RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE

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                    RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE

IS REMARKABLE

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

Joining the Range Rover Evoque line-up in 2016, the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible enhanced the desirability of the Range Rover Evoque family, taking the Land Rover brand to a new audience of customers looking for a unique combination of open-air luxury and refinement.

I love the convertible. 

According to the press release from Land Rover it is available in two luxurious specifications - SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic - the Range Rover Evoque Convertible provides a four-seat interior, the next-generation Land Rover InControl^® Touch Pro™ infotainment system³ and perhaps the best all-terrain capability.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible retains the  proportions of the five-door and coupe derivatives with its acoustically-lined fabric roof open or closed. Interior volume and luggage capacity have been maximized for cargo versatility regardless of the roof's position.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, states: "When the Range Rover 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 the Range Rover Evoque. The result is the ultimate expression of fun and desirability, building on the ever-popular Range Rover Evoque nameplate which continues to bring new customers to the brand."

Land Rover designers have retained the bold and progressive exterior design of the Range Rover Evoque with the convertible roof system open or closed. Designers state that the  fabric roof with tension-bow architecture creates a defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design of the vehicle, while the Z-fold mechanism folds flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance. New frameless doors have also been developed to ensure a clean profile when the roof is stowed.

Emphasizing its position within the Range Rover Evoque model line-up, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available in SE Dynamic or HSE Dynamic specifications. In both cases, the convertible features a special set of exterior enhancements including a deeper, more aggressive front bumper with enlarged air intakes. The HSE Dynamic derivative also features slimline LED fog lights, body-colored side skirts to visually lower the vehicle and a dynamic rear bumper that houses distinctive twin exhaust outlets.

A dynamic front grille with enlarged geometric mesh area, vent surrounds and a selection of six alloy wheel designs and finishes, ranging from 18- to 20-inches adds further design differentiation between convertible and fixed-roof models. Unique for the 20-inch alloy wheels are two premium finishes; Polished and Satin Black.

SE Dynamic specification includes exterior trim details including fender, grille and fog light surrounds appointed with a Brunel Silver finish. HSE Dynamic models receive components finished in premium Narvik Black and gloss-black hood vents for a more purposeful appearance.

The available 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 the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the puddle lamps illuminate the ground around both front doors for maximum convenience and a highly distinctive appearance.

Despite appearing identical to Range Rover Evoque coupe 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 packaging requirements of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, while an all-new tailgate and spoiler have been engineered to compliment the new design; the rear spoiler houses the LED stoplight and optimizes aerodynamics, while the innovative tailgate hinge mechanism allows for a larger aperture, providing exceptional versatility.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available in 13 exterior colors, including new Baltoro Ice and Waitomo Grey metallic. 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.

Range Rover  states the Evoque convertible can be personalized.

This allows customers to add their own stamp of individuality, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available with a range of accessories including illuminated personalized (with a script of the owner's choice) or Union Jack treadplates. Further personalization in the cabin comes in the form of machine-polished, anodized gear shift paddles, an anodized red rotary shifter and a Union Jack sport mat set.

On the outside, bright-finish running boards; carbon fiber side vents, hood vents and mirror covers; and stylized valve caps are all available to create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd.

For those needing additional practicality, a variety of tow hitch accessories are available; allowing The Range Rover Evoque Convertible to tow up to 3,307-lbs. (1500kg).

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available with a choice of standard equipment Halogen (SE Dynamic), Xenon headlamps (HSE Dynamic), or optional full-LED adaptive headlamps¹.

The LED headlamps feature a new, highly-distinctive design for both headlamp and indicator functions. LED technology is designed to offer 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.

Whether optioned with Halogen, Xenon or LED headlamps, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with LED tail lamps and LED daytime-running lights (DRLs) as standard. For additional visual impact, both front and rear DRLs are automatically illuminated when the ignition is activated.

The roof system on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible lowers in just 18 seconds and rises in 21 seconds when the roof button on the center console is pressed.

