A convertible SUV? Land Rover will give it a try with Evoque

LOS ANGELES — Going where another automaker tried and failed, Land Rover will unveil its notion of a convertible SUV next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

That's right: a convertible SUV.

The luxury automaker is betting that the novel design will help it capitalize on the SUV craze. It points to forecasts that show the global SUV market will grow 20% over the next five years. By coming out with a new style of SUV, it can take advantage of the trend while still offering something new.

But Nissan tried it a few years ago with the Murano CrossCabriolet and it never caught on with buyers. It lasted a single generation before being killed off last year. Trying to take the roof off an SUV results in a substantial vehicle that can be a little bathtub-like for its occupants.

This time, Land Rover thinks it can pull off a convertible version of the Evoque compact SUV with tricks like a fabric top that stows in 18 seconds. And it can do it while the vehicle is traveling at up to 30 miles per hour.

Land Rover says a topless Evoque will be the brand's first convertible.

"Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director, in a statement. "Its uniquely distinctive design and world-class engineering adds another dimension to the Range Rover family."