New Defender

[Greylandy]

This is from the Difflock.com website.

http://forum.difflock.com/discus/messages/5/114175.jpg

Looks like a mix between and old Range Rover and a D3. Not sure where the "Defender" part comes in. Fugly if you ask me ... 8O

Henry.

[rangieman]

man that got hit with a massive ugly stick

[D110V8D]

Thats it. It's all over. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[LRHybrid100]

WOW combining my two favorite cars RR Classic and the Defender - when do I pay my deposit?

I'll place my order now for a TDV8 with 6 speed Auto and all the LR tricks - must be in Silver.

LRH

[Greylandy]

I agree with Mick .. God help us if that is the future.

What is the purpose of "dicoverizing" the Defender into yet another luxo-barge. In previous years there was a strong distinction between their vehicles, now with the D3, Rangie and Rangie Sport they all do the same thing the only difference being the price tag. Surely the Defender should remain as the workhorse/serious offroader!!

Note to self: Purchase 2 "current" Defenders just before they are discontinued and store in a time capsule to be used over the next 50 years of my remaining life .. :wink:

[Phoenix]

That's a chop of one of the early Disco 3 publicity photos, and if it's like that, I dunno, maybe from me.

Anything on if they are going to run the production of the "Old" model alongside the new one fore various markets?

[Outlaw]

I think it'll have a place in the market, more like what SangYong have tried doing with their Musso dualcab... but alas, it won't be a defender :cry:

I was talking to my LR dealer on the weekend and he mentioned that LRA will only be bringing in the Extremes when the updated current Defender is ready... no 90's or 130's... which basically means no use me holding out for the new engine upgrade on a 130 before i get one... might as well get an '05 TD5 and upgrade it. :roll:

[broonski]

8O 8O 8O 8O

i'm not a fan... i always loved the old (and current) shaped defenders (110s, countys, and series Landys) because they're rugged, sturdy, and a no-nonsense bit of kit. this new shape is just ugly.

i hate to say it, but Land Rover's going soft...

cheers,
bryce

[JamesH]

I want to go home and go back to bed and pretend this morning never happened.

[LRHybrid100]

all these comments bring me back to when the old Series 3 was coming to the end of its evolution - bloody technology, coil springs, disc brakes, one piece doors it just isnt a Land Rover anymore!!!

lighting the torch and running now ........

LRH

[LRHybrid100]

don't get me wrong - love the Defender as it currently is, thats why I am building one, but eveything has to evolve to become even more of a legend. Where would LR be if they had called it quits after the Series 1?

I just hope that the talk of still producing the Defender "Classic" in a cheap labour country will still happen also.

LRH

[Greylandy]

Originally posted by LRHybrid100
all these comments bring me back to when the old Series 3 was coming to the end of its evolution - bloody technology, coil springs, disc brakes, one piece doors it just isnt a Land Rover anymore!!!

lighting the torch and running now ........

LRH

You better run ... there is a mob on the back of Hilines 130 heading in your direction!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

I'm not worried about the "technology" upgrade of the fender ... live axles will disappear, no doubt. I was happy to hear the Defender will share the D3 platform .. the issue for me is where the Defender will be placed in the market. It should remain a workhorse or even a lifestyle vehicle ... that will keep it's design, functionality and technology in line with the "Land Rover spirit" ... if not why build another luxury large wagon??

Imagine a Defender with a slightly more modern look but retaining the "classic" shape, wider to allow for more interior space, better seats/interior but still no carpets, door seals that work ... D3 platform with increased lift in air suspension, 16' wheels with MT's as standard, lockers front and rear, TDV6 or V8 engine offered as shortie, wagon or pickup. It's not that hard .. it just depends on the target market!!

[Tyrepower]

Originally posted by rangieman
man that got hit with a massive ugly stick

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!!!!!!!!! I drive a Defender and I certainly do not call it a a handsome machine. The uglier the better I say. Keeps the poser crowd out of real cars.
I remember my Dad and his mate moaning about the County when it came with windup windows and aircond.
In saying that I think it will be a shame if LR get away from the classic shape that traces its heritage back to the S1.
But lets face it in order to survive in this global market they need to appeal to a broader range of buyers. And there is not enough di hard Defender purchasers out there to justify running a design that has been going since the end of WW2. Lets hope it's as good and long lasting as it's predecesor
The King is Dead....... Long live the new King!!!!!!!!!!!!

[D110V8D]

Originally posted by LRHybrid100
Where would LR be if they had called it quits after the Series 1?

LRH

Very true. I'm just sad to see the old shape go after all these years.

It was inevitable the running gear etc would change to keep up with the times, but the shape of a Defender/ classic Land Rover just cant be beaten.

[Frenchie]

I actually don't mind that. It's a lot better than some of the artist's impressions I've seen floating around.

