Now that Land Rover has unveiled a two-door Range Rover Evoque, it was just a matter of time until the company decided to offer a convertible version of the car. The decision has been made taking under consideration the huge success the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is already having on the market. However, the Evoque Convertible will target clientele looking for a more luxury oriented model.
The Evoque Convertible will feature a folding textile roof and will only be offered in a two-door version configuration. Expect to see the same engines as in the fixed roof version under the hood, which means a new 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine that combines direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing for a total output of 240 HP.
Chances are the new Evoque Cabrio won’t be finding its way to the market until late 2013, or even early 2014, so don’t expect it to get here any sooner. Prices will start from about $50K.
UPDATE 07/28/2011: LandRover is reportedly considering a drop top model of their new jewel and when AutoExpress talked to them about this rumor, they did not deny it.
"A convertible Evoque wouldn’t be the maddest brand extension. It isn’t a totally crazy idea," a spokeperson admitted. “All I can say is watch this space. We’ve got lots of ideas for the Evoque."
After introducing its sedan and station wagon models, Peugeot has unveiled the new 508 RXH a few months before the SUV’s official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
This new model combines a 2.0-liter HDi engine with a 38 HP electric motor for a total output of 200 HP and CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. The car’s diesel-electric HYbrid4 - as found in Peugeot’s 3008 Hybrid4 - will deliver a total of 208 HP and a peak torque of 331 lbs-ft. It will be combined with a four-wheel drive system and will deliver a fuel economy of 67.2 mpg.
Peugeot has refined the 508 model by widening and raising it to create a smooth and refined SUV. It will be distinguished by LED lights that are visible during the day and night, and "give an impression of three vertical ’lion claws’. The new SUV will also feature a line of distinctive colors and luxurious materials, like the premium quality interior and upholstery.
The fancy aspect will also be covered with a range of technology outfitted for the 508 RXH. The model will be equipped with an Open & Go Keyless system, electric front seats, a head up display, 18" wheels, a panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, and the latest generation audio and satellite navigation units.
The 508 RXH will be unveiled as a world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2011, and will be on sale in Spring 2012.
Land Rover has announced details on the 2012 Discovery 4 model that will be offered with significant engine improvements, as well as a few updates made to both the exterior and interior. For the LR-SDV6 model, the output has been increased from 245 HP to 256 HP, while fuel economy has been improved for all the engines.
For 2012, customers will have the option to choose between three different packages: Technology Pack, HSE Luxury Pack, and the Vision Assist Pack. The exterior updates include a new steering column with chrome bezels, a new premium pebble-like design, a new 19" alloy wheel, or new 20" 5 split-spoke wheels.
"Improved performance, lower CO2 emissions and enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4’s position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today. The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Land Rover Discovery 4.
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TechArt’s bread and butter is clearly found on the latest models in Porsche’s lineup. This German tuner has updated a never-ending list of Porsches and the Cayenne seems to be the vehicle of choice. Their latest kit is for the diesel variant and features their old Magnum package with a power increase to boot.
The star of the show is the new TechTronic power kit TA 058/D1 that will add another 40 HP and 52 lb-ft of torque to the car’s standard 240 HP and 405 lb-ft. With a new total of 280 HP and 457 lb-ft of torque, the updated Cayenne Diesel Magnum will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and to 100 mph in 18.9 seconds. Top speed has been increased to 144 mph. Exploiting this new-found power is a new sport exhaust system with twin tailpipes and an embossed TECHART logotype. This ensures that the giant Porsche’s purr gets a bit more growl.
The exterior of the Cayenne Diesel is nothing new as the Magnum package first debuted at the Auto Zurich Car Show in 2010 and in many other variants throughout the years. This package puts in a front apron with two large air intakes and integrated TechArt daytime running lights, an Aero engine hood outfitted in carbon fiber with integrated air outlets, a three-part tail light trim with an integrated spoiler shape, and a new set of wheels. The interior also gets some attention with a roof mounted Entertainment Kit with an adjustable overhead monitor, a hand-made display console in leather, a 3-spoke sport steering wheel, and TechArt paddle shifters.
The release of the Range Rover Evoque makes it clear that land Rover is confident enough in the brand to shift their focus from its core values. The explosion of the most recent Range Rover models, including the sport; into mainstream luxury automotive portfolio’s has shown Land Rover that they can compete with the best on every level. No single vehicle matches the current Range Rover in terms of style, capability, and refinement. The major downside to must urban dwellers owning a Range Rover is that they will never fully experience its capabilities as an off-road machine. This is where Land Rover will attempt to fill a need with the Evoque.
Once upon a time someone would mention Land Rover and an image would flash in my mind of a yellow Defender 110 trudging through some African jungle on a Camel Trophy race. Those days may be gone, but Land Rover hopes to enter the forefront of the consumers mind when thinking about mid-size SUV’s full of luxury appointments. The segment is crowded and includes big players from BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. It seems that Land Rover has learned a lot from its Ford and BMW days and is poised to release its 3 different versions of the Evoque.
It will be the smallest, lightest, and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever made. The term, “Range Rover” must be taken with a grain of salt, because yes Land Rover is tagging this new model as a Range Rover Evoque instead of simply a new line. Nonetheless, it seems that prices will fall in the $45,000 range depending on which model you choose. Head to Land Rover’s website to use the Evoque configurator and build your own.
Hit the jump for more details on the Range Rover Evoque
UPDATE 04/04/2011: Land Rover UK has announced that the new Evoque model will go on sale with prices ranging from £27,955 ($44,800) for an eD4 Pure 5-door 6 Speed manual 2WD model to £44,320 ($71,000) for the Si4 Dynamic with LUX Pack 6 Speed Automatic 4WD version. The company has also put up an online cofigurator so customers can configure the Evoque of their dreams.
UPDATE 07/01/2011: Land Rover has announced the US prices for the 2012 Evoque SUV scheduled to go on sale this fall. The Evoque will be offered at a starting price of $43,995 for the five-door, and $44,995 for the coupe. It will deliver a fuel economy of 28 mph on the highway and 19 mpg city.
Press release after the jump. Full story
