Range Rover Evoque Convertible
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible and the first ever convertible production Range Rover.
Positioned at the pinnacle of the Evoque portfolio, the new convertible enhances the desirability of the Evoque family, taking the Land Rover brand to a new audience of customers looking for a unique combination of roof-down luxury and refinement.
Available in two luxurious specifications – SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic – Evoque Convertible provides a four-seat interior, Jaguar Land Rover’s next-generation infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro and unrivalled all-terrain convertible capability.
Evoque Convertible retains the elegant design proportions of the five-door and coupé derivatives with its acoustically-lined fabric hood open or closed. Interior volume and luggage capacity also remains highly versatile, regardless of the roof’s position.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented: “When Evoque Convertible was first shown as a concept, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It was the next logical step to bring the pioneering concept to reality and with a clear design strategy we have safeguarded the distinctive character of Evoque. The result is the ultimate expression of fun and desirability building on the ever-popular Evoque nameplate which continues to bring new customers to the brand.”
Dynamic design
Land Rover designers have retained Evoque’s bold and progressive exterior design with the convertible roof system either open or closed. A sophisticated fabric roof with tension-bow architecture creates a crisply defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design, while the Z-fold mechanism folds flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance. New frameless doors have been developed to ensure a clean profile when lowered.
Underlining Evoque Convertible’s position at the top-of-the-range, customers can choose from luxurious SE Dynamic or HSE Dynamic specification. In both cases, the convertible features a deeper, more aggressive front bumper with enlarged air intakes and slimline LED fog lights (HSE Dynamic only). Body-coloured side skirts visually lower the vehicle while the dynamic rear bumper houses distinctive twin exhaust outlets.
A dynamic front grille with enlarged geometric mesh area, vent surrounds and a selection of 11 alloy wheel designs and finishes, ranging from 17- to 20-inches adds further design differentiation. The all-new alloy wheel designs are available for 18-, 19- and 20-inch fitments. Unique for the 20-inch alloys are four premium finishes: Polished, Satin Black, Technical Grey, and Technical Gold.
SE Dynamic specification includes Brunel Silver fender and (optional) bonnet vents, grille and fog light surrounds. HSE Dynamic models are differentiated by premium Narvik Black components and gloss-black bonnet vents for an even more purposeful appearance. Both receive a Corris Grey front tow-eye cover.
The Black Pack provides an even more dramatic road presence with unique Satin Black 20-inch alloy wheels, head-,tail- and fog-lamps featuring black non-reflective surfaces, exterior trim finished in Narvik Black and a black exhaust tailpipe finish.
At night, an eye-catching puddle-lamp graphic is projected from the base of the door mirrors. Uniquely featuring an outline of Evoque Convertible, the puddle lamps illuminate the ground around both front doors for maximum convenience and a highly distinctive appearance.
Phil Simmons, Exterior Realisation Director, Land Rover commented: “Above the beltline, the Z-fold fabric roof was the natural choice for its taut proportions, exceptional versatility and lightweight design. Range Rover Evoque Convertible offers the best of both worlds: the crisp, precisely defined contours of the coupé’s striking silhouette with the roof closed, and the excitement of top-down motoring with it open.”
Despite appearing identical to Evoque coupé below the glasshouse, the bodywork behind the front doors has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the stowed roof mechanism. The upper portions of the rear fenders have been carefully redesigned to seamlessly integrate with Evoque Convertible’s packaging requirements, while an all-new tailgate and spoiler have been designed.
The rear spoiler houses the LED stoplight and optimises aerodynamics to improve handling. The innovative hinge mechanism allows for a larger tailgate aperture, providing exceptional versatility.
Evoque Convertible is available in 13 exterior colours, including new Baltoro Ice and Waitomo Grey metallics. Creating a distinctive horizon line to complement the Ebony Black fabric roof, the door mirrors and the upper section of the rear spoiler are finished in Narvik Black as standard.
