AFN Bullbar Development for Discovery 4

[Calibrated]

Hi Guys,

Hopefully I'm posting this in the right area, and if mod's disagree please let me know.

We (Wolf 4x4) have recently come on board as the Australian Distributor for AFN from Portugal.

They currently don't do a bar for the D4, and it is something we believe should be on the development list.

Now, they have agreed to produce a bar for the D4, but have asked us to get feedback from the AU LR community as to what kind of design would be preferred.

Keeping in mind that the bar will have to be compliant with ADR's.

AFN are not like the other big "3 letter" companies. They don't have a design principle that they adapt to suit a vehicle, they design their bars entirely based on that vehicle.

For example, their Prado 150 Facelift bar.
http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server3900/787c6/products/729/images/2419/10277728_868969056453491_4723384842804055870_n__41 377.1402704653.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

Considering designs with and without hoops (winch bumper style).
It will definitely be a non-bumper cut required install.

All bars will have Rated recovery points, 2 Hi-Lift jacking points, winch cradle, UHF tabs, Fogs and Indicators, etc.

The design will attempt to be as light-weight as possible, and also as shallow mounting as possible.

I look forward to your thoughts, and will pass them onto AFN.

Once completed we can look at a group buy scenario. Normal RRP will likely be $1980 (same price as all their other bars)

[~Rich~]

That's great news to have the possibility for another Bull bar supplier. :)

It would be good if the bar was certified for the D3 as well as the D4 though.
I'm sure someone will pipe up about the possible development of a bar for the Range Rover Sport as well too.

[101RRS]

What about a ADR compliant bar for the RRS (L320)??

[simoncs]

I will be in the market for a bar soon and my wish list would be (based on what I have read on the forum)
Steel rather than alloy
winch housing
works with front sensors
enough clearance in wheel arches for larger offroad tyres
mounting points for aerials
mounting points for spot lights
ability to access the headlights without dropping the bar
a neat fit to the bodywork and headlights ie no massive gaps that need covering
airbag compliant
tow points
highlift points
colour coded

[nat_89]

Hey mate that would be awesome if you designed a great bar! I would have to say that is the best looking bull bar for the updated prado I've seen all the other ones haven't changed they have just stayed the same and block all the daytime lights out.

But great looking bar and ill check em out, would love to see your D4 bar!

[Tombie]

Looking forward to seeing the designs.

Only driver for headlight access is ADR restrict tube heights now (must follow body line).

Although issue is moot, releasing headlight and moving forward a little gives access from inside the bay.

[PaulGOz]

My wish list would be
1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork the current offerings are terrible
2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e sensors, washers and cameras
3. Must be strong enough to serve its purpose yet lighter enough to not effect handling I.e no additonal weight, that is the requirement its compromise from here.
4. Prefer colour coded chrome bumpers belong on a bettle
5. Repositioning or replacing the water washer may need to be considered this would allow a much higher bar and better approach angles at wheels and would also be a big differentiator for this vehicle.
6. Did I mention strong and light....

[chuck]

Could you put in a second pair of fog light holes as you can now get some good led driving lights in that size range i.e. over in the ranger forum they are swapping out their fog lights for led driving lights.

Could you also leave a slot for DRL like Riji did with his defender bullbars.
Perhaps the DRL's could even be an option.

[SWH]

Looks great. I would like something like the Sahara bars from ARB?

[Mungus]

I will be in the market for a bar soon and my wish list would be (based on what I have read on the forum)
Steel rather than alloy
winch housing
works with front sensors
enough clearance in wheel arches for larger offroad tyres
mounting points for aerials
mounting points for spot lights
ability to access the headlights without dropping the bar
a neat fit to the bodywork and headlights ie no massive gaps that need covering
airbag compliant
tow points
highlift points
colour coded


My wish list would be
1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork the current offerings are terrible
2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e sensors, washers and cameras
3. Must be strong enough to serve its purpose yet lighter enough to not effect handling I.e no additonal weight, that is the requirement its compromise from here.
4. Prefer colour coded, chrome bumpers belong on a beetle
5. Repositioning or replacing the water washer may need to be considered this would allow a much higher bar and better approach angles at wheels and would also be a big differentiator for this vehicle.
6. Did I mention strong and light....