Face it, the current design could not last forever, that fact that it has lasted so long is amazing really. Put some decent wheels and tyres on that and I might be tempted.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Interesting. I'm not saying this is false, but I think you should all consider this. A guy on the MINI forum got a bull*D&@ article printed by a lazy journo just for a stir.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php't=101256

[juddo]

I like the look of it, and it could be a great truck if it is still built with the same design brief as the current defenders.

Having said that, it will be a terrible shame to see the death of the current defender whos desing roots date back to the original series 1.

[Phoenix]

That is absoilute gold CR style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Actually, the mroe I look at that pic, the mroe I like it, and what greylandy said makes absolute sense.

And as a history, here are some of the stuff about the "New" defender that has appeared recently.

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album337/01_Defender_90_450.jpg
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album337/LandRoverDefender110_450.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album337/new_bronco_def_110.jpg
this one is a photochop of the ford Bronco concept.

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album337/mnimage.jpg

[rangieman]

THEY have lost the plot and turned into yuppies style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[hiline]

Originally posted by rangieman
THEY have lost the plot and turned into yuppies style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

they might have :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

but i haven't, so i wont be buying one 8O :wink:

[VladTepes]

I am more concerned where they PRICE it. The current ask isn;t TOO bad in the big scheme of new vehicles BUT if they go posh/ further upmarket with the new one they'll LOSE sale - after all they will only be taking sales from the D3 and Rangies. 8O

Keep it where it is $ wise and update the car and they'll sell heaps style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif


Also will they keep the LR 'Classic' headlights or will they insist on using the new 'DNA' headlights (like the rest of the current range)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

now take a pill all you defender defenders,,

all the photos you have seen so far will be TOP OF THE LINE models,,

I'm sure there will be a "steel wheel" model in there somewhere,,,

Like the man said,,
from leafs to coils to air---

its just natural progression.

I think LR will not stray too much from the current defender look.
underneath???? 8O

[JDNSW]

I think that may be just a guess as to what it looks like, although perhaps a good one.

One thing that I am amazed at is the number of people who regard appearance as a major concern in a utility vehicle. The things that concern me more are things such as the flat, hose out floors, near vertical glass, vents that provide ventilation while parked and locked, "meccano" type construction, aluminium panels, apart from general ruggedness.

I think it is pretty near inevitable that the Defender replacement will be based on the D3 platform - but I suspect there may be a possibility of the current Defender continuing in production in a modified form in a third world country.

As for limiting the models brought in - remember that when the Discovery was introduced here the Defender was discontinued - but reappeared after a year or two due to demand.

Doesn't really matter to me - my existing Landrovers will probably see me out.

[George130]

Originally posted by Outlaw
I think it'll have a place in the market, more like what SangYong have tried doing with their Musso dualcab... but alas, it won't be a defender :cry:

I was talking to my LR dealer on the weekend and he mentioned that LRA will only be bringing in the Extremes when the updated current Defender is ready... no 90's or 130's... which basically means no use me holding out for the new engine upgrade on a 130 before i get one... might as well get an '05 TD5 and upgrade it. :roll:

The Canberra dealer told me that they wouldn't be importing them unless a customer specifically ordered the 130. So you should be able to get a new one but you will have to wait a few months. I had seen these pics as sujestions for the defender for the US market.

[rmp]

Well, I don't mind the looks.

If it drives anything like a D3, but has more interior space, is lighter due to less gimmicks, better offroad, higher payload...then we're onto a winner. Sign me up too.

There is a lot of criticism on this thread and I think much the same would have been said when coils replaced leaves, 5-speeds replaced 4, 15-inch rims were supersed by 16s, electric windows were invented...you'll all get over it eventually.

[hiline]

but its not the right shape 8O 8O 8O 8O

yes give me all the gizmo's, but i want the shape of a ICON :wink:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

you mean like this???
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album04/xxxxcaricature_history.thumb.jpg

[Frenchie]

Originally posted by George130

The Canberra dealer told me that they wouldn't be importing them unless a customer specifically ordered the 130. So you should be able to get a new one but you will have to wait a few months. I had seen these pics as sujestions for the defender for the US market.

Second hand I know, but a 130 owner at work was talking to the dealer about updating and they told him that due to demand, LRA will be importing a one off lot of 50-100 130s (Australia wide). So if you want one, get your order in.

[JamesH]

Yep, count me in as a fashion victim. Sure, I want the simple interior, the flat hose out floors, the vents, the front fenders which act as a tool/stubby table and a bonnet mount for all the "right" reasons but also for the wrong reasons. I see no harm in drawing attention to the fact that you'd have to go to Aston Martin to get a better looking car.

Series Landies and Defenders are like cleavage tops on summers day - your gaze is just drawn to them and it doesn't matter if the tenth goes by, it is just as alluring as the first.

