Thread: Rumour 2.2

Originally Posted by one_iota

Without adaptability the Defender as we know it is probably destined to go the way of the dinosaurs.

It has always been going that way because thats exactly what it is. Its enduring heritage is unrivalled by anything, not even the Beetle or Mini can be compared as their retro rebuild has brought significant changes to align the product with consumer expectations. If LR dont do something to make it a comparable option for business and their requirements, then it will become extinct. Even the neanderthal Toyotas now have SRS airbags in their commercial range.

Yes Simon.

The Defender's architecture is its strength and its weakness. No change of engine will save it in the modern world.

The latter day Land Rovers: Range Rover and Discovery have shown a way.

Whether the Defender can be "transitioned" is the question. I dread the resulting pastiche with faux historical references.

Porsche has managed this stylistic evolution successfully.

Originally Posted by one_iota

Yes Simon.

The Defender's architecture is its strength and its weakness. No change of engine will save it in the modern world.

The latter day Land Rovers: Range Rover and Discovery have shown a way.

Whether the Defender can be "transitioned" is the question. I dread the resulting pastiche with faux historical references.

Porsche has managed this stylistic evolution successfully.

Absolutely Mahn, I was cooking dinner thinking about what you'd said, and in many respects what I will now think of as the great LandRover paradox is its history - with the various aspects such as its architecture and engineering, especially on reflection. The Defender needs to make these clean sheet changes if they are to continue as anything but an enthusiast vehicle and they need to pitch squarely at what the volume sellers are and to do it better - much like what they have done with the FL2, D4, RRS and RR. They have a proven chassis, they have a proven driveline, but they also have a proven arrogance to tell the Defender customer what they want and not to listen.

Edit, the handbrake is such an excellent example. It is very simple to move it to operate like any other handbrake using off the shelf LandRover parts.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

but they also have a proven arrogance to tell the Defender customer what they want and not to listen.

Edit, the handbrake is such an excellent example. It is very simple to move it to operate like any other handbrake using off the shelf LandRover parts.

Now what is wrong with the handbrake? Is it everybody's hate? It doesn't much bother me. Just don't give me a foot operated handbrake please.

Originally Posted by slug_burner

Now what is wrong with the handbrake? Is it everybody's hate? It doesn't much bother me. Just don't give me a foot operated handbrake please.

Theres a reason why no other manufacturer has a handbrake of that design in that position.

Originally Posted by rijidij

It'll be a bit of a pain having to open the bonnet and pull the starter rope every time you want to go anywhere !!!!!!!!

Not anymore.....
Link to video
Briggs and Stratton ReadyStart® Electric



ReadyStart® Electric provides effortless starting

• Electric start
• No pulling required
• Just turn the key and mow......I mean Drive

Actually, I may be crazy but after getting my Defender a couple of weeks ago the handbrake was one of the things that I really liked as being different from every other vehicle.

Originally Posted by jplambs

Actually, I may be crazy but after getting my Defender a couple of weeks ago the handbrake was one of the things that I really liked as being different from every other vehicle.

Same for me - I find the hand brake in a good position to support my left leg! I just don't see the issue. But Kat Woman has told me I am clinically insane (after telling her I'm keen on a 109 Series 1 ute I've spotted) so perhaps my condition is a perfect match with Defenders and Land Rovers in general.