Accessories allow customer personalisation
The Range Rover Evoque is synonymous with customer personalisation and the Evoque Convertible is no different. A wide range of accessories allows customers to add their own stamp of individuality, whether it’s for design or practicality purposes.
Evoque Convertible can be specified with illuminated personalised (with a script of your choice) or Union Jack Treadplates. Further personalisation in the cabin comes in the form of machine-polished, Anodised Gear Shift Paddles, Anodised Red Rotary Shifter and Union Jack Sport Mat set.
On the outside, Bright-finish Side Tubes; Carbon Fibre Side Vents, Bonnet Louvres and Mirror Covers; and stylised Valve Caps all create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
Evoque Convertible is capable of towing up to 1500kg and for those needing additional practicality a detachable tow bar can also be specified.
Adaptive all-LED headlamps
Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available with a choice of standard equipment Halogen (SE Dynamic), Bi-Xenon headlamps (HSE Dynamic), or optional full-LED adaptive headlamps.
The state-of-the-art LED headlamps feature a new, highly-distinctive rectilinear graphic for both headlamp and indicator functions. LED technology offers increased visibility, enhanced longevity, and reduces demands on the battery, while the adaptive functionality enables the headlamps to automatically follow the driver’s steering inputs, increasing light coverage through corners for enhanced safety.
With either Halogen, Bi-Xenon or all-LED headlamps, Evoque Convertible is specified with LED tail lamps and LED daytime-running lights (DRLs). For maximum safety and additional visual impact, both front and rear DRLs are automatically illuminated when the ignition is activated.
A lightweight, versatile fabric roof
Land Rover’s designers carefully evaluated all possible convertible roof systems before opting for a sophisticated Z-fold fabric roof from Webasto, the world leaders in automotive convertible roof systems.
Featuring tension bow architecture to complement Evoque’s crisply defined proportions, a flush-fitting heated glass rear window complements the luxurious acoustic insulation for maximum refinement. Evoque Convertible’s roof system lowers in just 18 seconds and rises in 21 seconds when the roof button on the centre console is pressed. It also allows all four windows to be simultaneously raised or lowered for maximum convenience.
In addition, a rear wind deflector can be quickly installed between the rear three quarter trim panels, enhancing refinement when the roof is stowed.
Advantages of the fabric roof design when compared with folding hardtop solutions include reduced weight and improved centre of gravity, and the ability to raise or lower the roof at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h). Evoque Convertible’s spacious 251-litre luggage capacity is retained, whether the roof is open or closed.
Available exclusively in Ebony Black, Evoque Convertible’s luxurious fabric roof echoes the distinctive graphic of Evoque coupé’s optional contrast roof.
Once the roof is lowered, discreet hinged panels located at the rear of the interior fold flush to conceal the mechanism, ensuring Evoque’s contemporary lines retain a clean and uncluttered appearance.
A Roll-Over Protection Device (RPD) features deployable roll-over bars hidden in the rear quarter panel. The RPD automatically deploys two aluminium bars in 90milliseconds in the unlikely event of a roll-over situation, to create a safety space for occupants.
Luxurious four-seat interior
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible features a spacious and contemporary four-seat interior defined by luxury materials and soft-touch surfaces. The strikingly minimalist dashboard architecture juxtaposes the bold horizontal sweep of the instrument panel with the dynamic vertical rake of the centre console.
All Range Rover Evoque Convertible models feature fixed twin rear seats, with a central bolster, and revised quarter trim speakers.
Interior volumes are among the very best when compared with conventional convertibles. Evoque Convertible’s large luggage compartment provides 251-litres of storage space with the roof open or closed. A ski hatch can be specified to accommodate through-loading of larger items for enhanced versatility.
In line with the 2016 Model Year Evoque portfolio, revised seats retain their outstanding comfort and support while introducing a sportier, more technical aesthetic. The door casings reinforce this clean, contemporary feel, with revised contour lines, extra feature stitch lines and reprofiled, more deeply padded armrests for exceptional comfort and visual refinement.
