The Defender discontinued
- Thread starter xpdishn
- Start date
DiscoDavis
Explorer
Always convenient how these articles fail to mention the upcoming 2018 defender, even if nobody knows what it's going to look like. They announced the production move years ago, and so far today I have gotten several messages informing me NO MORE DEFENDER WOW LAND ROVER, to which I reply: "where have you been for the last few years?". None of this is a surprise. LR will supposedly announce something tomorrow about the new one.
I for one am holding out hope they at least keep the body style of the defender, offer some good diesels like the TDV6 2.7 or 3.0 and release models (however new) that are simple, but I doubt that will be the case for the NAS market.
I for one am holding out hope they at least keep the body style of the defender, offer some good diesels like the TDV6 2.7 or 3.0 and release models (however new) that are simple, but I doubt that will be the case for the NAS market.
Last edited:
rjl
Ryan
Land Rover is heading towards 3 basic model categories: Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender. Ironic that, during the golden age of the marque, those were simply the names of the three vehicles they offered. Now, however, it's Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Discovery, Discovery Sport, and the soon to be Defender.
Prepare for the Defender Sport or other iterations. Perhaps the two and four-door models will go by different names, or maybe the SUV and truck variants will go by different names.
Prepare for the Defender Sport or other iterations. Perhaps the two and four-door models will go by different names, or maybe the SUV and truck variants will go by different names.
The Defender is being killed off because it finally can't get through EU pedestrian and emission regulations. They have kicked that can as far down the road as they can.
It's as simple as that. You have never been able to get them with an air bag, they lost the side facing seats in 2007 due to EU law, the Puma engine was brought in, which was changed again for a 2.2 engine. It's not because some big wig want's to throw away heritage or such. It's because of laws and regulations.
It's well overdue a change and revamp. Jeep have done it with the Wrangler, LR need to do the same.
It's as simple as that. You have never been able to get them with an air bag, they lost the side facing seats in 2007 due to EU law, the Puma engine was brought in, which was changed again for a 2.2 engine. It's not because some big wig want's to throw away heritage or such. It's because of laws and regulations.
It's well overdue a change and revamp. Jeep have done it with the Wrangler, LR need to do the same.
filipe neves
New member
Last one
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We already knew current Defender production was coming to an end. A perspective on it from across the pond:
Land Rover Defender dies: Production finally halted by EU rules
Blighty's AK-47 laid low by dastardly Continentals
".....What helped establish the Defender's presence was its power and performance. Each part served a purpose but was easily replaceable when broken. This was a toughened vehicle able to withstand many conditions and to keep performing. In many ways, the Defender was British equivalent of the Soviet Union's AK-47 assault rifle.......
Land Rover Defender dies: Production finally halted by EU rules
Blighty's AK-47 laid low by dastardly Continentals
".....What helped establish the Defender's presence was its power and performance. Each part served a purpose but was easily replaceable when broken. This was a toughened vehicle able to withstand many conditions and to keep performing. In many ways, the Defender was British equivalent of the Soviet Union's AK-47 assault rifle.......
99Discovery
Adventurer
It's the uncertainty that bothers me as a Land Rover Fan. Land Rover is taking a hiatus until 2018 with no design leaks and really nothing official stated. I'm not sure they are exactly sure what they want to make, or they'd be introducing the new Defender for 2017 and test mules will already be on the road. I'd be shocked if the Defender is ready by '18. Most likely '19.
The new JK replacement is slated for '17. Production will only be halted for a short time as the tooling is changed, and we already know the new Wrangler will keep the solid axles and forego the lowering windshield. The rest is a bit of speculation (aluminum, possible unibody (l believe maintaining the frame was confirmed) and a sectional roof instead of a convertible. Test mules in camo built on modified JK frames are already being photographed . Really, all Jeep would have to do is officially announce the production of the Africa and most Defender fans (at least in NA) would convert to Jeep in a heartbeat.
