Defenders on "Car Sales."

MrLandy · 19th June 2016, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by Andrew86

Why does a Defender have to be devoid of modern technology for it to remain iconic? Sure, there are a lot of gimmicks around today but there are also a lot of genuinely useful technologies that people should absolutely be able to expect in a $60k car. The inclusions of those innovations doesn't have to come at the expense of its historical credentials.

Lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, radar cruise control, collision avoidance, queue assist, reversing cameras, terrain response, tyre pressure sensors, hill descent assistance, full mobile phone connectivity - all things I scoffed at until I experienced them. What made these things great wasn't that they were technologically advanced, it was that they were simple, unobtrusive and totally complementary to the driving experience. You barely knew they were there, until they became incredibly useful in some way.

I recently drove a Volvo XC60 for a period of time as a rental and it came standard with a lot of the features above, I thoroughly enjoyed it (I never thought I'd say that about a Volvo). I'd gladly accept any or all of these things in the Defender replacement. Heck, I'd settle for regular old cruise control. It should also have lots of airbags, because that's just a bloody good idea

I love my Defender and I don't think I'll ever part with it, but times have changed for the better and the new car should absolutely embrace that. That isn't a betrayal, it's progress which is key to the Defender's future success.

Totally agree Andrew, and the same character could be all wrapped in as close as possible design to original dimensions body shell. But then with all that fruit it would be more like $80-100K which would actually make current higher prices for up to 2016 model look cheap. There could also be a no frills option at $60-70K.

**Plutei** · 19th June 2016, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by Babs

Has anyone ever noticed that the D3 D4 look like they were derived from Defender?

Seriously if they just modified the front yo look like a Defender ever so slightly, then there it is, the replacement.

I'm very glad that I'm not the only one who has noticed this. I thought it might have been because I've had the defender at the same time that my dad has had the D4, but I definitely agree that the defender visuals exist in the D3/4, however I have still never been able to put my finger on what specifically.

MrLandy · 19th June 2016, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by 1nando

I don't understand why people that own defenders are complaining about luxuries. If you wanted luxury why didn't you buy a discovery/200 series etc?
I bought my defender becuase it is basic, i love the relative simplicity and it was unlike anything else on the market.
In fact its this rather simple design with "form following function" that makes the defender unique. Maybe thats why they have become so iconic and as a result are comanding "big" money now that they are no longer being made.

I'm with you 1nando. Well said. Cheers.

But I guess others can have a whole fruit tree growing out of their moon roof if they want to

MrLandy · 19th June 2016, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I think the main issue with the new Defender will be getting the body styles right for as wide a range of possibilities as possible.
JLR already has the chassis and suspensions to put under the new Defender. It already has the engines and transmissions. It already has the full range of equipment to put in it.
I can't see why the designers can't package it from a durable basic vehicle to a range of levels. It can have an LR family front and its own identity, linked to past Defenders. You want people to take one look and instantly think "Land Rover."

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Totally agree Mick. But why aren't they? ...because it's no longer the market they're interested in. Hasn't been for a very long time actually.

Babs · 19th June 2016, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Plutei

I'm very glad that I'm not the only one who has noticed this. I thought it might have been because I've had the defender at the same time that my dad has had the D4, but I definitely agree that the defender visuals exist in the D3/4, however I have still never been able to put my finger on what specifically.

Plutei,

I think it's the narrow body, the roof line is similar, it would be so easy to get that bonnet to mimic the Puma bonnet.

I really think it is the modern Defender. Look at prior to D3 they looked nothing like a Deefer.

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**isuzutoo-eh** · 19th June 2016, 08:05 PM

To make it more comfortable, have a body similar in width to the Perentie 6x6, but with slightly narrower track than the sixby so the wheels are inside the panels ala Series Landies. Would give better interior space and not be an overly fat pig on the tracks. Bit more room under the bonnet too!

MrLandy · 19th June 2016, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Babs

Plutei,

I think it's the narrow body, the roof line is similar, it would be so easy to get that bonnet to mimic the Puma bonnet.

I really think it is the modern Defender. Look at prior to D3 they looked nothing like a Deefer.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Pffftttt. Don't kid yourselves fellas. The Discovery 4 is nothing like a Defender, you can't even put basic 16" wheels and tyres on it for a start! But I can see now why the poor Land Rover designers are so flummoxed...they can't work out why they haven't already designed the next Defender! Hmm ...even more reason why real Defender prices are rising.

Babs · 19th June 2016, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by MrLandy

Pffftttt. Don't kid yourselves fellas. The Discovery 4 is nothing like a Defender, you can't even put basic 16" wheels and tyres on it for a start! But I can see now why the poor Land Rover designers are so flummoxed...they can't work out why they haven't already designed the next Defender! Hmm ...even more reason why real Defender prices are rising.

Ha ha ha, nothing to do with wheels we're talking about the silhouette, many times heading towards me in the distance I have had to focus, thinking a D3 D4 was a Defender heading my way.

If they made the bonnet and grill to resemble the series or puma, why not? It could pass as the modern day Defender. Better than that DC Concept Crap they came out with, what the Hell was that?

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MrLandy · 19th June 2016, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Babs

Ha ha ha, nothing to do with wheels we're talking about the silhouette, many times heading towards me in the distance I have had to focus, thinking a D3 D4 was a Defender heading my way.

If they made the bonnet and grill to resemble the series or puma, why not? It could pass as the modern day Defender. Better than that DC Concept Crap they came out with, what the Hell was that?

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Oh babs...

are you sure you're not just trying to convince yourself it's ok to swap your Defender for a Disco?

...I never mistake the two. One is a design classic, the other is a glorified shopping trolley.

**cuppabillytea** · 19th June 2016, 09:37 PM

Oops,,,,, I think this thread is merging into the 2016 or more appropriately 2018 or maybe never thread.

Thread: Defenders on "Car Sales."

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