A new locking glovebox function is automatically activated with the central-locking system for additional security, even when the roof is stowed.
Specifications
SE Dynamic derivatives feature perforated Grained leather seats in a sophisticated Ebony/Ebony dual-tone colourway. HSE Dynamic introduces perforated mid-section Oxford leather seats and elegantly tailored centre-ribbed sections, available in Ebony/Ebony and Lunar/Ivory. HSE Dynamic also offers three exclusive colourways in full Oxford leather: Ebony/Pimento, Ebony/Vintage Tan and Lunar/Ice.
Luxurious eight-way electric memory seats (heated optional) are included in SE Dynamic’s standard specification, while HSE Dynamic derivatives feature 12-way electric adjustment. Optional 14-way climate and massage seats can be specified.
Sophisticated ambient lighting
Ambient lighting subtly enhances Evoque Convertible’s premium interior. SE Dynamic includes extended illumination under all armrests, doorbins and in the centre console. HSE Dynamic introduces customer configurable ambient lighting with a distinctive range of colours, chosen using Evoque Convertible’s touchscreen interface. Available colours include Ultra Violet, Amber Glow, Electric Blue, Ice White and Racing Red. Stealth mode can also be selected to reduce interior illumination to a minimum.
Advanced technology with 10.2-inch touchscreen
Technological innovation forms a key part of Evoque’s unique appeal. Building on this trend, Evoque Convertible evolves in-car technology to the next level with the debut of an all-new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system featuring 3G connectivity.
InControl Touch Pro is supported by additional technological innovations available across the Evoque range, including Land Rover’s full suite of InControl technologies, including InControl Apps.
Dr Mike Bell, Jaguar Land Rover's Global Connected Car Director, said: “As the world’s first convertible for all seasons, Evoque Convertible must be filled with technology that appeals to early adopters keen to embrace the latest developments. Connected in-car technology is integral to today’s modern buyers so it’s logical that our latest models are fitted with a cutting-edge infotainment system. InControl Touch Pro puts Evoque Convertible firmly ahead of the field of in-car connectivity.”
InControl Touch Pro exclusive to Evoque Convertible
InControl Touch Pro offers state-of-the-art 3G connectivity, and is available with a largest-in-class 10.2-inch capacitive touchscreen featuring a 21:9 super-wide format and 1280x542 pixel resolution. This equates to an 80% increase over Evoque’s standard eight-inch touchscreen system, providing graphics with unrivalled definition and smoothness.
With no ‘hard’ buttons on this system, InControl Touch Pro’s homescreen presents the four most commonly required infotainment functions in one easily accessible window: Audio, Climate, Telephone and Satellite Navigation. These can also be accessed via steering wheel-mounted controls. Capacitive technology gives users swipe, pan, and pinch ‘n’ zoom controls to navigate between sub-menus, just as they would on a smartphone or tablet.
These functions include WiFi hotspot, parking cameras, Eco Data, Wade Sensing and rear-seat climate-control settings. Steps between functions are reduced for enhanced convenience, and the interface is optimised for an intuitive user experience.
Solid State Disk (SSD) technology creates up to 60GB of information storage (up to 16,000 songs) with significantly faster response times than SD-card or HDD-based systems.
The advanced satellite navigation (listed as InControl Touch Pro Navigation) includes*:
- Dead reckoning, guaranteeing operation in areas of marginal satellite coverage
- On-board regional maps
- 3D terrain, junctions and building graphics
- Customer prompts for parking and coffee stops
- Connected navigation, data including historical traffic, dynamic routing and real-time traffic updates
- Navigation instructions in both the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
* market dependent
The ultimate infotainment system
For the ultimate in-car technology experience, customers can choose to upgrade InControl Touch Pro with a premium 12-speaker, 660w surround-sound Meridian audio system, including dual-channel subwoofer and amplifier with advanced digital processing for outstanding sound quality.
