RIP Defender....

It's worth taking a look at the 16 Model graphic that was floating around last year. After the RR and RRS launches it's not looking so over the top.

The only proposed "Defender" model that fits with the comments in the story about using a separate chassis and tackling the Toyota commercial SUV market head on is the proposed Dual Cab ute, which was to be built on the T5 platform used by the D4. The direct replacements for the 90 and 110 were thought to the "Premium" Defenders and weren't due to 2016-7.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...013/05/396.jpg

There was an article in a recent Autocar announcing the next Freelander would be badged a Discovery, with the Freelander brand being killed off.

I just came across an article from April where McGovern seemed to be stepping back from the Ute/Crewcab slightly. It had become a "if we could get it to work financially"... and "But Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern said that if a 'lifestyle' oriented ute did get the green light, it wouldn't be in the same vein as some of Australia's most popular workhorse utes."

That is a bit different to the 16 Model grid where the Ute/Dual Cab is the initial model released. I'm thinking the Autocar article might be beating up what was already being hinted at.

cheers
Paul

As long as Tata and their awesome design team stay away from Land Rover. Check out their crossover SUV....

SUV | Indian Crossover | Tata Motors - Tata Aria

Quote:

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Originally Posted by isuzurover

I am still waiting to see this D3/D4/RRS that is so good offroad as all the owners claim...

All those I have seen in action first hand have been a disappointment.

(but I think those holding out for a new defender are fooling themselves)

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If you're ever in NSW I'm up for a comparo if your defender is up for it! ;-)

Land Rover - The world's most versatile vehicle.
Anyone remember that poster from the Series II days?
It showed dozens of different body options and styles on 2+ chassis and a choice of engines.
How can you offer all that on something that doesn't have a chassis?

Re: the point about not needing Defenders because a D3/D4 is at least as capable... I wouldn't doubt that a D3/D4 in stock trim would be as capable as a Defender in same.

One of the things I look for in a vehicle, though, is not just the capability, but the whole package of owning the thing. An important part of that is the simplicity of servicing and repair. I can do most things on the Defender myself, but there are many things on a D3/D4 that I would have to rely on others to fix.

This is probably the biggest attraction to the Defender for me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mikehzz

As long as Tata and their awesome design team stay away from Land Rover. Check out their crossover SUV....

SUV | Indian Crossover | Tata Motors - Tata Aria

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Forget their cars, Tata do trucks and military vehicles: Tata Motors Defence Vehicles | Armoured Vehicles | Mine Protected Vehicles


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...013/05/385.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TeamFA

Re: the point about not needing Defenders because a D3/D4 is at least as capable... I wouldn't doubt that a D3/D4 in stock trim would be as capable as a Defender in same.

One of the things I look for in a vehicle, though, is not just the capability, but the whole package of owning the thing. An important part of that is the simplicity of servicing and repair. I can do most things on the Defender myself, but there are many things on a D3/D4 that I would have to rely on others to fix.

This is probably the biggest attraction to the Defender for me.

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I have occasionally seen figures people have posted here about the cost of a normal service on modern vehicles and see that as a major disincentive to owning such a vehicle.

I have seen perfectly good vehicles for sale for less than the prices people repeatedly have to pay just for a routine service. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by roverrescue

...
My problem is in a few years old skool vehicles WILL be outlawed

Nothing built since about 2000 has given me any inspiration. ...

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Sorry, but I just had to add this in here...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

my path to the dark side is now complete...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

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Originally Posted by solmanic

Sorry, but I just had to add this in here...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

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I bet that has never been properly off road..... that exhaust would never have survived.

Back on topic.

If Land Rover do not replace the defender with something at least as useful then its total transition to a Luxury car brand will be complete.

Land Rover will end up making cars as useful as Porche Cayenne's and respect for the brands name will crumble. Porche still have their flagship 911 so the fanatics can continue to say Porche with pride but Land Rover will become a couple of embarrassing words.

So lets look at the long term forecast... Land Rover dies, Range Rover lives on - Time passes, forum users all die of old age - a new generation of brilliant consumers are born into boxes - cars are no longer needed - freedom to travel becomes virtual - AND THEN, Space Rovers! - Good times restored.

.... yes work is boring me today :p

I don't know, I think that's a perfectly logical end to the discussion! :p