The Land Rover Evoque has never been anything if not different. Land Rover took risks inside and out with its smallest (and likely the biggest in volume) crossover offering. It was in fact enough to make us forget that it was also the first front-wheel drive and EcoBoost four-cylinder powered Land Rover. It is a compelling product; especially the three-door model, which we love despite being entirely pointless.
At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Land Rover put out the Convertible Concept, a potential addition to the lineup. It was billed as the “world’s first premium SUV convertible.” Nissan has first dibs on the first crossover title thanks to its Murano CrossCabriolet.
Auto Express reports that Land Rover is considering the production of that concept, as well as an Evoque Sport. We’ll join with others in calling for an Evoque Sport over an Evoque Convertible. AE reports it has been hearing details about an Evoque Sport, but it caught up with Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern in Beijing to confirm. “You can go too far with the Evoque, but what’s so right about the car is it has what I call killer proportions,” McGovern said. “For the moment, we’re looking at the cabriolet and special editions – we could do a more overtly sporty one, for example.”
Sales of the Evoque are red hot right now, meaning any variants are going to be spread out further in its model cycle. So don’t expect an Evoque Sport to be seen until late next year at the earliest, according to sources. Right now Land Rover sells a sportier looking version of the Evoque, but it doesn’t include any powertrain upgrades. The Sport could push output from the EcoBoost four up to around 300 horsepower or higher. The current car makes 240 hp. If produced, the Evoque Sport would go head-to-head with Audi’s Q3 RS.