InControl technologies optimise car and smartphone connectivity
Evoque Convertible can be specified with the full portfolio of Land Rover InControl technologies. Available features include:
- InControl Apps syncs Apple or Android smartphones via a USB interface, providing access to well known apps optimised for in-car use via the touchscreen infotainment system
- InControl Remote Premium enables owners to verify the vehicle’s status, lock or unlock the doors; sends a smartphone alert if the vehicle alarm is sounding, providing the option to reset if required; and helps locate the vehicle in a busy car park by flashing lights and sounding discreet alarm pips
- InControl Secure tracks the vehicle should it be stolen, and automatically alerts the owner with an SMS text message
- InControl Pro Services connects up to eight devices via a 3G hotspot for fast, reliable internet access on the move
- InControl Arrival Mode displays interactive 360-degree street level imagery of your destination for seamless journey arrival
- InControl Protect allows owners to summon roadside assistance or the emergency services; an SOS signal is automatically triggered in the event of airbag deployment
Unlike the new roof-mounted twin fin antenna on five-door and coupé models, Evoque Convertible has two antennae, one low frequency mounted in the rear bumper and a high-frequency mounted between the rear seats.
The standard 380W Meridian Digital Sound System features 10 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer delivering exceptional definition.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to meet the very highest standards for which Land Rover is world-renowned. Safety, all-terrain capability, and Range Rover’s exceptionally high levels of refinement have all been thoroughly proven with a rigorous development regime conducted on public roads and test facilities throughout the world.
Alan Volkaerts, Land Rover’s Vehicle Line Director, said: “Producing a convertible Range Rover presented a unique set of engineering challenges, including maintaining torsional rigidity despite the removal of the roof structure, providing roll-over protection in an open-top vehicle designed to tilt to 35 degrees, and offering the luxurious interior refinement demanded by Range Rover customers.
“Land Rover’s exhaustive test schedule ensures all of those targets have been achieved. Evoque Convertible is not only the world’s first convertible for all seasons, it’s also every inch a Land Rover.”
Significant chassis bracings support the unique load casings of a convertible model, ensure comparable torsional rigidity versus the coupé model. This ensures an on-road driving experience comparable with the hard top model and a vehicle every bit as capable as existing Evoque derivatives.
Engineered for strength and safety
Range Rover Evoque Convertible exceeds all of Land Rover’s rigorous engineering standards. As such, driving dynamics, torsional rigidity, safety and all-terrain capability remain outstanding, despite the challenges posed by removing a vehicle’s roof structure.
In common with all modern Land Rover projects, the Evoque Convertible’s development programme began virtually with advanced Computer Aided Engineering and Design simulations. These simulations provided accurate initial estimations on how the altered weight distribution would affect dynamic performance, where structural modifications would be required, and how Evoque Convertible could meet the very same engineering standards as existing Evoque derivatives.
A sophisticated prototype development phase subsequently allowed Land Rover engineers to prove these simulations in real-world testing. The result is a premium convertible SUV with safety, refinement and the on- and off-road competence to match its head-turning design.
Outstanding driving enjoyment
Complementing the advanced and efficient four-wheel-drive systems, Evoque Convertible benefits from an inherently strong base structure with high-strength steel in the door sills. This structure features added chassis bracings to compensate for the removal of the roof, providing the stiffness essential for excellent handling and refinement.
Enhancing its dynamic capability still further, the all-independent sports suspension has optimised spring rates and larger diameter anti-roll bars to deliver incredibly high levels of driver engagement, as well as roll stiffness equivalent to coupé derivatives. Careful tuning ensures Evoque’s exceptional ride quality has not been compromised.
Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVB) and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) complement the chassis changes. Should understeer be detected as the driver turns into a corner, TVB applies a small braking force to both inside wheels, helping the car follow the driver’s intended line.