I too will be looking at a bar soon for a MY14 D4 HSE. Agree with all of the above, but would add;


I like the adaptive cornering lights. Not sure of the affect other bars have on their effectiveness.
Aerial and flag mounts would be best up high on the outer extremes so they are not in the direct field of view.
Fully recessed light pockets - possible re-use of the existing LR ones.
Top hinged number plate bracket.

and re-iterate;
1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork
2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e. sensors, washers and cameras
6. Did I mention strong and light
Powder coat - colour coded
That Playdo one looks brilliant. Can't wait to see what they can come up with.

[Redback]

My wish list would be
1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork the current offerings are terrible
2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e sensors, washers and cameras
3. Must be strong enough to serve its purpose yet lighter enough to not effect handling I.e no additonal weight, that is the requirement its compromise from here. IMPOSSIBLE
4. Prefer colour coded chrome bumpers belong on a bettle
5. Repositioning or replacing the water washer may need to be considered this would allow a much higher bar and better approach angles at wheels and would also be a big differentiator for this vehicle. NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN

6. Did I mention strong and light....

A bullbar the same weight as the standard bumper, would be as useless as the standard bumper.

No company will modify/move any factory standard parts, unless the manufacturer agrees, can you see LRA agreeing to that:eek:

Baz.

[LandyAndy]

I too will be in the market for a D4 bar,sooner than later as I live in the country.
How far from production are yours????
Andrew

[Mungus]

A bullbar the same weight as the standard bumper, would be as useless as the standard bumper.

No company will modify/move any factory standard parts, unless the manufacturer agrees, can you see LRA agreeing to that:eek:

Baz.


Baz, I think PaulGOz meant make it to the minimum required weight for it to serve it's purpose, then any extra is a compromise. I reckon most manufacturers would try achieve this anyway.


Looking at ARB bars there approach angle is fine. OL's seems to have a larger boxed out lower section but still look OK. I don't think moving or changing the water bottle is required if the ARB ones fit?
I also agree that no vehicle modification should be done other than cutting flares or what is currently acceptable with others makes.


I am also interested in how long the whole process to purchasable would take?


Cheers,
Mungus

[Redback]

Baz, I think PaulGOz meant make it to the minimum required weight for it to serve it's purpose, then any extra is a compromise. I reckon most manufacturers would try achieve this anyway.


Looking at ARB bars there approach angle is fine. OL's seems to have a larger boxed out lower section but still look OK. I don't think moving or changing the water bottle is required if the ARB ones fit?
I also agree that no vehicle modification should be done other than cutting flares or what is currently acceptable with others makes.


I am also interested in how long the whole process to purchasable would take?


Cheers,
Mungus

I have the OL bar, mainly because of the better trim finish and it was cheaper, personally I didn't find it compromised the handling, the bar only weighs 55kg as does the ARB bar, our winch is 27kg(Dyneema rope) amazing the saving rope makes to a winch.

The standard bumper and attachments, is 20kg apparently

Baz.

[Calibrated]

Thanks guys. I have passed on all questions and feedback to our engineers at AFN.

They have a close relationship with Land Rover Portugal, so hopefully it won't take long to get a vehicle to begin testing.

Will keep you all updated on the progress.

[chuck]

Baz

If you include the OEM winch cradle & steel wire rope OEM winch (Warn) the difference between aftermarket bar & plasma rope winch would not be two different.

Cheers

[tiddy]

Thanks guys. I have passed on all questions and feedback to our engineers at AFN.

They have a close relationship with Land Rover Portugal, so hopefully it won't take long to get a vehicle to begin testing.

