Thread: So, the Deefer (as we know it) is finally going

Tradition matters - I think this is the nearest anyone within Land Rover has come to saying that they intend to produce the commerical/recreational crossover that the Defender is and needs to be. And they are clearly aware that 60+ years of the same profile can't be ignored - but nor do they want to produce a vehicle that looks good but isn't a truly functional go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.

I'm sure the quote has a type: "... get in the car and DO stuff with it ..." makes more sense.

In a few short years they won't be able to sell the current Defender anywhere BUT India and China, and even there they couldn't compete with the knockoffs (Iveco Massif and Morattab Pazhan). They HAVE to start again with a clean slate: the first ground-up redesign since 1948. Provided they deliver what they say in this interview, we'll all be happy.

The media release sounds good but lets see what they come up with

"But while the mechanicals are set for a major overhaul the design is expected to remain close to the original. Trying to replace the famous shape has reportedly got the design team at Land Rover inspired"
hope they dont become to inspired

This comment is a worry

"I don’t think it needs to be any better off-road,”

Translation

It wont be as good off road.

Oh well, wait and see, I imagine the regulations will require all sort of safety improvements , Airbags etc.
They will frig with the suspension too - no more solid axles..


Mine already has a crumple zone ........the car in front of me.
(Note to self - no head ons with other Defenders)

Just reading this thread and I'm reminded of all the "Doom and Gloom" that surrounded the early technology interventions which have gone into almost every 4wd over the last 20 years or so. Things like Intercooled Turbo's, brakes that work, the extra power of common rail injection systems, better rollover protection and let's not forget comfort.
The fact is that like it or not, the vehicles we now have are proving more reliable than ever and more importantly, they are immensely safer.
The old chestnut of being able to fix it on the side of the road with a couple of spanners and a screwdriver are long gone. But vehicles simply don't break down like they used to either (unless you have a P38).
Will they keep solid axles.... maybe, maybe not but if you look at the off-road abilities of a fully independent D3 or D4 maybe that's not so bad afterall.
Eventually safety regs will catch up with cars like the Defender as they have already with the 76 series LC which came out without ABS or Airbags only 3 or 4 years ago.
No one will MAKE you buy a new vehicle, you can keep fixing what you have but don't be totally negative to change until you see what those changes are and how they affect the performance comfort and safety.

[QUOTE=Sleepy;1529824]This comment is a worry

"I don’t think it needs to be any better off-road,”

Translation

It wont be as good off road.

Oh well, wait and see, I imagine the regulations will require all sort of safety improvements , Airbags etc.
They will frig with the suspension too - no more solid axles..


Owning both independant and live axle Land Rovers the old live axle is best is nothing but rubbish,my I/S L322 will go anywhere my live axle LR's will go. Pat

Originally Posted by wardy1

Just reading this thread and I'm reminded of all the "Doom and Gloom" that surrounded the early technology interventions which have gone into almost every 4wd over the last 20 years or so. Things like Intercooled Turbo's, brakes that work, the extra power of common rail injection systems, better rollover protection and let's not forget comfort.
The fact is that like it or not, the vehicles we now have are proving more reliable than ever and more importantly, they are immensely safer.
The old chestnut of being able to fix it on the side of the road with a couple of spanners and a screwdriver are long gone. But vehicles simply don't break down like they used to either (unless you have a P38).
Will they keep solid axles.... maybe, maybe not but if you look at the off-road abilities of a fully independent D3 or D4 maybe that's not so bad afterall.
Eventually safety regs will catch up with cars like the Defender as they have already with the 76 series LC which came out without ABS or Airbags only 3 or 4 years ago.
No one will MAKE you buy a new vehicle, you can keep fixing what you have but don't be totally negative to change until you see what those changes are and how they affect the performance comfort and safety.

I remember tojo drivers telling me that coils are no good,you don't need a V8,constant 4wd is too complicated,A/C is for yuppy's,auto's are no good because the starter will fail in the bush blah blah.Same for the I/S,a D3-4 will beat any live axle 4wd offroad and on straight of the showroom floor. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

.Same for the I/S,a D3-4 will beat any live axle 4wd offroad and on straight of the showroom floor. Pat

I believe I was abducted by aliens and probed.

Originally Posted by wardy1

Just reading this thread and I'm reminded of all the "Doom and Gloom" that surrounded the early technology interventions which have gone into almost every 4wd over the last 20 years or so. Things like Intercooled Turbo's, brakes that work, the extra power of common rail injection systems, better rollover protection and let's not forget comfort.
The fact is that like it or not, the vehicles we now have are proving more reliable than ever and more importantly, they are immensely safer.
The old chestnut of being able to fix it on the side of the road with a couple of spanners and a screwdriver are long gone. But vehicles simply don't break down like they used to either (unless you have a P38).
Will they keep solid axles.... maybe, maybe not but if you look at the off-road abilities of a fully independent D3 or D4 maybe that's not so bad afterall.
Eventually safety regs will catch up with cars like the Defender as they have already with the 76 series LC which came out without ABS or Airbags only 3 or 4 years ago.
No one will MAKE you buy a new vehicle, you can keep fixing what you have but don't be totally negative to change until you see what those changes are and how they affect the performance comfort and safety.

Yes, fair enough Wardy.

Not sure there is too much "totally negative" comments. Just regret at the passing of a fine vehicle, that is not all that far removed from its 1959 origins.
I dont think we were suggesting we would or wouldnt buy one. I may, ....geez I even test drove a FJ cruiser.....ok I was having a bad day.

What I love most about my Defender is ........it makes me smile - Every time I drive it. I just hope they retain this character and it doesnt get lost in a sea of Nisabitshiotas, with more gizmos than charm.

Head vs. Heart ?




And that old "chestnut" about comfort is a furphy - I love the driving position and seats in my Defender and prefer it for long trips to the Disco.