Evoque Convertible’s variable-rate Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) is tuned for high levels of response and driver feedback, as well as reducing driver workload in challenging off-road environments. The variable-rate steering rack combines a slower ratio around the straight-ahead position with a progressively faster ratio once more steering lock is applied, therefore combining straight-line stability with increased agility through tighter turns. Variable assistance provides lighter steering for enhanced manoeuverability in confined spaces, but a more substantial, confidence-inspiring feel at speed
A world-class safety programme
To maintain outstanding levels of crash protection, Evoque Convertible features a number of engineering innovations: the vehicle’s A-pillars have been strengthened to ensure excellent roll-over protection; new under-body bracing maintains the torsional rigidity of coupé derivatives without impacting on Evoque’s off-road capability; and a Roll-Over Protection System, concealed within the rear quarter, deploys in 90 milliseconds should a roll-over situation be detected.
A new seat airbag system has also been developed: the front seats now include a combined thorax and head airbag to offer the same level of protection as the coupé’s individual thorax and head airbags. A combination of various electronic systems ensure the airbags or roll-over hoops do not deploy in extreme off-road situations, as proven during Land Rover’s exhaustive testing programme.
Evoque Convertible has been subject to the same crash-test procedures as all Land Rovers, and must meet the same safety standards. Tests include a frontal impact with an offset deformable barrier at 40mph (64km/h), side impacts that simulate crashing into lampposts at 30mph (48km/h) and rear impacts at 55mph (89km/h).
Peerless all-terrain capability
Evoque Convertible has been tested in the same off-road environments and to the same high standards as all Land Rover vehicles. Punishing tests included loading Evoque Convertible to its maximum gross vehicle weight and negotiating the toughest off-road terrain designed to subject the chassis to immense twisting forces. Evoque Convertible passed all procedures and, as a result, achieves similarly outstanding off-road performance to existing Evoque Dynamic derivatives.
Danella Bagnall, Evoque Programme Director, commented: “Roof down motoring is in our heritage. It started 68 years ago when we produced the original Series I Land Rover. We have tested Evoque convertible to the same all-terrain standards as every Land Rover before, and a few besides. Chassis bracings designed to preserve Evoque Convertible’s torsional rigidity have been specially engineered to maintain excellent ground clearance that’s comparable with five-door and coupé models.”
Approach, breakover and departure angles of 19, 18.9 and 31.0 degrees respectively provide outstanding all-terrain performance. Evoque Convertible can also scale extremely steep 45-degree gradients, safely tilt to an incredible 35 degrees, and wade through water up to 500mm deep.
Evoque Convertible is equipped with Evoque’s full suite of off-road technologies, including Terrain Response® and All-Terrain Progress Control, an all-new feature for the 2016 Model Year.
Terrain Response® for effortless all-terrain capability
Terrain Response® tailors steering, throttle, transmission, centre-coupling and braking/stability response to the terrain via four driver-selectable settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts; and Sand.
Unmatched progress thanks for All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)
ATPC allows the driver to set a speed between 1.1mph to 19mph (1.8km/h to 30km/h), in forward or reverse gears, and without pedal inputs constantly monitors and adjusts vehicle settings to optimise traction and maintain progress. As such, ATPC reduces driver workload to simply steering the vehicle in challenging off-road situations where maintaining smooth, safe progress may otherwise prove difficult.
The intuitive system is initiated via a switch in the centre console, controlled via the steering-wheel-mounted cruise-control interface, and can be overruled by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal. ATPC can even be used from a standstill in slippery conditions to ensure a composed getaway every time.
Wade Sensing removes the uncertainty in deeper water
Evoque Convertible can wade through water to a depth of 500mm, an invaluable benefit in off-road situations and when roads are flooded. Relaying information from sensors in the door mirrors, the Wade Sensing™ feature informs the driver of the water depth with a visual display on the vehicle's 10.2-inch touchscreen and an audible tone that increases as the depth rises. The driver can see both the current depth of the water along with how much deeper the car can safely wade; this proves particularly invaluable during poor visibility.