Will keep you all updated on the progress.

I wonder if this means they will produce 2 different bars, because after talking to ARB the current bar they produce for the Discovery will not fit the MY14 model onwards & they weren't sure how long until it will be available either. Looks like I will have bit of a wait.

[Redback]

One thing I did notice about the currant AFN Bar, was the lack of airflow at the bottom of the bar, this is very important in regards to the D3/D4/RRS, as the intercooler is down low at the front of the car, air flow down there is very important.


Baz.

[PaulGOz]

My observation was that my ARB bar did effect handling. My view is the front shocks on the d4 are very soft and any extra weight just makes this more noticeable this is the main reason for my reluctance to get another bar for my new d4.

Thise weights are interesting. Its not that much bbut keep in mind the center of gravity of that extra weight is probably 1m forward of front axle line and would be almost as much again above the ground.

For me main purpose of a bar is to protect radiators to keep vehicle operable in a medium sized animal strike I.e not a cow. Anything more than this becomes unecessary weight introduced for other reasons. Removing bar loops or using an a mix of alloy and steel or plastic and steel should be technically possible and get that weight down. Simple things like the lower guards could be done in plastic they would save a few kgs alone. Mixing steel gauge may also help save some weight I am not sure if the others already do this.

[StAn_D4]

I too will be looking at a bar soon for a MY14 D4 HSE. Agree with all of the above, but would add;





I like the adaptive cornering lights. Not sure of the affect other bars have on their effectiveness.

Aerial and flag mounts would be best up high on the outer extremes so they are not in the direct field of view.

Fully recessed light pockets - possible re-use of the existing LR ones.

Top hinged number plate bracket.



and re-iterate;

1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork

2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e. sensors, washers and cameras

6. Did I mention strong and light

Powder coat - colour coded

That Playdo one looks brilliant. Can't wait to see what they can come up with.







x2 ... I will also be in the market soon ... D4 HSE

[tiddy]

x2 ... I will also be in the market soon ... D4 HSE

It could be bit of a wait, there aren't any front bars available for MY14 models at this time and the bars from earlier models won't fit....bugger.

[Redback]

It could be bit of a wait, there aren't any front bars available for MY14 models at this time and the bars from earlier models won't fit....bugger.

What is different about the MY14 model that the earlier bar won't fit??

Baz.

[Tombie]

What is different about the MY14 model that the earlier bar won't fit??

Baz.

I'm guessing its likely "we haven't fitted one to check" :cool:

Just like they wouldn't fit the V8 Petrol - until someone fitted one :D

[tiddy]

I'm guessing its likely "we haven't fitted one to check" :cool:

Just like they wouldn't fit the V8 Petrol - until someone fitted one :D

That's what I thought to, but seems not the case. I know when after I ordered our '14 model LR had a clearance on their alloy front bars, I think there was also a thread on here about them too...anyway I enquired about getting one and was told it won't fit onto '14 models & that was also stated in the T&C's of the bar.

ARB also mentioned to me the mount points on the '14 model are different, otherwise he could've sold me one.

[Tombie]

That should mean a simple crush can/mount redesign and the same bar should bolt on :)

[tiddy]

One can only hope it's that simple....

[Stotty Monster]

They are some what different for the MY14 Discovery. The old part number 3232200 and they recently released the 3232210 which they were going to fit to my car; however, it didn't fit. Something to do with the air bags, lights, mount positions and change in the bumper shape. Just for info the new bar for the MY14 Discovery is a 3232220 and it needs to be completely redesigned. I spoke to Melbourne the other day and the fact that they now the part number it shouldn't be to long of a wait, hopefully!!! So I can confirm that the bar released recently does not fit. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Stotty

[LandyAndy]

I visited an OL dealer today,northern suburbs.
Not that he will get any bussiness from me I will find out tommorow if an OL bar will fit!!!!!
He was one of those anti Landy nazis,despite having a TeamW4 sponsorship certificate on his wall.Told me they do fit,he has fitted one,told him he better check as Ive been told otherwise.What would I know????just a stupid Landy owner:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:
Andrew

