Thread: New Defender: How can it be better than a Pajero?

Firstly it's merely a concept car.

Secondly the L660 project is unlikely to deliver a replacement before 2015 and it won't be the LR100 doing the rounds. That information from a member of the L660 development team.

Diana

Thanks Diana - I guessed it wouldnt be entirely the same as the concept car...the 21inch wheels are a bit of a giveaway The point is though if it is going to be at the cheaper end like they say, it will have to be independent suspension without air bags. Unless its going to have the clearance and build of a H1 then how is it ever going to be the off road weapon it needs to be to stay true to Defender?

Dont get be wrong, I am an LR fan through and through, and would love a new Defender down the track, but not if I it is inferior off road to a D4 say, so hence the thread. I would like to see if people in the know, or who know people in the know can add anything or quell (with specifics) my concerns.

Cheers

A number of us LR enthusiasts met this bloke on Australia Day at the NRMA Motorfest. He was out here doing research for the L660 project with LRA and was on a free day walking the city when he came across our little collection of Landies in Hyde Park.

In the collection there were Defender 110 and 130 owners, Disco and Range Rover owners and most with several decades of LR ownership or more. He was acutely aware about the iconic shape, the utilitarian use of their vehicles. Our discussions revolved around the capability of the vehicle, the need for vehicles large enough for touring, to be able to be modified as campers etc and he even mentioned that they are even considering going for markets where LC are king like the mining industries.

On drivetrain comments were made about LRs desire to rationalise the powerplants and other drivetrain, so common engines between D4~ are likely but also that the entry level or load carrying cab chassis L660s may not have air bag suspension. Everything is in the mix at present.

What he did say was that under the new owners Tata, there is a new philosophy of expanding the brand and volume into new markets and restoring it to markets lost decades ago. LR is also aware that access to service and spares is an issue, particularly in places like Australia.

The 1990s name "Defender" may disappear.

It is good to hear that they may do the Defender the decency of not using it's name on the L660. It is also re-assuring to hear that the bloke you spoke to obviously has a feel for what the Defender is used for, i just hope they design a good product.

I saw a picture of the concept and vomitted.

Originally Posted by MR LR jnr.

It is good to hear that they may do the Defender the decency of not using it's name on the L660. It is also re-assuring to hear that the bloke you spoke to obviously has a feel for what the Defender is used for, i just hope they design a good product.

The LR100 concept car doing the rounds, is not the L660 project. It is however possible that the LR100 may go into production as an entry level 4WD for the market segment that buys Jeep Rubicon etc.

I could have read it the wrong way, but it sounds like you are saying a wrangler rubicon is a base 4wd, IMO it is the next most capable 4wd after a defender. I think the DC100 is more of a direct competitor to the FJ cruiser, maybe they should call it the LR cruiser LOL or the L2 (like a H2 Hummer), just so people don't accidentally buy one thinking its a defender. I wonder why landrover don't do their concepts like Jeep does with that Hurricane thingo, at least it looks like it would work offroad, even though it will never be utilitarian. (even yuppies like concept cars that look like that, even if the production car looks like an FJ cruiser)

Cheers
Will

You expect me to know anything about French/American marques and model names? Maybe I should have said a Honda CRV or Rav 4 or Suzuki whatever etc. Entry level 4WD that you can take to the beach etc.

FJ Cruiser, what about a Soft Rover?