We've known about a
drop-top version of the Range Rover Evoque for some time, but now Land Rover
has confirmed the convertible SUV will be officially unveiled at the LA Motor
Show in November ahead of UK sales next Spring.
Shown initially in concept
form at the 2012 Geneva show, the drop-top Evoque marks a return
to Land Rover's
heritage of building soft-top off-roaders. Of course the Evoque is more fashion
accessory than 4x4, but the images show the firm demonstrating its ability by
negotiating a series of obstacles in a London Crossrail tunnel.
The confirmation marks an end to three years of debate
within the firm about the car’s business case rather than engineering
viability, according to company insiders. Strong demand is expected,
particularly from the USA, while a production version could get its airing by
the middle of this year.
Official details are still thin on the ground, but Land
Rover confirmed it will be "the most capable convertble in the world"
and will be built alongside the five-door and coupe Evoque models at its
plant in Halewood, Merseyside. And by studying these pictures, a few more
things are clear to be seen.
The folding fabric roof can be seen sitting on the rear deck
in the style of the MINI Convertible –
whether the production mechanism will look like this or fold neatly into a
compartment isn’t yet clear. It will also have a full four-seater layout,
although boot size will inevitably suffer.
Additional bracing for the Evoque’s ageing steel chassis is
likely to be required, to maintain torsional rigidity, along with the electrics
and motors for the roof system. The additional weight that brings will harm fuel
economy and handling slightly, but Jaguar Land Rover’s new
Ingenium engine family means efficiency should still be impressive.
Fitted with a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel and two-wheel drive,
the recently updated
fixed-roof Evoque returns 68mpg and 109g/km of CO2. That makes it the
most economical and efficient car the firm has ever produced.
Land Rover has even developed a clever Roll Over Protection
System (ROPS) that won’t pop up errantly in extreme off-roadsituations. There’s
a nod towards the full-size Range Rover in the drop-down tailgate, too. Expect
prices for the Evoque Convertible to start from around £40,000.
Alongside the cabrio, it's also been rumoured that Jaguar
Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division is working on a performance
Evoque – hot on the heels of the Range
Rover Sport SVR – which could complete the Evoque range next
year.
source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/89910/range-rover-evoque-convertible-pics-video-and-specs-revealed
by Steve Fowler
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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