Thread: Land Rover Engineer Requires Info

They dont need anything doing to them.

If they were finished or did not have quirks then they would be perfect, just like a Landcruiser or Patrol....

I like the problems LR have, its British and it stand out in a crowd

If i wanted a reliable, perfect 4wd that needed nothing done to it, id buy a Toyota.....

Originally Posted by Phoenix

For those that asked. I have had a looksee and Lawrence has the e-mail address to back up what he says in his post.

I don't know how the AULRO activates members. With the RRNET forum, I can put any email address I like. However, the system emails the registrant and me to tell me of the reigistration. They then have to email me to confirm it - then I activate them.

Pheeny, did you try sending an email to him to see if it bounced?

Ok, engineering & development suggestions.

As you've gathered, the majority of people here are Defender owners. I feel the Discovery package is about right and the demographic is changing from the early Discovery drivers. I own a 1994 Disco and would not look at a new Disco as I include moderate off-roading in my normal use. The new Disco is too 'nice' to do that to. I'd be looking at a Defender instead.

Dual tanks - This will help the range while not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Computing - I like the suggestions for on board diagnostics, or make it able to interface with something readily available like an MP3/4 player. Limp mode to get to help if not catastrophic failure.

Wiring - Set up a C-Bus system to reduce the amount of wiring for computing and sensors. LED lights all 'round except for headlights.

Interior - Better shoulder room and move the handbrake. New Def interior is good step forward. Dust sealing needs to be better. Keep the excellent visibility. Improve NVH inside and have a 'deluxe' interior option with carpet in passenger area.

Mechanicals - Toughen the driveline components as mentioned (axles, CVs etc.). Diff locks as options, 33' tyres as std on steel rims (alloys an option), rock slider/steps as option, rear wheel carrier. Something like ACE or magnetically adjustable dampers to control roll & handling when on road or loaded while allowing full articulation when required. TDV6 engine please, have as standard across the LR range to ease parts stocking and reduce training liability for mechanics. Auto option for Defender. Recovery points already engineered into the vehicle.

Safety - Internal roll cage would be nice but if required strength can be engineered into the body that'd create more space. ABS diconnect when in low range, electronic brake force distribution, airbags as an option. Design it to pass US safety requirements (that is a huge market).

Models - Replace the exisitng 130 with a 6x6 variant. This would have similar overall dimensions to the 130 but the middle axle being closer to the front would reduce stress on the chassis. Improved ground pressure for a vehicle that can carry a lot of gear too. When coupled to a decent support network this would have the ability to gain huge market share in primary industry/mining and would provide an excellent base for specialist vehicles for tourism, emergency services etc. This would be available in single and dual cab variants, including cab-chassis.

Bring the 90 in and it should be noticeably cheaper than the 110.

Discovery and RR range maintain, perhaps include a 'no frills' D3.

In this thread there have been many "move the handbrake" comments.

As an ex-disco driver I use to think the handbrake in a def was a design flaw.... but since now owning a deefer I dont want the foot rest, sorry handbrake to go anywhere. If you measure the width between handbrake and door it is wider than the footwell in a troopy (older style anyway which is the only competetion for a 110). So in moving it you will firstly have way more room than you need and no footrest - i like it there.

Steve

Lawrence,
If this is for real welcome and good to see some interest from LR, finally.
Most has been said.
LR service in country areas is urgently needed. Having to drive 800kms for any servicing/dealer work is not acceptable. Most country dealers and service agents are gone.
Keep the Defender and retain a resemblance.
TDV6 or TDV8 would be fantastic.
Minimal electronics or at least the ability to be able to reset. I follwed a RR HSE (latest model) for a few kms on Monday that had dropped down on suspension and was in limp mode in Esperance WA. If this did not reset itself this guy would have to have it trucked to Albany 500kms or Perth 800kms as there is no longer a service agent in Esperance and would be useless in remote areas after all these are 4x4s.
More shoulder and leg room in the Defender.
Thanks
CraigE

well boys,
if lawrence is real, then he should be awake now and on his way to the office, presuming he is a 9.00 am starter in the land of the pomm.
time here is 6.37 pm and in london now is 8.37 am, so give him an hour or so to get into his day and see if he replies.
oh, and stop bagging land rovers.

I'd definitey buy a new L/R if it had;

1) 3.0L international tdi Donk.
2) Stronger Diffs and Axles ( already mentioned )
3) Wheel carrier incorporated into the design of the vehicle ( already mentioned )
4) Coil Spring Live Axle suspension
4) bigger Fuel tank than the 83 litres ( already mentioned)
5) a roof lining that didn't sag ( already mentioned )
6) manual winding Windows ( already metioned )
7) a dash that didn't vibrate
8) Seats would fold down so I could sleep inside the vehicle.
9) a Descent set of Steel Rims designed for L/R Optional and affordable ) , not the Alloys that bent too easily when offroading
10) price that was reasonable

Where's his reply?? Give him a chance... It's only just turning 09:00 over here!

As for asking questions on open forums, yep, I've seen it done before. I ended up having a chat to one of the engineers working on the suspension on L322 after asking a question on the RaRo forum.

M