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AUTOS: Ragtop Range Rover Evoque Concept
The British SUV maker reveals a convertible version of its new compact crossover ready to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
High Gear Media  | http://www.highgearmedia.com/  |  Posted February 24, 2012   Geneva (SWZ)
Land Rover will be testing public reaction to its Evoque convertible concept at the Geneva Motor Show. (Photo: Land Rover)
If you’re looking for a topless crossover SUV, your current options are limited to just one vehicle: the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet. That may soon change as Land Rover unveils its Range Rover Evoque convertible concept at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

As Land Rover explains, the drop-top Evoque is meant to “explore the potential for the world’s first premium convertible SUV,” meaning that Land Rover will be extremely interested in hearing customer feedback on the concept.

The Evoque convertible can accommodate four people for a top-down cruise through any terrain. (Photo: Land Rover)
An Evoque convertible fits in with the brand’s strategy of expanding the Evoque product line beyond the existing range. The company adopted a similar plan with the DC100 concepts, which will likely serve as the basis for the next-generation Land Rover Defender.

"The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible, said Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern. “This study is not a traditional convertible design execution; instead we have worked with the balance of the Evoque's lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable."

The soft-top convertible will benefit from a Roll Over Protections System for added passenger safety, and it will change to a drop-down tailgate. The concept seats four adults and is designed to carry them in comfort across a variety of terrain; Land Rover insists the Evoque convertible is infused with Land Rover DNA, which would give it legitimate off-road capabilities.

The convertible maintains the original Evoque's key styling elements, such as its rising belt-line and muscular stance. When folded, the top will retract out of sight behind the rear seats, covered by an aerodynamic finisher.

Front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive Evoque convertibles are possible, the automaker said, and the range could include both gasoline and diesel engines (although a diesel alternative isn’t likely to be a short-term option for U.S. customers).

If Land Rover gives the Evoque convertible a green light, don’t expect to see them in dealer showrooms much before the 2016 model year. It’s estimated that the engineering alone could take up to two years, which likely means sales are three years out.

This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
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