Range Rover Evoque Named World Car Design of the Year 2012

PEABODY, MA, April 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) Last week, Land Rover celebrated its 25 years in North America in style at the New York International Auto Show, where its Range Rover Evoque was named World Car Design of the Year 2012. Recognizing design innovation and bold style, the accolade is the 101st global award presented to the Evoque, which is currently available at Land Rover dealerships.

The 2012 Evoque emerged from a group of 46 nominated vehicles to take the World Car Design of the Year title. Open only to vehicles introduced to a major market in 2011 or early 2012, the award was ultimately determined by balloting from 66 vehicle experts. The judges touted the Evoque's low roof, high shoulders and tight lines, praising the model for delivering Land Rover DNA in a smaller, sportier form.

"The Range Rover Evoque is the pinnacle of Land Rover design, and there are more than 100 awards out there that can back up that statement," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Range Rover dealership Land Rover Peabody. "It delivers Land Rover quality and utility in a compact package, and it does so with a modern style that even has urban dwellers taking the road less traveled."

The Evoque's style continued to turn heads on the show floor in New York, though in a different, topless form. Fresh off its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept brought a more festive air to Land Rover's North American anniversary celebration, prompting onlookers to imagine the fun that could be had in an open-air Range Rover.

With a power-retractable soft-top and seating for four, the Evoque Convertible Concept is based on the hardtop Evoque Coupe and features the same four-wheel-drive engineering and Terrain Response system, the latter of which makes the Evoque capable of adjusting to terrain like sand, mud or snow with the press of a button. Though the concept is not currently slated for production, Land Rover seemingly has all the angles covered for potential passengers, including a rollover protection system.

For fans that would rather stick with a traditional fixed-top SUV from Land Rover, the automaker also used the New York International Auto Show to debut two new limited-edition models: the 2013 Range Rover Sport Supercharged Limited Edition and the 2012 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition.

With only 500 units headed to the U.S. market, the new limited-edition Range Rover Sport takes the Supercharged model's 510-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and adds sporty styling touches like red brake calipers and red exterior trim. Inside, there are luxurious enhancements like contrast color leather, carbon fiber trim and an upgraded stereo system.

The LR4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition features its own cosmetic upgrades, with 10-spoke alloy wheels in Sparkle finish outside and contrast-stitched leather and a dark wood veneer inside. The limited-edition LR4 also comes with functional extras, like Xenon adaptive front headlights and a cooler in the center console.

"Land Rover has found success in the United States for the past 25 years by giving its customers features and capability that are truly exclusive to the brand," Edwards remarked. "Sometimes it's a very tangible thing like the Terrain Response system, but other times it's just a look and feel that hasn't been replicated by other SUVs."

About Land Rover Peabody:
Land Rover Peabody is home to a remarkable group of off-road enthusiasts who know exactly what their customers expect in Land Rover sales and service. They're proud to offer the latest Land Rover models, as well as unparalleled Land Rover service and OEM parts, and they invite new customers to take a test drive on their unique demonstration course to experience Land Rover performance firsthand. Browse their selection online at www.roverpeabody.com, visit the showroom at 247 Newbury St. in Peabody, MA, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/landroverpeabody or call them at 978-535-9200.