The problem with Land Rover is that they've only released soft-roaders for quite some-time. Even with the expensive Disco 4, the two-speed transfer case is an "option" meaning many 2nd and 3rd hand buyers are going to struggle to find samples worthy enough for Off-Road/Overland conversions. The latest concept photo we've seen of the Defender is the old DC100 concept, which rightfully scares many traditional fans.
Not to mention that Land Rover hasn't put a proper tire size on a new vehicle since the 18" LR3, and even that's pushing it.
Land Rover has said that the new Defender would continue to be the "rugged" offering, but to TaTa Motors that may simply be code for "Manual climate control...Now we're roughin' it!"
When 2018 rolls around we will know for sure if Land Rover intends to compete with the Wrangler and 4Runner or if they are simply going to be another dime-a-dozen crossover maker.
I'm hoping for the best, but I don't have much faith.
The new JK replacement is slated for '17. Production will only be halted for a short time as the tooling is changed, and we already know the new Wrangler will keep the solid axles and forego the lowering windshield. The rest is a bit of speculation (aluminum, possible unibody (l believe maintaining the frame was confirmed) and a sectional roof instead of a convertible. Test mules in camo built on modified JK frames are already being photographed . Really, all Jeep would have to do is officially announce the production of the Africa and most Defender fans (at least in NA) would convert to Jeep in a heartbeat.
The problem with Land Rover is that they've only released soft-roaders for quite some-time. Even with the expensive Disco 4, the two-speed transfer case is an "option" meaning many 2nd and 3rd hand buyers are going to struggle to find samples worthy enough for Off-Road/Overland conversions. The latest concept photo we've seen of the Defender is the old DC100 concept, which rightfully scares many traditional fans.
Not to mention that Land Rover hasn't put a proper tire size on a new vehicle since the 18" LR3, and even that's pushing it.
Land Rover has said that the new Defender would continue to be the "rugged" offering, but to TaTa Motors that may simply be code for "Manual climate control...Now we're roughin' it!"
When 2018 rolls around we will know for sure if Land Rover intends to compete with the Wrangler and 4Runner or if they are simply going to be another dime-a-dozen crossover maker.
I'm hoping for the best, but I don't have much faith.
Red90
Adventurer
Test mules have been on the road for over a year. It will be a similar drivetrain and suspension as the other current models (people have seen it), most likely with a body that sort of looks like the previous Land Rovers. It will be a completely new vehicle with no connection other than possibly looks and name to the older vehicles.
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
After spending many hours talking with LR engineers at the recent Rangie Td6 launch, I gather they have a very clear idea what the new Defender will be, and it won't be a radical departure from the current offering. They hinted that it will still have a low range, fit 35 inch rubber, and be the most off-road capable truck in the LR lineup and best most other trucks in its class. They also are quick to point out that LR has not made a single misstep since Tata took over. They've enjoyed the best financial and design success in the brand's history. That may not ring true for the staunch off-road enthusiast, but they are killing it.
It's also important to note that I don't sense that LR is in this for the competition. They don't see Wranglers and 4Runners as competition. They just see opportunities to service the buyers already purchasing their product as fast as LR can make it. They're more than confident they'll sell every new Defender they make. Quickly.
After speaking with these LR guys, all of whom are avid off-road drivers, their confidence in the new truck gives me confidence in the new truck.
Silvanus
Observer
Sad, with this change 85% of the population who rely on LR D series trucks won't be able to afford the revamped D series rovers.
Lots of small villages rely on these robust trucks, and with this reboot the " Green Oval " is no longer Global but Secular!
Hopefully the Japanese won't follow suit, and still provide affordable, reliable, robust trucks for the rest of population under the " Green Belt " !
Lots of small villages rely on these robust trucks, and with this reboot the " Green Oval " is no longer Global but Secular!
Hopefully the Japanese won't follow suit, and still provide affordable, reliable, robust trucks for the rest of population under the " Green Belt " !