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, improved center of gravity and the ability to raise or lower the roof at higher speeds. The 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liter) luggage capacity of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is retained, whether the roof is open or closed.

Available exclusively in Ebony Black, the luxurious fabric roof echoes the distinctive design of optional contrast roof equipped on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe.

Once the roof is lowered, discreet hinged panels located at the rear of the interior fold flush to conceal the mechanism, ensuring the vehicle's contemporary lines are retained for a clean and uncluttered appearance.

A Roll-over Protection Device (RPD) features a deployable roll-over protection system hidden in the rear quarter panel. Range Rover states in media materials that the RPD is designed to automatically deploy two aluminum bars in 90 milliseconds in the unlikely event of a roll-over situation, to create a potential protection space for occupants^.

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. The luggage compartment provides 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liters) of storage space with the roof open or closed. A ski hatch can be specified to accommodate through-loading of larger items for additional versatility.

The door casings further reinforce this clean, contemporary feel, with revised contour lines, extra feature stitch lines and reprofiled, deeply padded armrests that afford exceptional comfort and visual refinement.

SE Dynamic derivatives feature perforated grained leather seats in a sophisticated Ebony/Ebony dual-tone colorway. HSE Dynamic introduces a perforated mid-section Oxford leather seat finished with an elegantly tailored center-ribbed section, available in Ebony/Ebony and Lunar/Ivory color combinations. HSE Dynamic also offers three exclusive colorways in full Oxford leather; Ebony/Pimento, Ebony/Vintage Tan and Lunar/Ice combinations.

Luxurious 12-way electric memory seats (heated optional) are standard on SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic models; an optional 14-way climate seat can also be specified.

A new locking glovebox function is automatically activated with the central-locking system for additional security, even when the roof is stowed.

Ambient lighting subtly enhances the premium feel of the interior in the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. SE Dynamic includes extended illumination under all armrests, door panels and in the center console. HSE Dynamic introduces customer configurable ambient lighting with a distinctive range of colors, chosen through the vehicle's touch-screen interface.  Stealth mode can also be selected to reduce interior illumination to a minimum.

Technological innovation is an integral part of the unique appeal of the Range Rover Evoque. Building on this trend, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible evolves the line-up's in-car technology with the debut of the all-new Land Rover InControl^® Touch Pro^™ infotainment system with available Connected Navigation^.

InControl Touch Pro™ features a 10.2-inch capacitive touch-screen with a 21:9 super-wide format and 1280x542 pixel resolution. This equates to an 80% size increase over the standard eight-inch touchscreen system³, providing graphics with unrivalled definition and smoothness. Solid State Disk (SSD) technology provides significantly faster response times than SD-card or HDD-based systems.

With no 'hard' buttons on this system, the homescreen presents the four most commonly required infotainment functions in one easily accessible window: Audio, Climate, Telephone and optional Satellite Navigation. These can also be accessed via steering wheel-mounted controls, while capacitive technology gives users the ability to navigate sub-menus and access functions using swipe, pan, and pinch-to-zoom controls, just as they would on a smartphone or tablet^..

These functions include the parking cameras, Eco Data, rear-seat climate-control settings and optional InControl Wi-Fi™ hotspot⁶. Steps between functions are reduced for enhanced convenience, and the interface is optimized for a more intuitive user experience.

Standard on HSE Dynamic models and optional on SE Dynamic models, advanced satellite navigation includes:

• Dead reckoning, supporting operation in areas of marginal satellite coverage
• On-board regional maps
• 3D terrain, junctions and building graphics
• Customer prompts for parking and coffee stops
• Navigation instructions in both the instrument cluster and the optional Head-Up Display
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Drivers looking for additional functionality out of their navigation can add Connected Navigation functionality to their navigation system. When specified, Connected Navigation enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, including public transportation options. A companion app allows drivers to plan their route offline and load it into the system at the start of the journey. Once the driver exits the car and the phone is disconnected from the vehicle, the app will continue to provide navigational directions, if need be, on the driver's phone.

