Today is a good day for rumors, it seems. The latest: Range Rover's new "baby" Evoque will get a Ford-supplied 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine under its hood. Though completely unsubstantiated at this point, the move would make a certain kind of sense.

Tata Motors, the not-so-new owners of Jaguar-Land Rover, have their plate full when it comes to developing new models and all the core parts that go with them. Turning to a partner for supply of particularly complex and expensive development projects would save time and money.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine would turn out 200 horsepower in Evoque-spec, according to the report. That would enable the littlest Range Rover to scoot to 60 mph in something around 8 seconds, and reach a top speed in the neighborhood of 140 mph, all while achieving desirable fuel efficiency, perhaps in the 30 mpg range.

Choosing Ford's EcoBoost mill would also enable use of the Getrag co-developed dual-clutch transmission used in Ford products such as the Fiesta.

Of course, all of this is speculation at this point. No details on the vehicle's powertrain or specification--apart from available front-wheel drive--were revealed at the Evoque's Kensington Palace unveiling. Our spies haven't dug up any information beyond photos of the five-door variant yet either.

The concept version of the Evoque, the LRX, was shown with a 2.0-liter diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. That may be in the cards (way) down the road, but won't be making the cut for the introduction.

The 2012 Range Rover Evoque is due in the U.S. in the fall of 2011.

[Autocar]