A convertible Evoque? Range Rover Cabrio could arrive in 2015

By Andrew Hard December 3, 2014

Range Rover Evoque Cabrio — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If the Range Rover Evoque is a gentle step away from full-fledged SUV status, the rumored cabriolet version is a dramatic shove into new territory.

The Range Rover Cabrio concept (pictured) first debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, but it’s been all quiet on the convertible front since. A new report by Autocar changes things, as a droptop version of the sporty Evoque has been spied testing in the U.K.

The open air three-door could debut as soon as 2015 based on the prototypes condition, and could be packaged along with a facelifted model that’s expected next year.

Tagging along with the Evoque’s aesthetic enhancements could be the first wave of Jaguar Land Rover’s lightweight Ingenium engine line.

Like Volvo’s Drive-E family, Ingenium puts efficiency and practicality on the front burners, while still providing enough power to move crossovers and SUVs along smoothly.

To that end, the next-gen powerplants will be based on an aluminum block and modular, 500-cc cylinders, allowing the automaker to easily configure a vehicle’s powertrain. They’ll be able to grow and shrink depending on the project, with both gasoline and diesel versions being offered.

To give the motors free breathing grunt, all Ingenium units will be turbocharged. Jaguar Land Rover has detailed two versions of a 2.0-liter diesel thus far, one with 160 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and another with 177 hp and 317 lb-ft.

The new engine family should show up in vehicles all across Jaguar Land Rover’s range, including sports cars, executive sedans, SUVs, and of course, sporty crossovers.

It’s a safe bet it’ll show up in the Range Rover, but the British company has confirmed an Ingenium powerplant for the 2016 Jaguar XE.

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Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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