2015 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will stay connected in the wilderness with new app feature

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Since both of these models are still pretty fresh, the changes are minor and mostly include added features and personalization options.

Models equipped with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 get the same 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, but the engine is mated to a tweaked eight-speed automatic transmission that weighs less and is expected to improve efficiency.

Efficiency probably isn’t on the minds of buyers selecting the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 powertrain, which produces the same 510 hp, 461 lb-ft of torque, and glorious V8 rumble as last year.

Expect performance to be unchanged as well. That means the Range Rover Sport will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds with the V6, or 5.0 seconds with the V8. The full-size Range Rover (in short-wheelbase form) will do the same in 7.1 seconds with the V6, and 6.5 seconds with the V8.

Land Rover will also add its InControl Apps connectivity feature to both models. This allows drivers to project certain phone-based apps onto the in-dash touchscreen, and is compatible with iOS and Android.

The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport also get built-in Wi-Fi hotspots in certain European markets, but, at least for the time being, Land Rover won’t offer that feature in the U.S.

Other changes include new wheel options, an expanded color palette for the Range Rover Sport, and optional panoramic roofs with power blinds.

Also, the puddle lights now project an image of the vehicle’s silhouette on the ground in front of the door. Talk about brand recognition.

The order books for the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport open this week, with prices likely to stay pretty close to the 2014 models.