Light-weight D3?

[noddy]

Howdy All

How much better would the D3 be if it was 500-700Kgs lighter?

I was just looking at the weight of some vehicles and cannot believe how heavy the D3 is, especially in full spec 8O

Compare this to the original D1 and Defender (~2,000Kg) and the D3 is seriously overweight.

Put an aluminium body on it and take out 500kgs and how much better would handling and fuel economy be?

I have a thing at the moment about how heavy cars (not only 4WDs) have become over the past ten years. Airbags everywhere, electric windows, sound proofing etc are all great, but they come at the expense of weight. For example: it is virtually impossible to find a hatch that comes in under 1,000Kgs. The new VW Golf is more than 1,200Kgs, while a 1994 Pug 205GTi is 875Kg 8).

While I have not driven a D3, I just cannot help thinking how much better it could be if it went on a crash diet.

Perhaps the D3 Series II could be vastly improved with an all alloy body (like the Audi and Jag)? :? :wink:

[barney]

wouldn't that be the D3 stage 1?

[noddy]

Originally posted by barney
wouldn't that be the D3 stage 1?

Howdy Barney!!

Perhaps that would make it the V.D3.1 8O :?

[barney]

reserve some time between the act 4wd show and the vic 4wd show next year. it's gonna happen again and this time we are going down through the high country. it will be awesome.

[RichardK]

Originally posted by Noddy
Howdy All

How much better would the D3 be if it was 500-700Kgs lighter?

I was just looking at the weight of some vehicles and cannot believe how heavy the D3 is, especially in full spec 8O

Compare this to the original D1 and Defender (~2,000Kg) and the D3 is seriously overweight.

Put an aluminium body on it and take out 500kgs and how much better would handling and fuel economy be?

I have a thing at the moment about how heavy cars (not only 4WDs) have become over the past ten years. Airbags everywhere, electric windows, sound proofing etc are all great, but they come at the expense of weight. For example: it is virtually impossible to find a hatch that comes in under 1,000Kgs. The new VW Golf is more than 1,200Kgs, while a 1994 Pug 205GTi is 875Kg 8).

While I have not driven a D3, I just cannot help thinking how much better it could be if it went on a crash diet.

Perhaps the D3 Series II could be vastly improved with an all alloy body (like the Audi and Jag)? :? :wink:

Hi Noddy,

If you have a look under the D3 you will see one of the reasons they are heavy, they have the most solid chassis and wishbones I have ever seen on a car sized vehicle........all made out of heavy guage steel. I cant see them rusting away in a hurry.
And having said that, after my trip to Harvey there was nothing it wouldn't do, I only wish it wasn't so expensive so when the mud arrives I could use it like my RR

[stevo68]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>While I have not driven a D3[/b][/quote] I cant agree/ disagree with the sentiment, however having driven/own a D3 I dont even notice the weight whether on road, offroad on sand, dirt, climbing down into river gullies :wink: etc. In terms of handling and having driven some top marques, it is superb, but it is not a sedan and wouldnt expect it to handle like one. If I want to really go for a cane, I take the XR6 , but overall handling in the D3 is great, especially with the air suspension.

Plus as pointed out there is a reason for the weight as well, and Im no engineer by any means, but weight becomes irrespective if you have the right power to move it. I have driven the TDV6 and have the V8 myself and weight hasn't come into it. Also if the D3 were to go on a "crash diet" at what expense ie what would have to go. Also and once again clueless in this area, if as suggested an alloy body how does that pit against current material remembering this is a 4by and would that increase price? I would assume so. Best thing mate is to take one for a test drive and find out these things for yourself, you will be surprised , I know I was,

Regards

Stevo

[noddy]

Sorry Stevo if it came across as me having a go at the D3, anything but.

Have seen them offroad and they are incredible.

I was just looking at the original specs of the D1/Defender and was amazed at how heavy they had become in a decade.

As you said, weight is not a problem if you have the HP to pull it around, but how much better economy and handling would you get if you made it 500Kgs lighter?

Would not touch the chassis (as it is piece of work ), but an alloy body would be the way to go. In the great traditions of other Land Rovers. :wink:

A lighter body would also help the GVM of the D3.

I was just thinking about how you could improve it further.

[stevo68]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Sorry Stevo if it came across as me having a go at the D3, anything but.[/b][/quote] Mate didnt think that at all, just my personal experience with it as it stands on issues of weight and handling. I can't compare to previous models as I havent had them, and on the other points not being the mechanical/ engineering type :wink: wouldnt know what the difference of alloy-metal etc would make. Im a bit doughy in that area ,

Regards

Stevo

[Jamo]

Firstly, just to clarify, some of the skins are alloy - eg. tailgate & bonnet. (and the ones with the sunroofs have a glass(perspex??) roof - which basically put me off having a sunroof - I knew of a chap whose neck was broken when he rolled his car and the roof box came through the glass roof!)

Secondly, the hydroform chassis is basically a ladder frame and a monocoque combined; so consequently has a weight higher than either.

Lastly, it may be better on sand if it was lighter, but a lighter car would not help those of us who are trying to make up for something, now would it? :wink:

[stevo68]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>(and the ones with the sunroofs have a glass(perspex??) roof - which basically put me off having a sunroof - I knew of a chap whose neck was broken when he rolled his car and the roof box came through the glass roof!)
[/b][/quote] Gee umm thanks for that mate ( says he with the sunroof and 2 alpine roofs ) .

Regards

Stevo