Land Rover will launch a sports tourer next year in a what is likely to be a test of British carmakers' ability to compete in the US.

The Range Rover Sport, which will be made at the company's plant in Solihull, will compete in the sports utility vehicle sector, seen as the fastest growing car market in the world.

Land Rover, which is part of Ford's premier automotive group, hopes to export about 80% of the new model, with the US - where it will cost from $50,000 (£26,000) - being a crucial market.

British carmakers selling in the US have been hit by the weak dollar, which has compounded the problems caused by a fierce price war within the luxury car sector.

Land Rover has invested £200m in new facilities at Solihull for the Land Rover Discovery and the planned Range Rover Sport, and recently struck a deal with the trade unions to improve quality and efficiency.

A Land Rover spokesman admitted yesterday that competing in the US was "challenging". "We have a very strong brand and we need to have a very efficient plant."