Moneypenny Edition: Land Rover Goes Topless with 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
In the past, Chrysler and Nissan have made unusual convertibles. Chrysler made an open-top version of its retro-style PT Cruiser and, most recently, Nissan took the lid off of its Murano to create the Murano CrossCabriolet. For the 2017 model year, Land Rover will follow suit with its Range Rover Evoque.
Evoque Convertible in Santa Monica beachside shoot with Bond star Naomie Harris
Under the Evoque Convertible’s folding fabric roof, which can be stored away in 18 seconds or raised in 21 at speeds as high as 30 mph, there’s room for four adults. They won’t have to worry about the top’s position affecting their luggage space, either. That’s 8.9 cubic feet whether it’s up or down. Occupants will also have the peace of mind provided by two aluminum bars that deploy in 90 milliseconds at the rear of the passenger compartment in the event of a roll-over.
The Evoque Convertible will introduce the next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment system through a 10.2-inch touch-screen. A 2.0-liter turbo I4 will route its 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system.
You’ll see the Range Rover Evoque Convertible at the LA Auto Show starting next week and in Land Rover dealerships in the spring of 2016. It’ll be offered in SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic trim levels; prices start at $50,475.
PRESS RELEASE
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE – A CONVERTIBLE FOR ALL SEASONS
– Design retains distinctive profile with roof up or down
– Lightweight roof stows in 18 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph
– Space for four adults, 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liter) cargo area
– Available ski hatch option allows easy through loading
– Standard Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system with 10.2-inch touch-screen
– Features 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive
– On sale mid-2016, in SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic derivatives
– Priced from $50,475
(MAHWAH, N.J.) – November 8, 2015 – Land Rover has unveiled its first compact convertible SUV against the backdrop of the University of the Arts’ famous Central Saint Martins building in Granary Square, Kings Cross, London. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible combines the bold design and refinement of the Range Rover Evoque with a sophisticated folding roof to create a versatile, all-season convertible SUV.
As the newest member of the Range Rover family this highly desirable model combines traditional Range Rover luxury with an elegant four-seat convertible design and versatile storage while simultaneously meeting the rigorous standards set by the Land Rover brand; ensuring superior structural rigidity, trademark refinement, and unrivalled breadth of capability both on- and off-road.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented, “The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons. Its uniquely distinctive design and world-class engineering add another dimension to the Range Rover family, further enhancing its desirability and appeal.”
The global Land Rover SUV market is forecast to grow by 20 percent over the next five years1 and the Range Rover Evoque Convertible will play a key role in continuing the 45-year Range Rover success story.
The eye-catching exterior design of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is made possible by a sophisticated fabric roof shaped to create a defined silhouette that remains faithful to the vehicle’s original award-winning design. Its Z-fold mechanism lays flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance when lowered.
The fully-automated roof stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph3. When closed, it provides high standards of refinement with a layer of acoustic insulation ensuring interior comfort on par with the five-door Range Rover Evoque. The 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liter) luggage space offers added practicality.
At the heart of the cabin is an all-new, 10.2-inch touch-screen featuring the next generation Jaguar Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system. Making its debut for the Land Rover brand on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, InControl Touch Pro offers seamless smartphone integration and is available with door-to-door navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity and a premium sound system2.
Providing additional driver protection, a roll-over protection system is hidden within the rear bodywork. In the event of a roll-over situation, the system is designed to deploy two aluminum bars within 90 milliseconds to create a potential protection space for occupants4.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is underpinned by the all-terrain capability expected of all Land Rover vehicles and uses the same advanced technologies as the Range Rover Evoque five-door and coupe derivatives. The standard all-wheel drive system works with the vehicle’s 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and Terrain Response® system to ensure the Range Rover Evoque Convertible retains its capability in a variety of conditions, on- and off-road, in all seasons4.
The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be produced at the Land Rover Halewood plant in the UK, alongside the five door and coupe body styles, and goes on sale from mid-2016 in more than 170 markets worldwide.
1 Based on May 2015 IHS Forecast.
2 Do not use Land Rover InControl® features under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control.
3 Always follow local speed limits.
4 These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner’s manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.
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