Joining the ranks of the high power 2.0 litre turbo club, comes the Evoque Autobiography Dynamic (and breath)
A sportier version of Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque has been revealed. The Evoque Autobiography Dynamic gets increased power and more dynamic handling, and will go on sale in the final three months of the year.
The Dynamic is powered by an upgraded version of the existing 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 281 bhp, up 44 bhp, and 295 lb ft, an increase of 44 lb ft. The engine drives via a recalibrated nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which Land Rover says responds more keenly to inputs than in other Evoques.
The new model also has uprated steering, which has been “specially tuned for greater on-centre precision”.
The Evoque’s suspension features tweaks to the geometry, firmer springs and recalibrated dampers. The result, says Land Rover, is increased agility and turn-in response, without impacting on ride quality.
Other performance-orientated changes include the ‘Active’ version of the Evoque’s all-wheel drive system and Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVB) as standard, which Land Rover says helps to reduce understeer on both high and low-grip surfaces. Upgraded 350 mm front brake discs also feature.
Available in both three- and five-door body styles, the Evoque Autobiography Dynamic gets a new grille design, a lower front valance, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and a unique Phoenix Orange paint finish. Inside, there’s a choice of six leather trim colours, along with the option of sports or premium climate seats.
The car will also feature the new Land Rover InControl app which, when downloaded to a smartphone, will allow the driver to operate apps on a connected Apple or Android device via the vehicle’s touchscreen.
It is understood that plans for an RS-badged hot Evoque have been shelved. The model was originally tipped to use a 300 bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
Land Rover has sold 270,000 Evoques since the model was launched in 2011.