Combined with excellent axle articulation, outstanding four-wheel-drive traction and all-terrain tyres, Evoque Convertible provides highly-capable off-road performance.
Legendary all-terrain technology
Land Rover’s patented Hill Descent Control (HDC) is a standard feature that assists the driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes by maintaining a constant speed and applying braking separately to each wheel.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) ensures the vehicle doesn’t roll backwards as it pulls away on an incline while Gradient Release Control (GRC) is designed to prevent the vehicle accelerating too quickly on a steep incline if the driver inadvertently releases the brake.
Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel powertrains
Evoque Convertible is available with Land Rover’s full suite of lightweight all-aluminium four-cylinder engines. The powerful and efficient Si4 four-cylinder petrol engine offers 240PS performance with outstanding levels of efficiency and refinement.
The highly-efficient, all-new Ingenium 2.0-litre diesel engine is also available. Designed and developed by Jaguar Land Rover, and manufactured at the company’s new £500 million Engine Manufacturing Centre in the West Midlands, Ingenium diesel engines are the most fuel-efficient Land Rover engines ever produced. These Euro6-compliant units form the cornerstone of Land Rover’s low-CO2 powertrain strategy.
A state-of-the-art ZF nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive drivetrain forms part of Evoque Convertible’s standard specification with either petrol or diesel engines.
Advanced four-cylinder petrol engine tops the range
Land Rover’s lightweight Si4 petrol engine offers both high levels of driver engagement as well as excellent environmental sustainability. A highly potent 240PS of power and 340Nm of torque provides responsive in-gear acceleration, a 0-62mph time of just 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 209km/h (130mph).
The compact all-aluminium, four-cylinder design features an advanced low-inertia turbocharger, high-pressure direct fuel injection and twin independent variable-valve timing for instant response and outstanding efficiency. Twin balancer shafts ensure refinement meets the levels demanded from all Range Rover vehicles.
Advanced fuel-saving technologies include piston rings and tappets coated with a low-friction finish; a sheet-metal exhaust manifold that shortens the engine warm-up phase to reduce emissions on short journeys; and an advanced electronic management system for precision control over the combustion process.
All-new Ingenium turbodiesel engines for outstanding efficiency
An entirely clean-sheet design, AJ200D Ingenium engines are based around a deep-skirt aluminium cylinder block featuring thin-wall, press-fit cast-iron liners for optimum weight, surface finish and robustness. Fuel is fed to the combustion chambers by an incredibly efficient 1,800bar solenoid common-rail system, providing precision injection with low noise and excellent mixture formation characteristics. A highly efficient variable geometry turbocharger rapidly generates torque from very low revs, and offers incredible flexibility over a broad powerband for effortless acceleration.
A new Diesel-Exhaust Fluid (DEF) AdBlue™ after-treatment system further enhances environmental sustainability (ensuring Euro6 compliance). The system sprays an aqueous urea DEF solution into the exhaust system, neutralising harmful gasses such as nitrogen oxide emissions. Selective catalytic reduction and cooled low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation also cut NOx emissions.
The Ingenium turbodiesel engine offers an outstanding combination of low-end torque for flexibility in day-to-day driving conditions, high levels of refinement and up to 55 mpg (5.1l/100km).
The most potent Ingenium turbodiesel engine delivers 180PS of power and 430Nm of torque, spread across a broad powerband for instantaneous response and peerless flexibility.
Its strong performance doesn’t detract from its efficiency. 49.6mpg (5.7l/100km) and 149g/km of CO2 on the EU combined cycle mark it out as one of the most efficient Land Rovers available today.
