2007 Defender

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I was just chatting to a guy who works at the Land Rover factory. Apparently there is a facelift coming for 2007. The defender will have a new motor, new gearbox, and a new dash! Apparently it's being crash tested now:eek: :eek:

[spudboy]

So is it going to look the same externally as the current model?

[camel_landy]

On the subject of new cars... I was at Eastnor Castle yesterday & bumped into some of the guys testing the new Freelander... Hmmmm... It looks very nice & very capable too. :cool:

M

[Captain_Rightfoot]

So is it going to look the same externally as the current model?
He said the exterior was staying the same :) This is NOT the new defender on the LR3 platform :)

[Disco_Drivin_Dude]

I was just chatting to a guy who works at the Land Rover factory. Apparently there is a facelift coming for 2007. The defender will have a new motor, new gearbox, and a new dash! Apparently it's being crash tested now:eek: :eek:
Where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[P38ace]

Source: http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm'release=23429

Gaydon, Warwickshire 15 May 2006 – Customer demand for the iconic Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year, including a series of significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation. It starts going on sale next spring and will help ensure that the Defender remains in production until at least 2010.

The extension to the long life of Defender, which has been in production in various models since 1948, will preserve more than 750 jobs at the Solihull factory where it is produced alongside the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery 3. Work is also underway to see if there are opportunities to extend Defender's life beyond 2010.
Annual production of Defender has remained consistent at around 25,000 units in recent years, with much of the demand coming from large contract orders. For example, the Italian energy distribution company, Ente Nazionale Elettricita, recently placed an order for over 900 Defenders.
Since its emergence, nearly 60 years ago, the original Land Rover has carved a heroic path through some of the world's remotest regions and at one time for 60% of the planet's population a Land Rover was the first motorised vehicle they had seen.
"With sales growth forecast in 2006, Defender remains a significant contributor to the business as well as an enduring symbol of Land Rover's 4x4 heritage," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "Its simple concept hasn't changed fundamentally over the years, but it remains as relevant as ever.
Defender continues to play a vital role for emergency services, aid workers and farmers around the world. As we grow Land Rover we're not forgetting our core values and our traditional customers."
With a rugged ladder-frame box-section chassis and aluminium bodywork, the Defender is incredibly tough. Its practical advantages include its unmatched combination of off-road supremacy, carrying capacity and towing capability. The Defender name was introduced in 1990 but the model is a direct descendant of the original Land Rover introduced in 1948. Production of Defender and its predecessors has passed 1.8 million and it is estimated that over two thirds of them are still in use.

[CraigE]

We need the spies to get out and get some pics.
Now new Fender in 2007 or wait until 2010 for the new shape LR3 platform variant if it happens?

[hiline]

reading that article makes me happy to be a Defender owner :D :D

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix, where's the pix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not game to ask him. :o

I was really suprised... we were just chatting about my Lotus and he told me he fitted parts XYZ onto our fender :) Then he just volunteered all the update details... apparently he had been working on bits and pieces of the new one. :)

He gave me the name of the engine.. but I think that's already known. He said Ford don't like using engines that aren't "theirs". I was suprised to hear about the dash... next time I'm talking to him I might subtly as if it's much better. :)

[Steinzy]

This could convert me to a fender driver!!! (the misses likes the shape enough to let me buy one)

I Need Pics!!!!

[P38ace]

This could convert me to a fender driver!!! (the misses likes the shape enough to let me buy one)




Just remember you are behind me in the queue. :D

[Steinzy]

Just remember you are behind me in the queue. :D

I reckon we flip a coin to see who gets in first:spudnikcoinflip:

[hiline]

I reckon we flip a coin to see who gets in first:spudnikcoinflip:

sorry boys but all new models go to all previous owners first :p

so get back in the queue with your coin:eek: ;)

[solmanic]

Well, from the article we know it's going to look the same on the outside, and as far as updating the dash goes, I suspect they will just screw on a cup holder.

[DiscoTDI]

Well, from the article we know it's going to look the same on the outside, and as far as updating the dash goes, I suspect they will just screw on a cup holder.

Its about time:cool:

[hiline]

Well, from the article we know it's going to look the same on the outside, and as far as updating the dash goes, I suspect they will just screw on a cup holder.

