The 2015 Range Rover Evoque’s updates are a bit deeper than first reported at Geneva with the loaded Autobiography trim level. It now appears that the full US range of Evoques will benefit from an exterior refresh as well as a tech suite update inside.

The exterior changes are extremely subtle, and include new Range Rover Sport-style wheels and grille detailing. The Autobiography model shown here will offer gloss black for all these brightwork accents (orange car) or the normal satin silver shown on the grey model.

The other changes include a new accent element for the foglamp surround up front, new taillights in back, and detail refinements elsewhere to trim levels and custom dual color schemes.

Inside is where the latest tech package joins the Evoque – offering some iOS app integrations for nav and other functions.

These are almost a sure-thing in the US market, where the Evoque is shipped only in the most-loaded trims. This update will also freshen the cabin with some new materials and color themes like its big brothers – but in a much smaller and cheaper scale.

In the powertrain, the latest nine-speed automatic will help things feel a bit more brisk underfoot – which is a welcome change. The Evoque’s small cabin and high price are a tough mix for buyers to swallow with only the 240-horsepower engine offered so far in the States.

We would speculate that the UK Autobiography’s latest engine will become the primary mover for the 2015 Evoque HSE trim we are offered here.

2015 Range Rover Evoque

 

Previous article.

The Geneva press days are about to be in full swing, so please accept less-thorough articles while all this hot new metal breaks cover.

The 2015 Evoque Autobiography Dynamic trim is a welcome addition to the remarkably-stale Evoque in U.S. showrooms. Is it just me?

This car was endlessly lauded in the UK as the ‘second coming’ — but as a result the company did not manage to get it on American roads until nearly two years later.

(By which time it had lost most of its impressive launch momentum, and only faced hard critiques here of its $50,000 pricing and tiny cabin.)

To make things worse, Land Rover is still forcing LR2s and LR4s onto the cargo boats even as 2014 and 2015 models.

Most brands must retire the old models when their replacements come out, because it lets the factory be converted to make the new models. This is volume manufacturing.

Yet the LR2 soldiers on, taking up space, attention and production capacity.

There is actually no word on if the Evoque Autobiography will come to America, but look for it to have a big trans-Atlantic lag. Why is this? The rumor is that new JLR parent company Tata Group is not quite as forthcoming with R&D investment as initially planned, and is more interested in JLR cash flow on Tata books. A hands-off, money-now-please parent. Lovely!

My latest idea is for Ford to buy JLR back.

Official Details below.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE AUTOBIOGRAPHY DYNAMIC DEBUTS AT GENEVA MOTORSHOW

• Land Rover unveils Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic, bringing heightened luxury and increased performance

• Most performance-focussed Evoque debuts with 285PS/400Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, revised chassis for sharper handling and upgraded 350mm front brake discs

• More responsive ZF 9-speed automatic transmission with active driveline as standard

• A world first – Land Rover InControl^TM Apps* enable vehicle optimised smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle’s touchscreen

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 2 March 2014 – Land Rover is introducing the most performance-focussed derivative to the acclaimed Range Rover Evoque line-up for 2015: the more powerful and agile Autobiography Dynamic.

The Autobiography Dynamic derivative features enhanced dynamic body styling, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and premium leather interior details with Autobiography embossed headrests with the option for either the sports or premium climate seat. The Autobiography Dynamic’s chassis has been optimised for even sharper handling, while the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been upgraded to produce 285PS and 400Nm – a substantial 45PS and 60Nm increase compared with the existing Range Rover Evoque. A new and striking premium metallic body colour called Phoenix orange also debuts exclusively for the Autobiography Dynamic.

Enhancing Land Rover’s existing suite of connected-car technologies, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps* also debuts across the range. In a world first, InControl Apps enables vehicle-optimised smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle’s touchscreen. Owners simply connect their smartphone directly to the Range Rover Evoque through a dedicated USB port to enable compatible iPhone or Android apps to function.

Speaking ahead of the official world premiere for the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic at the Geneva Motor Show, Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes, said: “When the Range Rover Evoque was launched, it brought a unique blend of innovative exterior and interior design and exceptional on- and off-road capability to the market. It created the premium compact SUV.

“The introduction of the new range-topping Autobiography Dynamic together with Land Rover InControl^TM Apps, take the Range Rover Evoque’s core strengths a step further, bringing increased levels of dynamic ability, desirability, luxury and connectivity to the already successful line-up.”

Since its launch in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has won 157 international awards for its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, agile handling and off-road capability. With highly competitive pricing, a range of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, ‘on demand’ active driveline to enhance agility and a responsive, fuel-efficient 9-speed automatic ZF transmission the Evoque continues to appeal with more than 270,000 sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time.

Autobiography Dynamic brings even greater performance and agility

For the first time ever, the luxurious Autobiography name features on the Range Rover Evoque. Autobiography Dynamic is positioned at the top of the range sitting above existing Pure, Dynamic and Prestige derivatives.

The new Autobiography Dynamic is the most performance-focussed Range Rover Evoque ever produced. Available exclusively with an upgraded version of the range-topping 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Autobiography Dynamic models are also specified with active driveline as standard equipment, increasing both efficiency and agility.