Ingenium turbodiesel engines offer the highest levels of refinement demanded by Range Rover customers. Stiff, lightweight aluminium cylinder block, roller bearings on the camshaft and twin balancer shafts ensure inherently low levels of vibration. The cylinder bore is offset by 12mm from the crankshaft to minimise friction between the piston rings and cylinder wall, while decoupled injectors and oval-shaped, injection-pump drive-sprockets also contribute to the Ingenium engine’s exceptional quietness.
Not only are the new Ingenium engines incredibly fuel-efficient, refined and powerful, servicing intervals of 21,000miles (increased from 16,000) ensure they are also affordable and convenient to own.
Longer servicing intervals have been achieved by introducing several innovations, including a low-friction piston/bore interface that reduces oil consumption, the use of a very high quality oil featuring state-of-the-art additive packages, and a filtration system that benefits from a significantly cleaner combustion process. Crucially, Evoque’s drastically reduced fuel consumption minimises combustion gasses and therefore the number of small particles that the filtration system must remove from the oil, while improved bore technology also reduces possible contaminates from each cylinder. As a result, the oil filter – and therefore the oil – stays significantly cleaner for longer.
Ingenium engines have been subject to over two-million miles of real-world testing and over 72,000 hours of dyno testing, a punishing test schedule comparable to eight years of worst-case scenario operating conditions.
State-of-the-art nine-speed automatic transmission
An advanced ZF 9-speed automatic transmission forms part of Evoque Convertible’s standard specification. Designed specifically for its transverse application, the ZF 9HP transmission features nine closely staggered ratios for excellent acceleration and peerless efficiency.
When the ignition is activated, the rotary gear-shift controller with its tactile knurled metal finish rises from the centre console. The driver can opt to leave the transmission in automatic mode, allowing the Adaptive Shift Strategy to intelligently anticipate driver behaviour. Alternatively, gears can be manually selected via steering-wheel-mounted paddleshift interface for ultimate control.
First gear is an incredibly low ratio, and suitable for very brisk acceleration from a standstill, low-speed all-terrain driving or extremes of altitude and gradient. Evoque Convertible will automatically default to second gear – comparable to first gear in transmissions with fewer ratios – at a standstill, ensuring peerless refinement and efficiency from rest.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, ninth gear offers a reduced engine speed suitable for motorway cruising.
A choice of Efficient or Active Driveline four-wheel-drive
Efficient Driveline four-wheel drive is standard specification on Evoque Convertible. This intelligent full-time four-wheel-drive system employs an electronically-controlled Haldex centre coupling to continuously vary the flow of torque between the front and rear wheels. This provides excellent off-road capability together with enhanced on-road agility on all surfaces.
State-of-the-art Active Driveline can be specified as optional equipment, increasing both efficiency and agility. During steady-state driving at speeds above 22mph (35km/h), Active Driveline switches from four- to two-wheel drive, reducing driveline friction to increase efficiency. The system continuously monitors traction and driver inputs, and can seamlessly revert to four-wheel-drive operation in just 350milliseconds.
A pair of electronically controlled clutches located either side of the rear differential also increases on- and off-road capability with Active Driveline. The clutches quickly distribute torque to the rear wheel with superior grip, improving traction in low-grip off-road situations as well as heightening driver engagement on road.
Occupants can monitor Active Driveline’s status by swiping to the 4x4i function on the all-new InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system.
Advanced Driver Assistance technologies
To make driving as relaxing and safe as possible, Evoque Convertible can be specified with an extensive range of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These include:
360 degree Parking Aid
Exclusive to Evoque Convertible, 360 degree Park Distance Controls provide the driver with virtual object tracking along the sides of the car, giving confidence in confined situations, like multi-storey car parks, at speeds up to 16 km/h (10mph).
Autonomous Emergency Braking avoids or minimises the impact of collisions
Autonomous Emergency Braking helps to avoid accidents when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 35km/h (21mph), and greatly reduces the severity of any impacts between 50-80km/h (32-50mph).
