Range Rover Evoque Cabrio

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.

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."

Land Rover DC100 Concept

At first glance, some of our American readers might take the DC100for a futuristic interpretation of a Ford Bronco, or an International Harvester Scout, but the similarities would only be a coincidence, since the Defender and the original Land Rover Series look like DC100’s grandparents as well.

Unlike the original LR Series or the Defender, the DC100 has a completely new wheelbase, which is also hinted by its name: Defender Concept 100 (inches). Which is pretty much in the middle of the two famous wheelbases the Defender and some of the original Land Rover Series vehicles, Ninety and One Ten.

Still, we’re talking about a rather short three-door SUV that hasn’t completely lost it rugged features, despite the heavy addition of modern and futuristic design cues. Overall, you could say that the DC100 looks like a Defender 90 with body armor, if it had been designed by a Manga fan.

John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover was quoted as saying: "Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market.”
Considering the DC100 might also be taken as a modern Bronco or International Harvester Scout, especially from the front, we sure hope the concept following the DC100 will adhere more strictly to the Land Rover design heritage, since design will be the only connection with the past for the next generation of the Defender, slated to appear in 2015.

Interior

The interior, on the other hand, despite the overall quality (it’s a concept car, after all) and the addition of a gargantuan and also removable central display, looks just like the futuristic reiteration of the Defender, crossed with the Land rover Series. Nothing more, nothing less.

For example, the door structure continues with a beam running the entire width of the dash. The absence of a central console design somewhat recreates the Series 1 three-abreast seating layout. All in all, even if you might be somewhat dissapointed by the exterior design, depending on your point of view, naturally, the same simply cannot be said about the DC100’s interior.

Performance

Even though it’s a concept car, we’re still talking about an off-road-ready looking vehicle which is supposed to provide a glimpse into the Land Rover Defender’s future. With that being said, “performance” can only be used in conjunction with all-terrain capabilities, as long as we’re talking about the past, the present or the future of the Defender.

Details like zero to sixty, top speed or Nurburgring times are obviously completely irrelevant in this discussion. Unlike the Defender’s only remaining true competitor, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the DC100 doesn’t adhere to a monstrous supercharged V8, but to a somewhat eco-friendly and torquey two-liter diesel.

To provide a further nail in the Defender’s ruggedness coffin, the four-pot oil-burner is powering just the front wheels. Thanks to a switchable traction system, which physically decouples the rear driveshaft from the center differential, the DC100 apparently achieves potential fuel savings of up to seven per cent. Whoop-dee-doo! Well, at least a version of the acclaimed Terrain Response system also found its place among the many electronic nannies on board Land Rover’s latest concept.

Pricing

Obviously, the fact that we’re talking about a one-off car should prohibit us from making any assumptions about the Land Rover DC100’s price. The actual vehicle present in the Frankfurt Auto Show spotlight might cost a heft five to ten million dollars, as that is the average production cost for almost any one-off concept car made by a known company.

Still, considering the DC100 will eventually spawn a production vehicle, namely the Defender’s 2015 replacement, we speculate it will have a similar price with the current car. Only time will prove us right or wrong, but we’re currently betting on a 30,000 to USD 40,000 price tag.

Competition

As we mentioned before, the only true competitor for the current Defender is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Obviously, at least for the time being, there is no similar G-Class concept car from the Stuttgart carmaker, but the current G-Wagen production is also sporting a 2015 expiration date. Since from that year onwards the pedestrian safety regulations will no longer permit the selling of such an... let’s say obtuse type of off-roader, we can only assume that the G-Class will also spawn a more modern replacement.

Long story short, the 2015 G-Class replacement, along with current retro SUVs like the Toyota FJ Cruiser or the Jeep Wrangler are probably the only competition for this Land Rover. Time will tell if other iconic models will have “children” by the time the DC100 transforms into a production car in about four years.

Range Rover Hybrid

Range Rover Sport
Well, it didn’t take long to receive confirmation on the story we brought forth only yesterday. Land Rover confirmed today that the company is indeed preparing a hybrid Range Rover and that it will be unveiled in 2013. The first testings will begin in late 2010.

The Land Rover Range_e features a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain and a new ZF eight-speed automatic that will be used in all of the future models. Land Rover said that the company is also considering adding a petrol-electric hybrid system.

