Historically, people have used Range Rovers to luxuriously explore nature and dare the elements. The new Evoque Convertible has a new twist on that idea. Rather than simply being able to take you out into nature, with the drop of the cloth top, it can now bring nature and the elements to you.
On Sunday evening in London, Land Rover, the renowned British SUV maker, revealed the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible, a compact, luxury four-seat 4x4 -- sans roof.
It might just look like a regular two-door Evoque that lost its roof. But rest assured, it's a bit more than that. Yes, the car is still powered by a 240-horsepower gasoline engine, but it converts from coupe to convertible in just 18 seconds. And, for extra fun, you can make the conversion while driving -- up to 30 mph.
Inside the Evoque Convertible cabin is Land Rover's new 10.2-inch touchscreen. More than expansive in size (compared the sunny luxury runabout's exterior dimensions), it features the next-generation Land Rover InControl Touch ProTM infotainment system.
While that might sound like a blurb of marking buzz-names, it's significant. In a facility in Portland, Oregon (of all places) the brand is working with tech startups to create distinctive and fun in-car and smartphone apps. Those apps may still be in development, but with the launch of the new InControl, it shows the app rollout isn't far behind.
At this point, you might be wondering if you can still go anywhere in this happy little British 4x4. Well, if the snow-trekking photo (above) weren't hint enough; yes, you can. With a nine-speed automatic transmission and Land Rover's Terrain Response system (let's not forget the ski passthrough), in the Evoque Convertible, you can go just about as far as your imagination can.
The Evoque Convertible will hit showrooms mid next year and start at $50,475.