Connected Navigation also features Commute Mode, which learns the driver's daily commute to and from the home or office and can automatically offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information, and Approach Mode which displays a 360-degree interactive view of the driver's surroundings on the infotainment screen as they get to within 656ft (200m) of their destination, and can even direct the driver to the nearest available parking space.

Vehicle's specified with Connected Navigation feature InControl Wi-Fi™ as standard enabling the vehicle to support up to eight devices via a 3G hotspot for fast, reliable internet access on the move^.

Aligned with the rest of the Range Rover Evoque line-up, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible features various InControl technologies as standard or optional equipment.

InControl Remote™ enables owners to remotely start the engine and bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature, verify the vehicle's status and lock or unlock the doors. The app can also send a smartphone alert if the vehicle alarm is sounding, providing the option to reset if required and can help locate the vehicle in a busy parking lot by flashing the vehicle's headlights and sounding discreet alarm noises. Extending the functionality of this feature, the InControl Remote app is now available on the Apple Watch.

InControl Protect™ allows owners to contact roadside assistance or emergency services; an SOS signal is automatically triggered in the event of airbag deployment.

First introduced for the 2016 model year as a standard feature, Land Rover InControl Remote & Protect remain standard for 2017.

When equipped, InControl Apps™ syncs Apple^® or Android™ smartphones to the vehicle through a USB interface, providing access to apps optimized for in-car use via the touchscreen infotainment system³.

Since its introduction, InControl Apps has expanded to feature sixteen compatible apps including Stitcher, Audiobooks and Rivet Radio. The newest additions to the suite of available apps include:

• Glympse - a fast, free and simple way to share the vehicle's location using GPS tracking in real time with friends and family
• Rdio - a music streaming app with endless stations based on artists, genres, moods and themes; along with 'You FM', your own personalized station
• MobileDay - available exclusively with iOS devices launches you into any call, conference bridge, or online meeting with a single tap 
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Also available within InControl Apps is justDrive, a new app technology that integrates multiple smartphone apps into a single, voice-activated in-car experience.

Developed by Silicon Valley-based CloudCar, Jaguar Land Rover has optimized justDrive for its InControl™ platform for Apple iOS9 users. 'justDrive for Jaguar Land Rover' integrates popular apps and services, services, such as Spotify, Twitter and Yelp, to give Jaguar and Land Rover drivers an unprecedented level of integration with navigation, media, social interaction, voice search and information services while minimizing driver distraction.

The standard 380W Meridian Digital Sound System features 10 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer delivering exceptional definition. For the ultimate in-car technology experience HSE Dynamic models are also available 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.

Land Rover states that the Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to meet the standards for which Land Rover is world-renowned. All-terrain capability and the brand's high levels of refinement have both been thoroughly proven with a rigorous development regime conducted on public roads and test facilities throughout the world.

Alan Volkaerts, Land Rover 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. The brand's exhaustive test schedule ensures all of those targets have been achieved. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is not only a convertible for all seasons, it's also every inch a Land Rover."

Significant chassis bracings support the unique load casings of a convertible model, actually increasing torsional rigidity over the coupe model. This ensures an on-road driving experience comparable with the hard top model and a vehicle every bit as capable as existing Range Rover Evoque derivatives.

Land Rover states thatlike all modern Land Rover projects, the development program of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible 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 the Range Rover Evoque Convertible could meet the very same engineering standards as existing Range Rover 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.

The Range Rover 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 further, the all-independent sports suspension has optimized spring rates, incorporating larger diameter anti-roll bars to deliver high levels of driver engagement, as well as roll stiffness equivalent to coupe derivatives. Careful tuning ensures the vehicle's exceptional ride quality has not been compromised.

Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) complement the chassis changes. Should understeer be detected as the driver turns into a corner, TVbB is designed to apply a small braking force to both inside wheels, helping the car follow the driver's intended line.

The variable-rate Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) equipped in the Range Rover Evoque Convertible 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; combining straight-line stability with increased agility through tighter turns. Variable assistance provides lighter steering for enhanced maneuverability in confined spaces and slow speeds, but a more substantial, confidence-inspiring feel at speed.

