Range Rover Evoque Convertible to be revealed at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

This is an interesting twist on an a SUV as the Evoque Convertible Concept is going to be the world's first luxury convertible SUV. (Ok, there is the Nissan Murano Convertible, but that is not made by a luxury automaker.)

The new concept builds on the worldwide success of Land Rover's newest vehicle offering, the Evoque. The Range Rover Evoque has won many accolades and awards from numerous automotive magazine and media groups around the world, including MotorTrend's 2012 SUV of the Year.

The concept was developed by Gerry McGovern, who is Land Rover's Design Director, and his team. "The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible. 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." commented McGovern on the concept.

Land Rover claims they are known for building, creating, and leading new market segments. It seems they hope to create open up a new market segment with the Evoque Convertible.

The soft-top convertible concept is of course based on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe. The convertible concept features a fully retractable premium roof system with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS]. The concept cleverly combines capability and versatility with a drop down tailgate and a comfortable four seat package. Even though it is convertible it is still a Land Rover at heart, retaining key characteristics including a command driving position and all-terrain capability.

The Evoque's dramatic rising waist line and distinctive shape has been retained even with the new convertible body. Impressively Land Rover has achieved building the convertible with minimal changes to weight and torsional rigidity compared to the coupe Evoque. Also the hood is housed in a neat tapered finisher with the roof mechanism stowed discretely below the belt-line.

The interior is packed with Evoque's award winning technology including Terrain Response, surround cameras, Park Assist and class leading infotainment featuring an 8-inch dual view touch screen and a sound system from British audio experts, Meridian. The Evoque Convertible Concept features unique 21-inch Titan silver wheels and is finished in a new metallic Causeway Grey paint.  The interior is in Lunar and Ivory with leather seats featuring sporty perforated panels and Ivory contrast stitching.

“The Evoque Convertible Concept is a new twist to the Evoque story and explores the potential to further extend the nameplate's appeal by giving existing customers more choice, whilst at the same time reaching out to a completely new customer base. We are excited to see the response to this concept as we assess the potential for building on the Evoque's exceptional success so far." said John Edwards, Land Rover's Global Brand Director.

The Evoque Convertible Concept will be revealed at Geneva Motor Show as a design and engineering study. At this point in time Land Rover has no production plans for the Evoque Convertible.

As what most automakers like to do, they show the concept to gauge public reaction. Could we potentially see a few Range Rover Evoque Convertibles on roads in a few years? All of our readers and fans will need to answer that, as Land Rover will build this concept if demand merits it. Maybe the public will go crazy for a Land Rover SUV Convertible. I don't see many people needing a luxury convertible SUV though.