:eek: :eek: no not a cup holder,people will start calling them a soft 4wd;)

[CraigE]

All said and done it probablly will be cup holders or a flip down pocket to store 1 can of drink in like the x-trails.
:eek: :eek: :eek:
Hopefully it will be a usefull ergonomic dash, with a decent air con and heater, with passenger leg room and a decent glove box. It will surely have airbags, unfortuanately.

[VladTepes]

Hmm, now where the get the odd 60 large I reckon they'll cost.... could be a problem. On the other hadn it should drive down the price of the TD5 jobs... :)

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Hmm, now where the get the odd 60 large I reckon they'll cost.... could be a problem. On the other hadn it should drive down the price of the TD5 jobs... :)
If the new one goes up in price I think it will help the re-sale of the current ones not hinder them. It's when you get price cuts that your re-sale goes out the window. Whitness the Holden Advantra (or whatever) where they gave all existing retail customers a cash back because of the price drop.

Having said that I don't think they could really push up the price much as there is pretty steep competition out there. I think the current one is about 50k on the road. It wouldn't suprise me if they went to 55kOTR... this would limit them cannibalising the D3... but if they went much past it they would struggle to sell it.. I think the base patrol is 55k :eek:

[Ace]

On the subject of new cars... I was at Eastnor Castle yesterday & bumped into some of the guys testing the new Freelander... Hmmmm... It looks very nice & very capable too. :cool:

M

I bet there still isnt a transfer case in there anywhere though. I think Land Rover are nuts, with a transfer case they come closer to justifying the price tag and it would outsell that piece of **** chrysler call a cherokee. Matt

[Outlaw]

Here's my tip of the season... i seriously think a 2009 Defender will be the pick of the crop for the next 20 years... will have all the benefits or a new engine and gearbox (probably 6sp auto) but still the strength and ability of the current chassis platform before it goes soft with a D3 platform :wub::spudnikbackflip:

[LoadedDisco]

There is a pic in the old Forums. It looks great. has the Range Rover round front lights, the body style is still the same just a few tweaks to make it look smoother around the edges. Almost looks better than the D2.

[LoadedDisco]

Here's my tip of the season... i seriously think a 2009 Defender will be the pick of the crop for the next 20 years... will have all the benefits or a new engine and gearbox (probably 6sp auto) but still the strength and ability of the current chassis platform before it goes soft with a D3 platform :wub::spudnikbackflip:





I agree with Outlaw.

[disco_ute]

PICS

[B92 8NW]

i'm sorry mick its not very clear what you require judging from your last post:(

[disco_ute]

i'm sorry mick its not very clear what you require judging from your last post:(

Pics of the 2007 Defender.......:cool:

[LoadedDisco]

http://www.northwestparts.com/images/Series/Defender_New.jpg

[hiline]

http://www.northwestparts.com/images/Series/Defender_New.jpg

got any other pics ????

[disco_ute]

seen that one i am more interested in seeing the inside

[Outlaw]

that pic is only a crappy mockup, though must admit looks quite good if you don't look too closely at the details... very much doubt though that it'll look anything like that.

[JDNSW]

I think it is very unlikely that the 2007 Defender will look significantly different from the current model. Different engine and gearbox, certainly, but if they are planning on a completely new one in a few years they are very unlikely to change any panels at this stage.
For that matter of what importance is the appearance in a working vehicle?

John

[Steinzy]

looks good

[LoadedDisco]

looks good

Steinzy,
If the defender looked that good when I bought the Disco I would have gone the Fender.

Love the Disco :cool:

[Steinzy]

Steinzy,
If the defender looked that good when I bought the Disco I would have gone the Fender.

Love the Disco :cool:

Yep I reckon I would have gone the Fender over the Rangie as well

Looks aggressive but modern:eek:

[rick130]

fella's, don't be sucked in by a crappy Photoshop mock up.

It was 'exposed' a while back on the LR4x4 board. Someone has basically put a Merc G Wagon body on a 'fender and used DIII headlights, so don't get too excited.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

fella's, don't be sucked in by a crappy Photoshop mock up.

It was 'exposed' a while back on the LR4x4 board. Someone has basically put a Merc G Wagon body on a 'fender and used DIII headlights, so don't get too excited.
Yes, my contact said that it remains externally EXACTLY the same :)

[DRanged]

New Defender will have a Ford transit diesel and 6 speed manual box and is being released at the Paris motor show this year. Range Rover gets the TDV8 in September and the D3 gets a twin turbo TDV6

Start saving boys

[P38ace]

Who needs a V8, the transit diesel is a great engine, no matter what version; the transit has always been the fastest vehicle money can buy in the UK.