To maintain outstanding levels of crash protection, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible features a number of engineering innovations: the vehicle's A-pillars have been strengthened to provide enhanced roll-over protection; new under-body bracing maintains the torsional rigidity of coupe derivatives without impacting off-road capability; and a roll-over protection system, concealed within the rear quarter, deploys in 90 milliseconds should a roll-over situation be detected¹.

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 airbags⁴. A combination of various electronic systems ensures the airbags or roll-over protection system do not deploy in extreme off-road situations.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Land Rover states was tested in the same off-road environments and to the same high standards as all Land Rover vehicles. Punishing tests included loading the Range Rover Evoque Convertible to its maximum gross vehicle weight and negotiating the toughest off-road terrain; this test is designed to subject the chassis to immense twisting forces. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible passed all procedures and, as a result, achieves similarly outstanding off-road performance to existing Range Rover Evoque Dynamic derivatives.

Danella Bagnall, Range Rover Evoque Program Director, commented: "Roof down motoring is in our heritage. It started 68 years ago when we produced the original Series 1 Land Rover. We have tested the Range Rover Evoque convertible to the same all-terrain standards as every Land Rover vehicle before, and a few besides. Chassis bracings designed to preserve the Range Rover Evoque Convertible's torsional rigidity have been specially engineered to maintain excellent ground clearance that's comparable with five-door and coupe models."

Approach, breakover and departure angles of 19, 18.69 and 31.0 degrees respectively provide outstanding all-terrain performance. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is designed to scale extremely steep 45-degree gradients, tilt to an incredible 35 degrees, and wade through water up to 19.7-inches (500mm) deep.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with a variety of standard Land Rover off-road technologies, including the proven Terrain Response^® system.

Terrain Response^® tailors steering, throttle, transmission, center-coupling and braking/stability response to the terrain via four driver-selectable settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts; and Sand.

Standard on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Hill Descent Control (HDC^®) is designed to assist the driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes by maintaining a constant speed and applying braking separately to each wheel^.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling 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.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Producing 240-hp and 251-lb-ft of torque it provides responsive in-gear acceleration, a 0-60mph time of just 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph (180km/h)^..

The compact all-aluminum, four-cylinder design features an advanced low-inertia turbocharger, high-pressure direct fuel injection and twin independent variable-valve timing for instant response. 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.

An advanced ZF^® 9-speed automatic transmission forms part of the vehicle's standard specification. Designed specifically for its transverse application, the ZF 9HP transmission features nine closely staggered ratios for excellent acceleration and efficiency.

When the ignition is activated, the rotary gear-shift controller with its tactile knurled metal finish rises from the center console. The driver can opt to leave the transmission in automatic mode, allowing the Adaptive Shift Strategy to intelligently anticipate driver behavior. 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. The Range Rover 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.

Active Driveline offered as standard equipment, increases 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 efficiency¹. The system continuously monitors traction and driver inputs, and can seamlessly revert to four-wheel-drive operation in just 350 milliseconds.

 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 the status of the Active Driveline system by swiping to the 4x4i function on the all-new Land Rover InControl^® Touch Pro™ touch-screen infotainment system.

Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) monitors dynamic behavior and operates on all four wheels. Should understeer be detected, TVbB is designed to apply a small braking force to the outside front wheels, subtly tightening the car's line for additional agility¹.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE Dynamic is available with a full suite of optional Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems¹. These include:

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-story parking garages, at speeds up to 10mph (16 km/h)¹.

Autonomous Emergency Braking helps mitigate accidents when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 21mph (35km/h), and is designed to reduce the severity of any impacts between 32-50mph (50-80km/h)¹.

The system uses a 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 is designed to 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.

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 stay in the correct lane by adding any necessary steering correction¹.

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 turn signals are activated, the driver can easily steer against it, and the system can be entirely disengaged if desired.

SO MUCH MORE COULD BE WRITTEN. JUST DRIVE THIS AMAZING CONVERTIBLE AND YOU W