I was invited to a Land Rover 'do' this week and got talking to one of the FL2/Evoque development engineers. It was very interesting.

We also had a look round a 2.0 Turbo Petrol Evoque 5dr! I have to say, budget permitting this is what I would like after the FL2.

The 2.0 Turbo as we know is based on the Ford Ecoboost engine, which in turn is a development of a Mazda unit. LR tried this engine in the Evoque development car and a lot of things went wrong, cylinder heads, turbo not up to the job etc. So LR have spent alot of time and effort perfecting this engine for the 240bhp application. So much so that Ford are now adopting this version of the engine for Mondeo and Focus!

Evoque will have the 190PS SD4 engine with a six speed manual or 6 speed auto, with him saying that the 190PS manual Evoque is a fun car to drive, and the 2.0 Turbo Petrol being very rapid. He would not state a figure but when pushed, low 7's to 60 could be on the cards.

Evoque is 150kg's lighter than FL2. The SD4 Evoque will be considerably quicker than the SD4 FL2 as the engine is not working as hard due to no hydraulic power steering and the lighter weight.

FL2 IS getting the 2.0 Turbo Petrol.................................BUT!!!!! Not in the UK (hope this changes) He would not say where, but I would imagine that it will be America as the 3.2 i6 is coming to the end of it's life


On the subject of the new SD4 engine, the block, pistons and complete bottom end is identical to the original TD4, the head is modified only for the purposes of emmisions equipment like EGR, but in essence it is the same as the original TD4. The turbo charger is stronger and more efficient to help meet Euro 5.

I also asked about Freelander 3, it is now under design/development but no design has been signed off, but whether it will be called Freelander 3 is unclear, I reckon based on our disciussions it won't be a Freelander. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........

it will probably be called a beckham  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

With a Romeo, Cruz and Brookland special editions! No doubt royalties going in the kids name.

For those of us that Tow 150kgs lighter is not such a good thing and would rule it out for me as it would not be heavy enough.

1STFREELANDER wrote:

For those of us that Tow 150kgs lighter is not such a good thing and would rule it out for me as it would not be heavy enough.

land rover is trying to up its image  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

I'll put money on it not being offered with a tow bar rated more than about 1 tonne... Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

1STFREELANDER wrote:

For those of us that Tow 150kgs lighter is not such a good thing and would rule it out for me as it would not be heavy enough.

How much will the Evoque weigh? Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Big Dave wrote:

How much will the Evoque weigh?

never ask (or guess at) a ladies age or weight At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

 Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Big Dave wrote:

How much will the Evoque weigh?

Evidently it was made lighter so it could take all the Beckhams brood, that was before she got pregnant again.

LR are now thinking of having her promote the D4.

Saw a snippet in a mag that CG's young lad would read, that the Evoque may also appear with a Jaguar badge on it, basically an Evoque but with Jaguar identity and personality but I wouldn't expect to see the Jaguar badged one soon, at least until way after the Evoque launch.
Along with the petrol version via Cosworth using the Ford Eco Boost engine (Should please Mav) but will have a £40k price tag, (won't please Mav) we will just have to wait and see. p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior