A new report shows that Land Rover has decided to turn the Range Rover Evoque Convertible concept into a mass-produced vehicle after all – and launch it next year.
The crossover is based on the already-existing Evoque Coupe and slotted right above it. This yet-to-be-named vehicle will exist as an alternative to upscale German drop-tops like the Audi TT. Unlike the TT, however, the Evoque spinoff is expected to be a low-volume niche vehicle, which will exist mainly to boost Land Rover’s image.
Under the hood of the convertible will reportedly feature one of Jaguar-Land Rover’s new Ingenium four-cylinder engines. It will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is slated to be standard across the whole lineup. Divers are also likely to have the choice of two- and four-wheel drive.
The drop-top Evoque will mimic the Nissan Murano CrossCabrio by utilising a regular cloth soft-top roof as the setup is easier to stow than a retractable hard top. The Evoque will have to undergo a total body redesign in order to transition to the open-top configuration safely. This is a process that can be both time-consuming and expensive.
The Evoque Convertible concept made its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012, but has now reportedly made it all the way to the final stage of development.
If all the rumours prove true, the topless Evoque could be presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March and ready to roll onto dealership floors in the second half of the year as a 2016 model.