The first model said to be introduced with the hybrid technology will be theRange Rover Sport with the full-sized Range Rover and the Land Rover Discovery not being too far behind. The hybrid version of the Range Rover will be priced at around £10k, but Land Rover is also considering a plug-in hybrid model for 2015. This plug-in hybrid Range Rover is one of the most exciting developments. Chief engineer of hybrids at Jaguar Land Rover, Peter Richings, said: "It means you can drive a Range Rover for at least 20 miles on full electric power around town, emissions of less than 100g/km and speeds of up to 70mph in EV mode."

Range Rover Evoque AR8 City-Roader

Range Rover Evoque
Well that didn’t take too long, did it? The Range Rover Evoque hasn’t been out all that long and it has already received its first tuning package from German tuner, Arden. Guess after the lights fade and the sparkles burn out, even the Ranger Rover Evoque can use a little updating. And we definitely mean a little, as Arden’s package only provides minor updates that were done to make the SUV sportier and stronger, and give it a more urban appearance.

The AR8 City-Roader package takes the 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine found in the Evoque and adds a new handmade stainless steel exhaust system and high performance catalyst. These additions make for a 30 HP increase, from 240 HP to 270 HP. Not much, but enough to make a small difference in the overall output.

The aerodynamic package isn’t all that involved either. A new front and rear apron have been added, as well as new side skirts that can come illuminated as an option. The obligatory new wheels have also been taken car of with a set of ARDEN Dakar II rims. Arden claims that these rims are not only beautiful and very safe, but also allow a very individual and personal grading. Finishing off the package is a stainless steel plaque with personal lettering that can be placed in a specially designated hollow.

Range Rover Evoque

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

 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.

 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.

Range Rover Evoque ’T3’ Dakar Rally Racer

Range Rover Evoques
The world famous Dakar Rally poses the kind of challenges that makes it difficult for just about any professional race driver. As if traveling over 9,000 km in a span of two weeks is tough enough, the fact that you’re going to need to do it in some of the world’s toughest conditions makes it as unforgiving as any race there is in the world.

One team that appears to be up to the challenge of the Dakar Rally is the British Excite Rally Raid Team, which will take part in the world’s ultimate endurance race with three customized Range Rover Evoques commissioned by RaBe Race Cars.

On the surface, the vehicle does look like the Evoque, but pretty much everything about the luxury SUV has been stripped down to accommodate for its run in Dakar, including a different kind of engine that was added to make it rally-spec.

Instead of the typical 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine that you can find under the Evoque, these rally-tuned versions carry a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six diesel engine that produces 275 horsepower and 480 lb/ft of torque mated. These engines are mated to a ZF six-speed transmission and equipped with special BF Goodrich desert tires.

The RaBe-commissioned Evoque rally racers will be driven by three British drivers from the British Excite Rally Raid Team, consisting of Martin Rowe, Andrew Coley, and John Hardy.

Land Rover Range Rover Swiss Edition

Kahn Design has been pretty busy lately releasing at least one tuning package every week, even though most people’s eyes are caught up with the new toys at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This week is no different as Kahn has released a new tuning kit based on the Land Rover Range Rover. It’s called the Swiss edition and, as its name suggests, has been destined for Switzerland for use by patrol police.

This special police car will be painted mostly in black with a white standard hood and Kahn RS 22-inch wheels. A special custom interior will combine style and personality with a stylish police theme. It also seems as though this car will be offered in a different number of colors and designs to suit individual specifications.

We love the fact that Kahn Design has created a killer customized design for the boys in blue, and bad guys certainly won’t stand a chance with the Range Rover’s 5.0 liter supercharged engine and specially crafted stainless steel exhaust.

Range Rover Bali Blue RS450 Vogue

Project Kahn is continuing its work on Land Rover models with the new Bali Blue RS450 Kahn Range Rover Vogue. Priced at £88,875 - or about $136,000 at the current exchange rates - the new Bali Blue RS450 includes an impressive list of exterior and interior modifications and, of course, special blue exterior paint.

Aside from the electric blue finish, the Bali Blue RS450 benefits from a long list of additions including new side skirts, LED daylight running lights, yellow calipers, Kahn illuminated kick plates, and Kahn undercar lighting. The final element of the exterior is a new set of 22-inch RS wheels in matte Pearl Grey combined with Land Rover center caps and a Kahn quad exhaust system. The interior gets Kahn machined aluminum pedals, bespoke door handles, Project Kahn mats, a new rev counter, and a time clock with a Swarovski diamond bezel. Kahn also provides customers with the opportunity to express their individuality with any color or material they desire for their Range Rover.