The system uses an innovative stereo camera mounted next to the rear-view mirror to monitor objects that pose a risk of collision, such as queuing traffic. If a collision is likely, the system will alert the driver with both a visual and audible warning. If no avoiding action is taken, an additional driver warning is triggered while the system applies maximum braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Autonomous Emergency Braking is available when either Lane-Keeping Assist or Lane-Departure Warning systems are specified.
Lane-Keeping Assist for maximum safety
Making driving more relaxing and safer, Lane-Keeping Assist is also available. Complementing Lane-Departure Warning, which warns the driver if they are drifting out of their lane by vibrating the steering wheel, Lane-Keeping Assist actively helps the driver to stay in the correct lane by adding any necessary steering correction.
The technology works by combining input from the forward-facing stereo camera to monitor road markings, as well as the electric power-assisted steering system.
Should Lane-Keeping Assist sense that the driver is unintentionally changing lanes, it initiates a gentle steering input to return the vehicle to its intended position. Lane-Keeping Assist is designed to be completely unobtrusive: it is not active if the indicators are activated, the driver can easily steer against it, and the system can be entirely disengaged if desired.
Driver Condition Monitor: the early warning system for driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Driver Condition Monitor reviews driver steering inputs to guard against a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Should this advanced technology detect the jerky, non-linear movements typical of driver suffering the symptoms of fatigue, it automatically triggers both an audible warning and a visual warning in the instrument cluster.
Driver Condition Monitor perfectly complements Lane-Keeping Assist and Emergency Autonomous Braking, with all technologies combining to make driving as safe and relaxing as possible.
Luxury technologies familiar to the Evoque nameplate
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible also features a number of technologies that have appeared on the Evoque nameplate since 2011. Traffic Sign Recognition scans the road ahead for certain road signs and, if detected, will display the information to the driver via the driver binnacle or Head-Up display.
EXTENSIVE TESTING PROGRAMME ENSURES OUTSTANDING CAPABILITY
Since its launch, the Range Rover Evoque has been lauded for its exceptional driving dynamics and class-leading all-terrain capability. To ensure Evoque Convertible retains a similarly impressive breadth of capability, Land Rover chassis engineers undertook a rigorous test schedule on public roads ranging from high-speed autobahns, to tight and challenging hairpins in the Italian Dolomites. Extensive development was also carried out on wet-handling test tracks, frozen lakes in Sweden and race circuits including the Nürburgring Nordschleife to further refine chassis settings.
Tested to Land Rover’s world-class standards
Verification prototypes covered hundreds of thousands of miles on test tracks, off-road facilities and public roads around the world, including in Canada, Dubai, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, USA and the UK. Extremes of temperature, altitude and endurance tested Evoque Convertible to its limits in a punishing programme. Other vehicles were run around the clock on data rigs with hydraulic rams simulating particularly harsh full-life mileages.
As a result, Evoque Convertible delivers comparable levels of composure, agility and off-road capability to coupé and five-door derivatives and remains equally rewarding to drive, no matter how challenging the terrain.
Mike Cross, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said: “Land Rover prides itself on being a class leader when it comes to all-terrain capability and the Evoque Convertible is no different. Thanks to a combination of innovative engineering and the application of advanced technologies, Evoque Convertible will deliver a dynamic and assured SUV driving experience that has been tested around the world.”
The combination of Evoque Convertible’s weight distribution and revised chassis settings required all parameters governing stability control, ABS, four-wheel drive and Terrain Response settings to be recalibrated on a comprehensive range of surfaces. Evaluation near the Arctic Circle alone lasted for four months where temperatures frequently fell below minus 30 degrees Celsius.
Built in the UK to the highest standards
Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in the UK, Evoque Convertible will be built alongside the five-door and coupé derivatives at the company’s multi-award-winning Halewood manufacturing plant, supported by the UK Regional Growth Fund. It goes on sale in the Spring of 2016 in over 170 markets worldwide.
