The 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible made its North American debut this week at the 2015 LA Auto Show at special, hands on West Hollywood event with a special appearance by Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern.
The new convertible grew from a long, deliberate process and concept car reveals from 2008 and 2011. The vehicle headed to dealerships mid-2017 incorporates many of the design cues found in those original concept SUVs because Land Rover chooses not to use its developmental system just to make-believe vehicles that will never see production.
Also: New Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Concept Car Makes Good
According to McGovern, his design team is very much involved in the engineering and even the marketing of vehicles before and during production.
“We’re at the table throughout the process, so to speak,” McGovern says. “Design works equally with the engineering process. So, the concept cars we show are very much looks at the development process.”
As for the convertible Evoque, McGovern acknowledges the vehicle was foreseen for some time.
“The original Evoque was a vehicle designed with possibilities to evolve,” he adds. “The introduction of a convertible model seems a very natural progression for the Evoque.”
While McGovern couldn’t go 0on record with any guarantees, he didn’t shoot down the notion that the future evolution of the Evoque could include a more aggressive, SVR treatment for the standard version, the convertible or both.
“The (Evoque Convertible) is a car that has a very visceral impact with those that see it. Now, we’ve added the experience of having your wind in your hair in a vehicles that’s very capable in every environment.”
You can see more up close images of the new SUV below, along with some additional commentary by the man who headed up its design.
All photos by John Scott Lewinski
2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Whereas many automakers use concept cars to show off or generate publicity, Range Rover implemented the process of concept directly into the new 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
According to Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern, the evolution of the Evoque into a convertible was a natural process.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern: "Extensive work went into the design to ensure the car maintained stability and rigidity with the roof up or down."
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
According to Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern, improved materials and
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern: "We wanted this vehicle to resonate on an emotional level."
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Axccording to Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern, earlier concept versions led direclty to the new convertible.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Though designed to be smaller than other Range Rovers, the Evoque Convertible has enough cargo space to be part of that family.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The Evoque convertible employs high strength steel and carbon fiber to reduce weight.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The Evoque Convertible packs all of the comfort and convenience expected by Range Rover buyers.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible will include multiple drive modes and full safety features to make it a top down ride that can move on any terrain.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
According to Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern, the Evoque Convertible is not Range Rover's attempt to build a sports car. But, it does appeal to more buyers because of its comfort and more compact body.
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2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
When it arrives in 2017, the new Evoque Convertible will include Range Rover's InControl system.
