GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: RR Evoque convertible concept

Range Rover has revealed the first images of its Evoque convertible concept, which makes its world debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show. The official line for now is that the concept is just a toe-in-the-water exercise conceived to “explore the potential for the world’s first premium convertible SUV”.

If the design study elicits a positive response from showgoers and the media, the drop-top Evoque could reportedly be green-lighted for production in the weeks after the show.

The strategy is similar to the one used by Land Rover with the DC100 concept, which is a pointer to the all-new Defender due around 2015.

The Evoque convertible concept retains the looks and proportions of the three-door donor vehicle, but the metal roof makes way for a powered soft-top roof with a glass rear screen that stows in a compartment below the rear deck. Pop-up rollover protection would also be packaged behind the rear seats.

Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern is touting the topless Evoque as a vehicle that will spawn a new segment – the luxo SUV convertible.

Going on the accompanying images, it appears the Evoque’s svelte profile hasn’t been compromised by the removal of the roof, although none of the pics show the vehicle with the soft-top in place.

The Geneva show car rides on bespoke alloy wheels, and its ‘Causeway Grey’ paint is contrasted by pimento red leather trim.

“The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the notion of a convertible,” McGovern was quoted saying. “It’s distinctive and desirable, and the open top lends a spirit of freedom and adventure. A convertible would be as capable as any Land Rover.”

According to UK’s Car magazine, the project is still a work-in-progress, with McGovern keen to lower ride height, and the engineers busy strengthening the underbody to offset the loss of rigidity from lopping off the roof.

If it gets the go-ahead, the convertible could be offered in 2WD and all-paw format, with petrol or diesel power. It’s believed the necessary chassis strengthening could add about 75kg to its girth vis-à-vis the hardtop version.

A production version (if it were to eventuate) would reportedly be at least two years away due to the engineering and tooling requirements.

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