The first ever premium convertible SUV.
We’ve seen the automotive marketplace expand exponentially in recent years. We have crossovers, Sport Activity Coupes, and are seeing less body-on-frame SUVs. Now, we have the first premium convertible SUV with the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible.
A convertible variant of an SUV is a very difficult design to properly pull off, which is why automakers very rarely build one. Recently, Nissan made an attempt to break into the convertible SUV game, but hasn’t seen real success. Now, Land Rover is looking to break ground with the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show in March with the first-ever premium SUV convertible.
The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept is being shown in Geneva to gauge interest and evaluate the possibility of future production. The convertible is based on the Evoque coupe and features a fully retractable roof with Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Much of the versatility is not lost with the convertible top either. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept will offer room for four passengers and a drop down tailgate for storage. Much of the Land Rover off-road driving characteristics are also retained, allowing for a new kind of drop-top all-terrain experience.
Many of the design aspects featured in the Evoque coupe such as the rising waistline and overall shape of the car due to the fact that only minimal changes were made to achieve adequate weight and rigidity. The convertible roof is stored underneath a sleek, tapered finisher and the convertible mechanism is stored out of sight underneath the beltline.
“The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director. “This study is not a traditional convertible design execution – instead we have worked with the balance of the Evoque’s lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable.”
All of the technology found in the standard Evoque will be feature in the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept. The interior will be trimmed in Ivory and Lunar colors with leather seats with perforated accents and contrasting stitching. A Meridian sound system, eight-inch dual view touch screen, terrain response, and surround cameras will all come standard. The exterior of the Concept will wear a new Causeway Grey paint with 21-inch Titan Silver wheels.
“The Evoque Convertible Concept is a new twist to the Evoque story and explores the potential to further extend the nameplate’s appeal by giving existing customers more choice, whilst at the same time reaching out to a completely new customer base,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. “We are excited to see the response to this concept as we assess the potential for building on the Evoque’s exceptional success so far.”
The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept will be shown at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show in March as a design and engineering study. There have been no plans for production or pricing on the new model.
[Source: Range Rover]
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