Is the D3-4 a giant leap up from the D1-2,is the FL2 from the FL1,L405 RR from the RRC?,why would the Defender replacement be any different?. Pat
Some statements I've read have been about the new Defender knocking the Hilux off its perch. Aren't they supposedly even using the same size parts as on Hiluxes e.g. wheels etc?
Incidentally, the last stories I've read have talked about a 2017 launch for the new Defender, so should this thread title be changed?
Is the D3-4 a giant leap up from the D1-2,is the FL2 from the FL1,L405 RR from the RRC?,why would the Defender replacement be any different?. Pat
There has never been any giant Leaps at LandRover , only subtle changes.
The 'bright spark' that set off the trend toward creature comfort and away from utilitarian was the Velar - but yes if you compare a 2015 Defender to a 1961 LandRover SW theres a giant leap - even they almost look identical to many people , or can me made to look identical with a few cosmetic parts - but through the years - no giant leaps !
The Velar became what is known now as the RRC
The next 'Defender' needs to be another 'bright spark' - and imo back to utilitarian (concessions to ANCAP and ADR's withstanding) , creature comforts are for school pickup zones.
Pat, if I read you correctly, you have great faith in "Defender"/the "Defender" as it was, is, & should be/will be. So do I.
What do you think the "new", I'm not sure about 2016, could be 2018, Defender will be,...engine size, transmission, body configuration/shape etc.
What are you "predictions", as to what we will see in the "New" Defender?
Pickles.
"Work truck" type things I appreciate in my 2013 DC:
- close to flat flooring in the front footwells, ie no door sills. Rubber mats not carpet, reasonably washable, hose-able coverings on firewall and transmission bump etc
- in the rear: flat floors, rubber mats, hose-able even behind and under the rear seats, no door sills
- no fuzzy soft interior linings below roof level
- of course the tub: no soft trim or fake roll bars etc
The sort of interior that doesn't make you cringe to think about drilling, cutting, sticking things to. No nonsense.
Would creature comforts be welcome? For sure. Provided they don't compromise the above. E.g. Cruise control but not carpets. Power outlets front, back, tub, but not plastic coin holders.
Adopting things from Hilux?:
- wheel stud pattern, ok. But not the rims/tyres that Hilux come with.
Other thoughts?
It's a giant leap of faith to think that a so-called Defender with little Hilux wheels! will be any good! ...Let alone that a service network that is so city-centric is at all serious about supporting the vast working reality across this country.
2018 means we are deep into Euro VI standards,the front won't be as ''bluff'' as it is now,more curved with no sharp corners,it's important we are made responsible for injuries caused to half wits J walking,the 2.7 is out,possibly a single turbo 3.0ltre but my guess an Ingenuim engine,LR will go that way to get a longer production run,gearbox's will be auto's with lots of gears,6 speed manual as option,any more is silly,separate transfer,the body would have some Defender traits to carry tradition but will look like the current updated vehicles,I'd expect D4/RRS rounded front end with their lights,no 7'' rounds,I really think they will closely copy the D4 interior,owners love them because they sat 5 people in seats and designed the body around them,simply brilliant thinking,the diffs are hard,they have none that will work,the rear body is hard also,they want three lengths like we have now,a separate chassis is the way to go but they might go a D3-4 with alloy body with steel half chassis,that works very well and could solve mounting a tray,all the latest electric crap to meet world regulations,a basic model for farmers and mine sites and go up from there.What would I like to see,a 3.0ltre ingenuim long stroke four with no transfer but a 9 speed auto with first/second/third lock out spec'ed to my current X-Tech with nice sound/heat proofing,strong head lights,no adapter shafts or axle flanges,redundancy on all electrics and air suspension,strong A/C at the current ones weight but not much wider,I've knocked the mirrors off both of mine.The defender replacement must be equal or better offroad than the present one. Pat
...simple:
Heavy duty box chassis and aluminium body with square sided practical inside load space = low centre of gravity, real durability, strength, practicality.
Full size wheels, solid axles, hd diffs and capable, simple and reliable coil spring suspension = ground clearance and reliability.
Heavy duty clutch, gearbox and mechanical low range = solidity and reliability
Truck solid diesel engine, not a tricked up car engine = confidence and longevity
ABS, airbags, traction control, dual batteries, multiple power outlets, real headlights, aircon, heating.
Excellent upright seating position, supportive seats, flat glass side windows. Flat sided body = unmatched visibility off road and comfortable for long km's.
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