Thread: Defender 90. Why no auto?

Originally Posted by frantic

The numbers do "add up" it's just obvious LR couldn't be bothered.
In stop start traffic an auto goes far better than a manual and virtually every motoring writer recommended the D2 td5 auto over the manual.
The number of people I hear say, I would love to buy a defender but : my wife can't drive manual, my kid can't, my shoulder/leg/neck are damaged, our fleet only buys autos.etc.
The numbers would more than double sold, I wonder what's the ratio of auto to manual among ranger/BT50 and amarok?
As to cost? Umm borrow the 3.2 and the rangers auto gearbox as their made in the same plant. Also if the site is "at capacity" where are they going to put the extra 1600 workers they are putting on?
Is there an article or link? Last I read was a planned increase in production.

How would they sell double when they can't make them any faster?

Even as they ramp up for a final push on production they will sell all they make.
They don't need to pander to those with useless left feet, all the manuals they make will be sold.

Those outside engineering rarely understand the work, time and cost involved in making new parts fit and work with existing parts.

Originally Posted by Dougal

How would they sell double when they can't make them any faster?

Even as they ramp up for a final push on production they will sell all they make.
They don't need to pander to those with useless left feet, all the manuals they make will be sold.

Those outside engineering rarely understand the work, time and cost involved in making new parts fit and work with existing parts.

Firstly a vast majority of the engineering is DONE. You can buy a 2.2 puma auto in a ranger overseas. Now to me reshapeing the 3-4 FLAT plates covering the gearbox and putting in a t-bar out of a d2 to fit the 6 spd auto is not a million dollar job.
As to production limits? The only evidence I've seen is they made roughly 50,000 series 3 ( they also made their own engines not a ford donk from an outside plant )in one year and they made up to 36,000 defenders in 97(again own engines). The defender may be made at the same site as the rest of the LR range but it is not on the same line.
Land Rover FAQ - History, Production, Sales - Production Data
If somebody could show me any evidence that they are working 24/7 on the defender line and can't do more than 20k?

Whoops here is the proof, they are working 3 shifts 5 days a week ONLY. On the evoke. So they could , if the sales where there, ramp up to 75-80,000 defenders. As they are on seperate lines.
https://www.landrover.com/gb/en/lr/a...uction-starts/

The defender is not a hairdressers/gay/retro/SUV vehicle,it's a defender,full stop.I don't care if they sell more hiluxtritonisuzurodeo's because I'm not interested,I'm a defender driver and defender drivers drive,we don't want or need anything more than three peddles,a wheel and gearstick. Pat

Originally Posted by frantic

Firstly a vast majority of the engineering is DONE. You can buy a 2.2 puma auto in a ranger overseas.

Rubbish.

The ranger transferbox has nothing in common with a LT230. The driveshaft is on the wrong bloody side for starters.
http://www.pavle.com.au/wp-content/g...er_7_Pavle.jpg

Bolting the engine to the gearbox is not job done.
Gearbox physically fit lengthwise?
Gearbox to transfer case physically fit?
Gearbox clearing prop shafts?

Assuming the above checks out the following work has to be done.
Design of interface and adapter housings gearbox to transfer
Design of adapter shaft.
Design of gear selector linkages.
Redesign of interior to fit and work.

Then commission prototypes, bolt together, find issues and repeat design process.
Then begin exhaustive testing. Find issues and repeat design process.

Originally Posted by frantic

Now to me reshapeing the 3-4 FLAT plates covering the gearbox and putting in a t-bar out of a d2 to fit the 6 spd auto is not a million dollar job.

Hack job.
Read this bit again:

Originally Posted by Dougal

Those outside engineering rarely understand the work, time and cost involved in making new parts fit and work with existing parts.

Hate to upset a few Defender drivers but there are several gay/lesbian Defender drivers on this forum... but you'd never know because they don't conveniently fit the stereotype of the ignorant.

We really need to get out of this mentality.

Converting a 2.2 or 2.4 Puma engined Defender to an auto is a mission in itself. Have a look at Ashcroft Transmissions journey!

Ashcroft Transmissions

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co...pring08LRO.pdf

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co...uto_feb_09.pdf

Originally Posted by B92 8NW

Hate to upset a few Defender drivers but there are several gay/lesbian Defender drivers on this forum... but you'd never know because they don't conveniently fit the stereotype of the ignorant.

We really need to get out of this mentality.

Maybe you should realise when someone is taking the **** . Pat

Originally Posted by frantic

...it's just obvious LR couldn't be bothered.

Maybe they're doing it just to spite you?

M