Thread: Baggin LR on 4wd mothly

Originally Posted by dobbo

Face it the new Defender is softer. In the future at this rate they may even have a colour options of purple, pink or even the dreaded beige.

I don't see why it's softer, because it has a slightly more modern dash? Because the heater and aircon actually work?

For me the biggest disappointment is the motor. Sure it's adequate, and sounds like it is comparable or slightly better in terms of output to the Td5, but that is not enough to make me want to go out and buy one (even if I still don't trust the Td5). If they had slotted in the TDV6 with the 6 speed auto (or even with the manual) I would have my name down for a new one already.

Originally Posted by jik22

Sorry, didn't mean they have them (I don't know either way, as I haven't bothered to look at the new Defender in any detail) ...I meant you will have them in a Defender if they want to get into the US market!

And that's the big question I suppose. When the current Defender finally falls to the bean counters and regulators will there be a new one.

Originally Posted by Frenchie

And that's the big question I suppose. When the current Defender finally falls to the bean counters and regulators will there be a new one.

Well, with the engine choice for this one done and dusted (And probably very cheaply from the Ford parts bin), I don't think I'll ever see a TDV6 in one either now, so don't think I'll be looking in the future either...unless it gets the TDV8?

It was interesting to read the other thread about the 2a with a holden engine,one ''expert'' said the three speed crash gearbox and full time four wheel drive was interesting.I've had two 2a's,don't remember any of that. Pat

Originally Posted by Frenchie

And that's the big question I suppose. When the current Defender finally falls to the bean counters and regulators will there be a new one.

There probably will be - but it will bear little resemblance to the present one except in appearance and name.

The structure and overall design of the Defender come as a direct descendant of the original Landrover. The design, including the bolt together body and many other of desirable features are the result of a need to make the original vehicle with a minimum of tooling, since it was intended as a stop gap measure, not expected to remain in production for more than a few years.

This will not apply to any new Defender - it will certainly use an existing platform, or at least be able to be produced on the same machinery as an existing car, which means it will be welded together rather than bolted together. The aluminium body is likely to go as well, as will backward compatability of many parts.

John

Originally Posted by Frenchie

I beg to differ. All that's changed up front is a new dash. The reason the Defender was withdrawn from sale in the US was that airbags couldn't possibly be fitted without major re-engineering of the bulkhead, which hasn't happend and won't happen.

If and when they produce the "all new" Defender based on the D3 platform is the soonest you will get airbags.

There you go I thought the reason for the dashboard was to house the airbags, I am sorry, I was wrong

Originally Posted by Frenchie

And that's the big question I suppose. When the current Defender finally falls to the bean counters and regulators will there be a new one.

Landrover manage to sell about 25000 of the things without even trying and the production line keeps some 700 people employed. They hardly spend a cent on R&D and the latest update was just a Ford engineered solution to guarantee another use for some of their left-over odds and ends. Besides all that, without the Defender all the other models in Landrover's lineup lose their marketing angle of being evolved from a true 4x4 icon.

It's the only common-platform small (compared to a Unimog that is), fully capable 4x4 utility on the market that has the flexibility of being a ute, van or station wagon.

Who would want to get rid of it?

Originally Posted by jik22

Well, with the engine choice for this one done and dusted (And probably very cheaply from the Ford parts bin), I don't think I'll ever see a TDV6 in one either now, so don't think I'll be looking in the future either...unless it gets the TDV8?

Why is everyone so hung up about not having a TDV6 or TDV8 in the new Defender? You're missing the point - it's a UTILITY. Cheap and economical is the main aim here. As long as it keeps up with the traffic a bit, then any more power is unneccessary.

I'd rather have a 0-100 in 15 seconds with 8l/100km fuel economy that 0-100 in 8 seconds with 15l/100km.