We got a first look at the Range Rover Evoque in early July but Land Rover held back many critical details–trying to distract us with an appearance by model/singer Victoria Beckham.

But with the Paris auto show imminent, more information on the Evoque’s inner workings has been released.

The Evoque will be the smallest and lightest vehicle ever from Land Rover–it is 17 inches shorter than the Range Rover Sport and uses a modified version of the Land Rover Freelander’s platform. The Evoque goes on sale in fall 2011.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, rated at 240 hp. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Engineers put an emphasis on keeping the Evoque’s weight down. The use of the turbocharged four saves 88 pounds compared with Land Rover’s 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder, with comparable output. The Evoque is also fitted with an electric-power-steering system to reduce engine load. Aluminum suspension components and high-strength steels in the body contribute to a base curb weight of 3,582 pounds.

A MagneRide damping system is optional. The shocks are filled with fluid that contains magnetic particles. Running an electric current through the shocks can soften or stiffen the damping effect up to 1,000 times a second.

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