V6-powered Range Rover Sport — but like the F-TYPE S model it bumps power up 30kW to 280kW.

The new HST variant is part of the 2016 model year update to the Range Rover Sport line-up, which also includes a new (optional) gesture tailgate operation and automatic access height. The latter automatically lowers the SUV when a door is opened while stationary, improving entry and exit.

Getting back to the HST, the model was conceived to be pitched primarily at US buyers who are less inclined to consider the turbo-diesel models on offer.

Nevertheless, the Range Rover Sport HST is nonetheless earmarked for Australia, where it arrives in the fourth quarter of the year. Prices will be confirmed closer to that time.

The new model plugs a gap in the force-fed petrol range between the aforementioned 250kW Rangie and 405kW Range Rover Sport SVR, which takes just 4.7 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h. Full specific performance figures for the HST will be revealed in New York.

Unlike the entry-level models, the HST is fitted with a number of bespoke features on top of the beefed-up powerplant, including tweaks to the chassis and exterior.

The bonnet, grille, fog light surrounds and front wing vents are finished in gloss black and new HST badges adorn the vents on the front guards.

Equipped with 'Stealth Pack' headlights and brake lights, the HST benefits from a "striking black theme", according to Range Rover. The new luxury SUV also makes use of non-reflective accents and a contrasting black contrast roof fitted with a new roof spoiler.

Unique 21-iunch alloy wheels finished in dark satin grey hide upgraded brakes, while 22-inch 'Stealth' alloy wheels can be optioned for even more bling.

Range Rover's chassis engineers have also tweaked the suspension to reduce body roll and deliver an "even more focused driving experience and sharper responses, without compromising the vehicle's trademark comfort and refinement" says the company.

The HST also gets a specially tailored Dynamic Mode designed for enthusiastic driving.

Changes to the Range Rover Sport HST's interior include dual-tone seats upholstered with Oxford Leather – available in four different colours – matched to Ebony-coloured door trims, centre console and headlining.

"The HST extends our Range Rover Sport line-up giving customers even greater choice," said David Mitchell, Range Rover Sport vehicle programme director.

"Sitting between the existing 280kW Range Rover Sport 3.0-litre V6 supercharged and the 405kW supercharged variant, it delivers enhanced V6 performance to go with Range Rover Sport's renowned comfort and refinement,"

Alongside the Rangie Sport HST, Range Rover will also unveil a brand-new ultra-luxury flagship version of the Range Rover at the 2015 New York show — and possibly the Evoque Cabriolet too.