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Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet spotted in London alley

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Obviously, Range Rover wants folks to see its new concept car before it ships off to Switzerland next month. Reading University student Simon Truscott snapped the Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet in a London alley, apparently catching it in the midst of a photo/video shoot. We'll admit that this isn't the ragtop Evoque's best angle. Without a greenhouse to offset its full-figured bottom, the topless off-roader looks pretty chunky.

Range Rover says it'll monitor audience reaction to the concept after it's formally revealed at the Geneva Motor Show (as surely as it's tracking the feedback people are posting already). Their words: "The concept is being shown to gauge reaction and to assess the potential for what could be another unique product from Land Rover."

If we had to place bets, we'd wager that a production version will eventually appear in showrooms. You'll find a press release with Range Rover's official statement after the jump.

Editor's Note: Our original tipster forwarded the photo as an attachment, leading us to believe it was his in original. It's since become quite clear that Simon Truscott was the photog who snapped the photo and shared it on Twitter. The post has been modified to reflect this. - AN
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RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT TO BE REVEALED AT THE 2012 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Gaydon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, February 24, 2012 – Land Rover will unveil a Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept vehicle will explore the potential for a premium convertible SUV.

Range Rover Reveals the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept SUV
The stunning Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept will be revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

This bold concept builds on the global success of the Range Rover Evoque. The concept is being shown to gauge reaction and to assess the potential for what could be another unique product from Land Rover.

The concept has been developed by Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern and his team. Commenting on the concept, McGovern said: "The Range Rover Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible. This study is not a traditional convertible design execution - instead we have worked with the balance of the Range Rover Evoque's lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable."

The soft-top convertible concept is based on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe.It features a fully retractable premium roof system with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS]. The concept cleverly combines capability and versatility with a drop down tailgate and a comfortable four seat package. The vehicle has been developed with Land Rover DNA at its heart, retaining key characteristics including a sports command driving position and all-terrain capability.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept SUV from the 2012 Geneva Auto Show
A rendering of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept SUV from a rear profile angle.

The Range Rover Evoque's dramatic rising waist line and distinctive shape has been retained and the new convertible body style has been achieved with minimal changes to weight and torsional rigidity. The hood is housed in a neat tapered finisher with the roof mechanism stowed discretely below the belt-line.

Inside, the concept is packed with the Range Rover Evoque's award winning technology including Terrain Response, surround cameras, an 8-inch touch screen and a sound system from British audio experts, Meridian. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept features unique 21-inch Titan silver wheels and is finished in a new metallic Causeway Grey paint.The interior is in Lunar and Ivory with leather seats featuring sporty perforated panels and Ivory contrast stitching.

The Range Rover Evoque has been on sale for six months and is widely recognized as an international success with strong sales performances in 170 global markets. The Range Rover Evoque has been launched to worldwide media acclaim and to date has been honored with over 90 international awards.

John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director said: "The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept is a new twist to the Range Rover Evoque story and explores the potential to further extend the nameplate's appeal by giving existing customers more choice, whilst at the same time reaching out to a completely new customer base. We are excited to see the response to this concept as we assess the potential for building on the Range Rover Evoque's exceptional success so far."

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept will be revealed at Geneva as a design and engineering study. There are no production plans confirmed.

About Land Rover
Land Rover, the British maker of Land Rover and Range Rover sport utility vehicles, is renowned for providing its' clientele with some of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. Every Land Rover and Range Rover is equally at home both on and off road, and in any setting; be it in the heart of the city, or traversing the countryside. Today's Land Rover lineup includes the legendary Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque.Land Rover designs, engineers, and manufactures their vehicles in the United Kingdom. Land Rover is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs.

About Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
Jaguar Land Rover is a business built around two great British car brands that are designed, engineered and manufactured in the United Kingdom. Jaguar Cars Limited, founded in 1922, is one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars. Since 1948, Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that define "breadth of capability" in their segments.

Jaguar manufactures all their cars exclusively in the United Kingdom, at the Castle Bromwich manufacturing plant in the British Midlands. Land Rover and Range Rover models are built in the United Kingdom at the Solihull and Halewood plants. Land Rover exports to 169 countries and Jaguar exports to 63 countries, with global sales for both brands exceeding 240,000 vehicles annually. The Jaguar Land Rover business employs 16,000 people in United Kingdom, including 3,500 engineers at two product development centers.

Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA and Canada and is represented by more than 330 retail outlets.

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