2015 LA Auto Show: From Concept to Showroom – 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible

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