Topless Range Rover Takes Shape

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. is previewing the convertible version of the Range Rover Evoque compact crossover/SUV with six full-size wireframe sculptures. Designed by Land Rover, the aluminum sculptures currently are being displayed throughout London before embarking on a world tour.

Land Rover plans to publicly unveil the 2017 convertible later this year, possibly at next month's Los Angeles auto show. Sales will start in 2016.

The wire mock-ups are said to be an accurate representation of the open-top Evoque. From the rocker panels up to the belt line, the design is nearly identical to that of the Evoque coupe.

The convertible is expected to get a power-retractable cloth soft top similar to the 2012 concept model to help save weight and avoid the complexity of a power hard top. Land Rover claims the convertible will match the conventional SUV's body rigidity and handling characteristics. Previous spy photos also have shown a rear-mounted lip spoiler.

The convertible will be built alongside the five-door and coupe variants of the Evoque at Land Rover's Halewood, U.K., facility.