Thread: New Model Defender - more non info

I'm actually hoping they do something quite different, albeit with some of the classic design cues and rugged versatility.

I'm keeping my RRC forever but will change the D2a out if the next Defender is interesting enough (and not priced through the roof). While the current models are great (driven my dad's a bit) I think they can do much more if taking a clean'ish sheet approach.

I'd like to see the chassis from the d3/4, in at least two wheel bases (probably 100 and 130) with the hose out simplicity of the Defender. After driving a mates D3 in some very rough off road situations, I think they're brilliant: doesn't need large wheels, lift and lockers to go pretty much anywhere you'd take a non-comp truck. The airbags handle corrugations better than anything and allow it to drop on the road for better handling.

It should have the 800/900mm wading height of the latest Rangie - and a factory snorkel option for a reasonable price.

Automatic. It'd be really neat if they could do an 8 or 9 speed box with the lower 3/4 gears truly low range and the top 4/5 gears for road running - that'd save the weight and complexity of a transfer case (assuming the gearbox has an output to front). I'm thinking flappy paddles for manual override - probably like (I think) the Mitsubishi Evo's where they're fixed to the column rather than the wheel. When off road in tricky conditions you need to know exactly where the shifter is, not chase a turning wheel. The gearbox must allow oil changes though - none of this 'sealed for life' business.

Large fuel capacity, 150 litres min; spare wheel on a full width back door, not underneath.

And the rear seats (up to two rows of three seats) should be easily removable like in the back of a Prado, leaving a large, basically flat, hose-out interior that can be easily reconfigured or customised. With side airbags, you could have metal surfaces in the back, making mods and maintenance easier than the discos.

Oooh, and the option of a Safari roof. Had them on some of our old S2a/S3 - brilliant in the hotter parts of the world.

Enough dreaming... I just hope it's not as disappointing as the 'new' Mustang. It's nice I suppose but an opportunity lost.

I loved this explanation of a commitment to a schedule:

"it will be in the second half of this decade, hopefully in the first half of the second half of this decade.”

haha made me laugh

Originally Posted by camel_landy

What's this obsession with 'Live Axles'? Why not define WHAT it has to do rather than define HOW it must do it???

Frankly, almost every other car in the range is far superior in off-road abilities, compared to the Defender.

M

Stock 3/5 maybe but you would hope so for 50-400% more $$$$!
Now let's spend $10,000 of the $20,000 difference between a defender and disco. 2in Gwyneth Lewis + shocks ,springs, arms, prop etc $2500. , Ashcroft rear locker and axles 1500 front axles an cvs 1000 4.11 gears front n back 1000 -25 mm wheels and 35 in tyres 2500. Winch bar and long range tank 1500. Now for $10,000 less than a base model disco you have a defender 110 wagon that will go far further, carry far more with better articulation.
Do the same maths for a tourer set up eliminating common parts like bar winch towbar etc.
The same arguments could be used for the jeep wrangler compared to the GC but they woke up far earlier than LR. That modifiability sells! They sell the Rubicon to promote this and have a large range of Gear to customise the jeep in whichever direction. Instead LR have done a few bling packs of paint and wheels. Imagine a highlander pack similar to the Rubicon unlimited, Ashcroft all round ,4.11 diffs, lockers and 33's from the factory, dream On

Originally Posted by Orkney 90

Well said Trundle, I couldn't agree more! I really liked the original FJ's, though not as much as the Defender. But I wouldn't drive the new plastic version if it was given to me free and I was being paid to drive it. I think I'll hold on to my Defender to the very end...

Maybe if they gave me free fuel as well i would think about it. ..............No your right id still drive the defender.

The thing I like about the defender is the fact that its so simple and just begs to be modified and bits screwed onto it and parts cut and modified etc. Everything is square and easy to make bits fit!

I hate cars with beeps and alarms. Your reversing out the driveway and its beeping at you PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON, PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON. Beep beep YOU LEFT YOUR LIGHTS ON beep beep A DOOR IS OPEN, Beep Beep YOUR WIPER WATER IS LOW. In the defender it dosent give a rats what you do, you leave the lights on the batterys flat. Life lesson - consequences

Thinking that 2015 will be a big year for the Defender if thats the last of them,
we may have to get in line for one.......Now I have only about a year to convince the finance minister.

Just posted sideview concepts: New Land Rover Defender: sidewinder

Let me know what you think

Rgds
Olli

Sideview update: New Land Rover Defender

Nice drawings. IMO the doors are too short. Push your rear wheel back, loose some overhang and make at least the front door longer.

Again, IMO the new SWB should be 100inch and the middle probably 114/115.

If you want that nice short bonnet, you can not tuck your legs into the engine bay. With a short door, a normal person has their head at the B pillar. Not great for vison and not great for whacking your head on the seatbelt attachement...