Facing an onslaught of four-door ‘coupe-style’ SUVs from its German competitors, Jaguar Land Rover is firing a return shot across the Channel.
A new model photographed while testing shows an addition to the Range Rover lineup, expected to bow in 2018. The model, which shares a lightweight aluminum alloy frame with the Jaguar F-Pace, could be called the Sport Coupe, though company insiders still refer to it as the Evoque Plus or Evoque XL.
The Sport Coupe is designed to fill the gap between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport, as well as give BMW and Mercedes-Benz something to be worried about. Slightly shorter than an X6 or GLE Coupe, the Sport Coupe should boast good handling characteristics, thanks to the F-Pace’s suspension and aluminum body.
The sloping roofline and short rear overhang can be seen in the photos, along with an abbreviated rear door. (Sporty cars are supposed to have a lot up front, and little in the back.) Inside, expect a luxurious, cockpit-style layout and a 2+2 seating configuration.
There’s not much known about the Sport Coupe’s powertrain, but JLR has an extensive lineup of six-and eight-cylinder gas and diesel engines available for use. It’s possible Range Rover could source the four-cylinder engines found in the F-Pace, and one day adopt the electric powertrain being developed for that model.
[Images: @ 2016 Spiedbilde/The Truth About Cars]
If that thing is a “coupe,” I’m a Vermicious K’nid.
“Sport” “Coupe”
Well, that’s on point.
My dad drove coupes. I drove coupes. I driven and admired many coupes. You sir are no coupe.
^This.
I see a copy of the LAND WING X7 in there…
Quite possibly JLR’s subtle interpretation of the old P5B coupe?
At least it’s wearing camo, so when it breaks down on the road, it won’t be so embarrassing.
How can you even begin to consider that atrocity a “sport coupe”. It has two too many doors and a square back design, making it, at best an SUV.
JLR are said to be developing a new straight six petrol and desiel which could find its way in here. One other point JLR won’t market this as a coupe it’s allegedly going to call it the Velar which was the code name of the first Range Rover prototype.
Didn’t they already announce that they would be releasing a Range Rover version of the F-Pace?
I know I heard it from a JLR rep during auto show season.
Logically, it will feature the same powertrains as the F-Pace, with more off-road features, and it will look like a bigger Evoque.
Oh please let this be on the market by the time school starts in late August.
Sincerely,
Every WASPy mom in N. America.
Nah, this is for the empty nesters. The RR Sport is for soccer mom.
This will be another home run for Land Rover. Price wise there is a nice gap for this model to slot into between the Evoque and the Sport. Once the new Discovery comes out, followed by this then I assume it will be all systems go on the Defender models, unless they make a smaller Discovery first….
The small Disco already came out last year: Discovery Sport.
Think there could be an even smaller disco than the sport on the way
Ooh, a shooting brake.
Coupes have two doors.