AFN Bullbar Development for Discovery 4

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Originally Posted by PaulGOz

My wish list would be
1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork the current offerings are terrible
2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e sensors, washers and cameras
3. Must be strong enough to serve its purpose yet lighter enough to not effect handling I.e no additonal weight, that is the requirement its compromise from here. IMPOSSIBLE
4. Prefer colour coded chrome bumpers belong on a bettle
5. Repositioning or replacing the water washer may need to be considered this would allow a much higher bar and better approach angles at wheels and would also be a big differentiator for this vehicle. NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN

6. Did I mention strong and light....

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A bullbar the same weight as the standard bumper, would be as useless as the standard bumper.

No company will modify/move any factory standard parts, unless the manufacturer agrees, can you see LRA agreeing to that:eek:

Baz.

I too will be in the market for a D4 bar,sooner than later as I live in the country.
How far from production are yours????
Andrew

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redback

A bullbar the same weight as the standard bumper, would be as useless as the standard bumper.

No company will modify/move any factory standard parts, unless the manufacturer agrees, can you see LRA agreeing to that:eek:

Baz.

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Baz, I think PaulGOz meant make it to the minimum required weight for it to serve it's purpose, then any extra is a compromise. I reckon most manufacturers would try achieve this anyway.


Looking at ARB bars there approach angle is fine. OL's seems to have a larger boxed out lower section but still look OK. I don't think moving or changing the water bottle is required if the ARB ones fit?
I also agree that no vehicle modification should be done other than cutting flares or what is currently acceptable with others makes.


I am also interested in how long the whole process to purchasable would take?


Cheers,
Mungus

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mungus

Baz, I think PaulGOz meant make it to the minimum required weight for it to serve it's purpose, then any extra is a compromise. I reckon most manufacturers would try achieve this anyway.


Looking at ARB bars there approach angle is fine. OL's seems to have a larger boxed out lower section but still look OK. I don't think moving or changing the water bottle is required if the ARB ones fit?
I also agree that no vehicle modification should be done other than cutting flares or what is currently acceptable with others makes.


I am also interested in how long the whole process to purchasable would take?


Cheers,
Mungus

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I have the OL bar, mainly because of the better trim finish and it was cheaper, personally I didn't find it compromised the handling, the bar only weighs 55kg as does the ARB bar, our winch is 27kg(Dyneema rope) amazing the saving rope makes to a winch.

The standard bumper and attachments, is 20kg apparently

Baz.

Thanks guys. I have passed on all questions and feedback to our engineers at AFN.

They have a close relationship with Land Rover Portugal, so hopefully it won't take long to get a vehicle to begin testing.

Will keep you all updated on the progress.

Baz

If you include the OEM winch cradle & steel wire rope OEM winch (Warn) the difference between aftermarket bar & plasma rope winch would not be two different.

Cheers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Calibrated

Thanks guys. I have passed on all questions and feedback to our engineers at AFN.

They have a close relationship with Land Rover Portugal, so hopefully it won't take long to get a vehicle to begin testing.

Will keep you all updated on the progress.

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I wonder if this means they will produce 2 different bars, because after talking to ARB the current bar they produce for the Discovery will not fit the MY14 model onwards & they weren't sure how long until it will be available either. Looks like I will have bit of a wait.

One thing I did notice about the currant AFN Bar, was the lack of airflow at the bottom of the bar, this is very important in regards to the D3/D4/RRS, as the intercooler is down low at the front of the car, air flow down there is very important.


Baz.

My observation was that my ARB bar did effect handling. My view is the front shocks on the d4 are very soft and any extra weight just makes this more noticeable this is the main reason for my reluctance to get another bar for my new d4.

Thise weights are interesting. Its not that much bbut keep in mind the center of gravity of that extra weight is probably 1m forward of front axle line and would be almost as much again above the ground.

For me main purpose of a bar is to protect radiators to keep vehicle operable in a medium sized animal strike I.e not a cow. Anything more than this becomes unecessary weight introduced for other reasons. Removing bar loops or using an a mix of alloy and steel or plastic and steel should be technically possible and get that weight down. Simple things like the lower guards could be done in plastic they would save a few kgs alone. Mixing steel gauge may also help save some weight I am not sure if the others already do this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mungus

I too will be looking at a bar soon for a MY14 D4 HSE. Agree with all of the above, but would add;

• I like the adaptive cornering lights. Not sure of the affect other bars have on their effectiveness.
  
• Aerial and flag mounts would be best up high on the outer extremes so they are not in the direct field of view.
  
• Fully recessed light pockets - possible re-use of the existing LR ones.
  
• Top hinged number plate bracket.
  

and re-iterate;

1. Must be a neat fit with consistent gaps to bodywork

2. Must accomodate all factory gear I.e. sensors, washers and cameras

6. Did I mention strong and light

Powder coat - colour coded

That Playdo one looks brilliant. Can't wait to see what they can come up with.

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x2 ... I will also be in the market soon ... D4 HSE