The all-aluminium, direct-injection engine now produces 285PS and 400Nm, a substantial 45PS and 60Nm increase. The performance gains can be attributed to a new design of single-scroll turbocharger, recalibrated engine-management software and a new sports exhaust system tuned for excellent flow characteristics as well as an appropriately muscular sound to complement the vehicle’s enhanced handling.

Further increasing driver enjoyment, steering has been specially tuned for additional on-centre precision; the chassis also features upgraded suspension geometry, firmer spring rates and recalibrated adaptive dampers, increasing agility and turn-in response. This has been achieved without impacting on the Range Rover Evoque’s compliant ride quality.

To ensure drivers can safely experience the Autobiography Dynamic’s optimised performance, Land Rover’s engineers have fitted upgraded 350mm front brake discs.

The Autobiography Dynamic is available in coupé or 5-door body styles and benefits from enhanced dynamic styling, forged 20-inch alloy wheels finished in satin technical grey and exterior trim components detailed in Santorini black. These components include a new design of grille and lower front valance and new foglight surrounds. The vehicle also features ‘Autobiography’ illuminated tread plates and ingot badging on the tailgate and front wing vents, while darkened headlights and clear tail lamps complement the sophisticated, sporting exterior.

A Santorini black contrast roof is available as standard, while body-colour side trim visually lowers the vehicle and creates an athletic, purposeful stance. An exclusive and striking new Phoenix orange premium metallic body colour scheme debuts for the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic.

Inside, Autobiography Dynamic customers can choose from a dynamic plus leather interior with either sports or premium climate seats in a range of four colours. The front seats also feature the Autobiography embossed logo, while the dashboard is highlighted with dark brushed aluminium trim accents unique to the Autobiography Dynamic.

The 9-speed ZF automatic transmission with adaptive shift programme has been retuned, responding more keenly to sportier driver inputs, even when left in Drive. The result is a noticeable increase in mid-range performance and gearshifts that seamlessly adapt to driver behaviour.

The transmission’s Sport mode and steering-wheel-mounted CommandShift™ gear-selector paddles provide even more driver involvement when desired.

Active driveline comes as standard equipment. A revolutionary driveline technology, active driveline improves traction, enhances agility and improves fuel efficiency by engaging four-wheel drive seamlessly and automatically when required.

The world’s first four-wheel-drive system of its kind, active driveline seamlessly switches to front-wheel drive during steady-state driving at speeds over 22mph, eliminating virtually all drag losses from the rear driveline. When circumstances dictate, the four-wheel-drive system automatically reactivates within 300 milliseconds.

In addition, active driveline optimally distributes torque between the rear wheels, whilst also having the ability to lock them together. This provides improved traction and composure off road, whilst also enhancing performance on road.

Meanwhile, torque vectoring by braking (TVB) operates on all four wheels to reduce understeer, and is included as standard equipment on the Autobiography Dynamic. TVB operates on low-grip surfaces, but its capability is extended to high-grip surfaces, ensuring even more agile and responsive handling characteristics.

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps – the ultimate for in-car connectivity

The Range Rover Evoque celebrates a world first with the introduction of Land Rover InControl^TM Apps*. This new in-car technology complements the Evoque’s existing infotainment system by bringing the convenience, familiarity and original look and feel of compatible smartphone apps into the owner’s vehicle.

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps is compatible with the latest Apple and Android smartphones. By connecting a smartphone to the dedicated USB port, specific smartphone apps optimised for in-vehicle use will function on the Range Rover Evoque’s touchscreen, with new content available every time the apps update.

“InControl Apps puts us at the cutting edge of in-car connectivity. The Range Rover Evoque’s central touchscreen is now an extension of an owner’s iPhone or Android smartphone with the latest content always available,” said Jaguar Land Rover Group Engineering Director, Dr Wolfgang Ziebart. “Crucially, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps allows other drivers of the vehicle to access their own smartphone content safely and effectively on the vehicle’s touchscreen. An in-car app experience with familiar app DNA.”

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps has been developed with some of the world’s leading smartphone app developers so that they are perfectly suited for in-car use, such as satellite-navigation, music streaming, internet radio and location services. Compatible apps available at launch include iHeartRadio for Auto, Stitcher, Glympse, Sygic, Parkopedia, Hotelseeker, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, News on Board, Winston and MobileDay, with the range being continually expanded.

Also included is a productivity suite that enables easy access to the connected smartphone’s contacts, calendar and music library.

When InControl Apps is selected as a customer option, the owner must download Land Rover InControl^TM Apps to their smartphone from either the Apple App Store (for iPhone 5 and later) or Google Play (Android). Once the phone is connected to the vehicle’s dedicated USB port, the owner simply taps the InControl Apps icon on the central touchscreen and selects the desired vehicle-compatible app from the menu.

Together, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps and its integrated productivity suite enable busy owners to organise their day-to-day lives more efficiently, helping to strike an improved work-life balance.

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps* is the latest addition to Land Rover’s suite of InControl connected-car technologies. InControl Remote allows owners to summon roadside assistance or the emergency services if required. The InControl Remote smartphone app allows owners to prepare for a trip by checking fuel levels and range remotely, find their vehicle in a crowded car park and check if they have left doors or windows open. They can also download journey details to assist in claiming business mileage expenses. InControl Secure tracks the vehicle should it be stolen.