With the Los Angeles International Auto Show coming up in a few days, it seems like more than a coincidence that Land Rover introduced the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible this week.
Four years ago, Land Rover unveiled a concept vehicle — a rugged, nightly covered modern convertible with features similar to that year’s Evoque. You can get a look at the original vehicle in the final image below.
Wouldn’t it be something if, just once, an automaker flat out just build the concept car? Just one time it’d be a treat to see an unlikely model emerge from a futuristic concept — especially a concept that seemed very much outside the norm for that automaker’s overall identity.
Also: 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR: Vehicle Fit for a (sort of) Queen
Jump ahead to the present day and Land Rover is announcing the first convertible SUV to join the Range Rover line-up, the Evoque Convertible (above). The original Evoque was an effort to nudge a little bit of a sport car vibe in the Range Rover line. More than just a crossover version of a Land Rover, the Evoque was smaller and lower than Range Rover while sacrificing none of the comfort and smoothness for the four passengers inside.
The new convertible sticks with the Evoque aesthetic and dimensions with almost nine square feet of cargo space and comfortable seating for four adults. The standard trim offers a 240 horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder engine with the current nine-speed automatic transmission with standard four-wheel drive.
When the convertible arrives in showrooms come mid-2016, the interior will have a next-generation Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with 10.2-inch touch-screen.
Every automotive writer has one, and the Range Rover Sport SVR is my admitted dream ride for everyday use. When I get the chance to drive the Evoque Convertible, we’ll see if I move my crosshairs.
In the meantime, give credit to Land Rover. They built the concept car.