[Greatsouthernland]

Spoke to LR spare parts yesterday, guy said don't hold your breath, and all that stuff about not fitting anything non LR supplied cos it could void warranty :eek: so I gave him the quizzical look...'even side steps' yep, he said, could damage the compressor when you install them :eek: 'what about roof rails?' Yep he said, you have to drill holes and only LR workshop should do that :D so I told him I'd just put a set on and he wanted to know how I drilled the holes, what holes mate, there's 4 threads each side. Oh but don't you have to cut the channel strip? OMFG? It was a fun visit, I won't go into the snorkel/RAI comments...:o

[Stotty Monster]

I visited an OL dealer today,northern suburbs.
Not that he will get any bussiness from me I will find out tommorow if an OL bar will fit!!!!!
He was one of those anti Landy nazis,despite having a TeamW4 sponsorship certificate on his wall.Told me they do fit,he has fitted one,told him he better check as Ive been told otherwise.What would I know????just a stupid Landy owner:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:
Andrew
Landy, OL will fit the MY 14 with some adjustments, just look at 4offroad's post!


Cheers
Stotty

[LandyAndy]

Landy, OL will fit the MY 14 with some adjustments, just look at 4offroad's post!


Cheers
Stotty

NO THEY WONT!!!!
The adjustments are major according to the OL bloke I spoke too and said no more new D4s until they build MY14 spec bars.They have to trim the bars infil panel to suit the changed bumper shape,washers dont fit and fog lights are another issue.Then there is the ADR rating.
Im waiting for a MY14 bar,prefer OL but ARB will do,whoever comes up with one first;););););)
Andrew

[Redback]

I'd be a bit wary of the guy at OL fitting a bar to the MY14 D4 Stotty, especially when it hasn't been made yet.

Baz.

[BMKal]

Somebody in Perth is supplying / fitting the Land Rover OEM bar to the new D4. I passed a very new looking gold / bronze coloured D4 on Stirling Hwy yesterday afternoon with a shiny new Land Rover bullbar fitted. ;)

Have never liked the look of the OEM bar and still don't ............ but at least I know that at one has been fitted to a new Disco. Didn't get any close up look to see how well it fits - I was stopped at the lights outside UWA and it went past travelling in the opposite direction.

[tiddy]

Somebody in Perth is supplying / fitting the Land Rover OEM bar to the new D4. I passed a very new looking gold / bronze coloured D4 on Stirling Hwy yesterday afternoon with a shiny new Land Rover bullbar fitted. ;)

Have never liked the look of the OEM bar and still don't ............ but at least I know that at one has been fitted to a new Disco. Didn't get any close up look to see how well it fits - I was stopped at the lights outside UWA and it went past travelling in the opposite direction.

I would be very wary of that Kal, when LR had those bars on sale earlier in the year with advertising material to go with it, so I enquired about one for MY14 Discovery and was told it won't fit, the terms & conditions on the ad also bluntly stated it will not fit the '14 models, different mount points amongst other things.

I would imagine there may also be warranty ramifications if this was fitted, seeing that LR have stated its suitable for the '14 model.....it's just a thought though.

[BMKal]

Only reporting what I've seen with my own eyes mate. ;)

Personally, I couldn't care less - my D4 is older and has an ARB bar fitted. I wouldn't have the OEM Land Rover bar on mine if you payed me to. :p

[tiddy]

Only reporting what I've seen with my own eyes mate. ;)

Personally, I couldn't care less - my D4 is older and has an ARB bar fitted. I wouldn't have the OEM Land Rover bar on mine if you payed me to. :p

And I was only mentioning what I was told by the dealer and what LR literature stated.

Glad your happy with your ARB, I only hope it's not too long before they make a bar suitable for the MY14 models too.