[Frenchie]

Of course appearance isn't everything, but it is important.

I have always loved the look of the Series/Defender Landies, I also think that the FC101 is one of the most beautiful vehicles ever built, but that's just me. :wink:

I don't care what anyone else thinks as long as I like it. Washed mine the other day and just had to sit and look at it for a while (and take a pic, sad I know!), the perfect blend of form and function....

http://members.iinet.net.au/~lisajs68/other_pics/def_small.jpg


And James, I disagree......




Aston Martin comes second. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[noddy]

Oh c'mon guys, we are talking fashion here.... :wink:

'Everything that is old is new again'... I mean LR will kill off the Defender just when the style is coming back into fashion. Look at the models coming out of Jeep and even Toyota with their retro (FJ40 based) model?

I remember, I think Greylandy, mentioning the time when the little kid tugged at his Mum or Dad and pointing to 'Greylandy' said, "Look...one of those new, old cars."

My only concern is that the British have never been great at picking the trends. P76 just springs to mind. Great car, great innovation, just stuffed the timing up by about 3-4 years.

Just hang onto your Defender....at the end of the day, it will make you smile more!

[Ace]

I actually dont mind it, if the D3 is anything to go by we might be expecting another hat trick of 4WDOTY's. The fact is things are going to change, they need to bring more people into the defender market, and building cars is business. I agree the defender should be left untouched apart from some common;y mentioned issues. Having said this Land Rover arent about to let the slow defender sales continue to keep us happy. I say bring it on and have another Land Rover product take out every award imaginiable.

Two things people have mentioned though do concern me.

1) I would hope that land rover keep the defender the nofrils work horse it currently is, it would be good if live axles were retained, and the technology level was kept to a minimum. Disco's and Rangies are marketed at the city types, we dont need a third.

2) The price, the defender needs to be well below the disco in price or people arent going to buy it. I will buy one when they arrive provided i have the cash.


Matt

[CraigE]

It is not that bad, but I would prefer that they kept the current shape and just offered an alternate interior a bit more ergonomically designed, with heaters and air con that reached the back. Talking too a LR engineer it will be at least 2008 maybe 2012 before an updated Defender is released. The picture shown was of the D3 concept. Some modifications to the fender could make better use of its size and room. There is a lot of lost room in the bonnet area and rear guards. For such a large vehicle seating and leg room are very poor. Keep the current shape with an updated interior option and a TDV6 maybe (by the fuel consumption figures I have seen maybe better to keep the TD5).

[Ace]

Originally posted by CraigE
Keep the current shape with an updated interior option and a TDV6 maybe (by the fuel consumption figures I have seen maybe better to keep the TD5).

Unfortunately the TD5 will be gone by next year, it is to be replaced with a 2.7L version of the 2.2L TD engine found in the Mondeo. The reason? Ford want rid of anything implemeneted during BMW's reign and they wont spend the money needed to bring the TD5 engine up to emission standards. The 2.7L Mondeo variant is only an interim measure until the defender will share the same chassis as the D3 (the T5 platform) and then the TDV6 will go in, or with any luck the V8 Turbo Diesel destined for the next rangie. Matt

[Disco300Tdi]

It all sounds like a crock to me

All those people who said

"My LR dealer tells me........"

of course they showed you the
proof in writing...I think not

What better way to keep punters
interested, than by talking crap

And the postie who gave you the mail
about the TD5 Ace, should be swabbed

[Ace]

Originally posted by 84RR
And the postie who gave you the mail
about the TD5 Ace, should be swabbed

If you mean my last post, that came directly out of Land Rover Owner International. Its uncertain as to whether or not we will get the Modeo engine here or whether we will have the TD5 until the defender is truly updated. That all depends on our emission laws, as far as i know Australia has now taken on the European standards. So who knows, we have always been slower here to get the more modern engines as our diesel is crap and our emission standards have been lower (hence the long life held by the primative diesels in the cruiser and patrol), but our diesel quality is on the increase and emissions laws are being tightened. The article didnt say anything about Australia, but i assume we will get the new engine. Matt

[Disco300Tdi]

So is this thread is all rumour and innuendo :?:

[one_iota]

Originally posted by 84RR
It all sounds like a crock to me

All those people who said

"My LR dealer tells me........"

of course they showed you the
proof in writing...I think not

What better way to keep punters
interested, than by talking crap

And the postie who gave you the mail
about the TD5 Ace, should be swabbed

Or Mummified 8O

[Ace]

Originally posted by 84RR
So is this thread is all rumour and innuendo :?:

No, the new engine for the Defender is fact, getting it in Australia is rumour. Matt

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by 84RR
So is this thread is all rumour and innuendo :?:

Like they say, mate, "I'll beleive it when I see it".