Land Rover are planning a new Defender to launch in 2012
Land Rover are working on a new Land Rover Defender – Project Icon – based on the current Discovery and due to market in 2012.
As always, the Defender is going to be the traditional Land Rover as – unlike the rest of the Land Rover Range which is moving over to aluminium platforms – the new Defender will be based on the existing – and very capable – current model Discovery platform.
The use of the T5, twin rail steel chassis from the Discovery is vital if the Defender is to continue to offer the range of body styles currently available – including hard and soft tops – which make the Defender the versatile work horse it is. But the Defender will still be going on a diet and will be a lighter car than the current Model.
The T5 chassis is capable of supporting both and air and steel independent suspension and is the most capable of the current Land Rover underpinningss – an ideal choice for the new Defender. The current Disco is a much better ‘Go Anywhere’ setup than either the Range Rover or the Freelander and will – in the new Defender – make those abilities even more apparent. It will also make the Defender a more comfortable off-roader – no bad thing.
The new Defender will probably be built in the UK and feature a range of engines from the JLR stable. Most likely is the 2.7 litre diesel from the current Discovery, or even the new 3.0 litre. An enticing – although unlikely – possibility is a halo Defender with the 5.0 litre S/C lump from the Jaguar and Range Rover. That would make Mercedes’ G55 look over its shoulder with trepidation.
And the Defender would be an ideal candidate for production in emerging markets – especially India. Maybe as a knock-down kit built in the UK and assembled in India, but more likely as a fully manufactured product in a purpose-built factory. The perfect staging post for export to emerging markets and the least sensitive option to start JLR production overseas. Who could deny the logic of producing a car like the Defender in a part of the world where a chunk of sales are?
As we said yesterday – the future looks bright
james b says
well i agree that the current defender needs more power and some other bits will need changing but the defender is a one of a kind car. its never realy has done fast, or even light for that matter. the 3.0 from the diso would be nice but id prefere a more robust engine. nenver the less im looking forward to seeing the new defender. keep it up land rover!
james b says
never*
Lucas says
This idea sounds quite good but i think the defender should stay as is. aluminum body on a steel ladder chassis, if you want a comfortable off road vehicle go for a disco, range rover, or even a freelander but changing a 72 year old design that has never changed makes no sense at all.
Queenslander says
I’ve had a Series 3 and have a Disco 300TDI for the last 13 yrs. The Discos OK, towed a 1 ton camper through the Cape York Telegraph Track and on other trips, but really could of had a bit more grunt.
I really warm to the practicality of the Defender and it’s bushability. The new seats particularly the second row seats for the kids/ or adults (I seat in all the seats to check’em out). But the engine has always let it down. I have been torn between chosing a new Defender, Toyota Landcruiser, and Nissan Patrol, (though always wanting a defender with more grunt). If it is correct and L/Rover put a descent turbo deisel(3L Disco 4) in it, lookout.
Landrover will be on a winner and will sell heaps in OZ.
The defender will have versatility to go bush/beach and be able to tow a 2Ton caravan effortlessly.
The 4WD I’m after.
Good on you landrover. (Don’t short change the engine room)
Justin says
Well I have been a passionate land rover supporter my whole life, I drive a defender 110 DC Pick up, and I work with it on a game reserve, but also knock up about 600km of tar per week as well, I love the functionality of the vehicle and the practicality.
But with all the “add on’s” that we defender drivers have, the engine and gearbox just dont cut it, especially with the weights we tow.
So what’s the best SUV in the world? The disco 4 of course, so why not use that set up and have a couple of options, just like the current defender, soft tops/hard tops, single cabs/ double cabs etc.
So hearing this news is putting a very big smile on my face, if this is the case, then I could definitely wait for it, and not go out and order a Amarok or something like that.
Give it horns Land Rover, I’ll place my order now.
CarsUK says
Couldn’t agree more, Justin. I learnt to drive on a Land Rover at aged 8 on the farm and have a huge love for them. And what you want is – as far as we know – exactly what LR are planning.
Exchange and Mart says
I have been awaiting the arrival of the new defender for sometime now. Word on the street is that it will take an extra year up to 2013 to complete.
What is there to say about the Defender. Personally a huge fan and it seems as though i might not be the only one thinking that. It recently won a top vehicle award. Readers of What Car? magazine voted the Defender their favourite car.
Will be interesting to see the new version of the Defender once released in 2013.