No matter how fast you think you are going, you will always be passed by transits.

[boggo]

No offence fellas,but a defender owner(and therefore lover)does and would not give a rats what the thing looks like,or how slick the new interior is.Personally,I love the setup inside,I can see all the info I need,store way more than I really need,and best of all,no rattles,no matter what the surface!!The most important info on the new model,I think,is technical.Will the new motor have any special off road tweaks?Will they beef up the dirvetrain?Defenders are a pure 4wd,not built for speed or comfort,but hard out 4wdving.
P.S:Where is Harold Scruby??Obviously not out educating the public on pedestrian safety!!How do we vote for a new president?'maybe we could stack the council...........................:p

[Graz]

I hope Landrover listen to the poeple and make the driver and front pax area bigger.
If they do I'll retire the old dog Disco and buy one.
When I drive the Defenders in the fire brigade my knees hit the dash and I have to hang my right shoulder and elbow out the drivers side window to fit. My Series one had more room.

[boggo]

Thats so you can hang on,while still havin 2 hands on the wheel when you're on full tilt!!:rolleyes:

[Captain_Rightfoot]

No offence fellas,but a defender owner(and therefore lover)does and would not give a rats what the thing looks like,or how slick the new interior is.Personally,I love the setup inside,I can see all the info I need,store way more than I really need,and best of all,no rattles,no matter what the surface!!The most important info on the new model,I think,is technical.Will the new motor have any special off road tweaks?Will they beef up the dirvetrain?Defenders are a pure 4wd,not built for speed or comfort,but hard out 4wdving.
P.S:Where is Harold Scruby??Obviously not out educating the public on pedestrian safety!!How do we vote for a new president?'maybe we could stack the council...........................:p
That's the trick.. the "council" consists of Scruby... there aren't any other members so you can't join or vote him off. It is his invention to make himelf seem more important :eek: :eek:

[boggo]

Ah ha.Maybe we should start the Oz offroad(or 4wd safety) council,and use the publicity we could get to stop the bastards(NPWS and state govt)stealing our land,blocking our favourite trails,thus forcing more and more people into less and less area and then using increased use as an excuse to lock even more places up!!!!!!!!@#$%^^^^^^^^^&&&&&&*******)????!!!!!
Sorry,I can get a bit carried away on that subject:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[JDNSW]

I hope Landrover listen to the poeple and make the driver and front pax area bigger.
If they do I'll retire the old dog Disco and buy one.
When I drive the Defenders in the fire brigade my knees hit the dash and I have to hang my right shoulder and elbow out the drivers side window to fit. My Series one had more room.

You are right - the S3 had more room, as the doors are a lot thinner. The problem faced by the Defender is that the passenger space dimensions were set by the S2 in 1958, or probably by the S1 86 in 1953, and not only has the space been reduced by thicker doors, but people in general have got a lot bigger in the last fifty years, and standards of comfort have got higher. To make any significant improvement would mean widening the whole body, and probably increasing the length of the passenger space as well. This could be done without any change to the basic chassis, as the wheels are just about outside the body anyway, but to do so would be to throw away one of the Defender's major advantages over the opposition - most body parts are either the same since 1983 or at least interchangeable, in some cases going back to 1958 (S2 doors fit the current Defender for example).
While this change is needed, the necessary tooling changes mean that it would cost no more to do a complete redesign, and my guess is it will not happen until the Defender is redesigned to use a common platform with the Discovery 3 (or perhaps its successor), and once this happens there will be no need for the result to resemble the current Defender in anything except name. While it is possible that the result may be a worthy successor, I am afraid that there is no reason to expect this.
The Defender is the lineal descendant of the original Landrover, and the features that provide its attraction were to a large extent accidents of its history. The basic design was, because it was intended as a stopgap, deliberately made to use a minimum of tooling. This made the resulting product inherently easy to maintain or modify, but the penalty was high assembly costs - it is bolted together, not assembled by industrial robots using welding, and no sane manufacturer would design a car like that in the present day. The only chance for a similar design to continue would be if it were built in a country with cheap labour, and this may happen, although I would be surprised.
John

[LoadedDisco]

fella's, don't be sucked in by a crappy Photoshop mock up.

It was 'exposed' a while back on the LR4x4 board. Someone has basically put a Merc G Wagon body on a 'fender and used DIII headlights, so don't get too excited.


I don't care that pic is the ultimate looking fender, IMO