yubert
Explorer
FYI - Here's some 2WD drive Wranglers
http://www.jeep.com/hostc/bmo/models.do?modelYearCode=CUJ200907
http://www.jeep.com/hostc/bmo/models.do?modelYearCode=CUJ200907
End of the world
- Thread starter R_Lefebvre
- Start date
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
LOL
Land Rover dealers in the 70's wore dress clothes.
Personally, I thought it was a bit silly all the salespeople wearing outdoor gear at Land Rover Buckhead. But then again, they wanted to sell an image. A "lifestyle".
To them, marketing the "lifestyle" is more important than knowing Land Rover sold 5-speed Discoveries and Defenders in the US (which I found out when I called them about replacing the clutch in my Discovery).
In '93 I applied for a sales job at a Land Rover dealer and part of the interview was a mock sales pitch on my part. I was told specifically that I didn't get the job because I focused on the actual capabilities of the vehicles, rather than the image they present.
I can only speak for myself, but I wasn't offended, I just thought it was funny. It'll be interesting to see how the chassis that's the most robust ever made fares as the platform for one of these
Who said anything about sticking with 1970's technology?
FYI, Land Rover made some 2WD models. In any case, I'd much rather see a 2WD Defender available for those who need a truck, but not 4WD, than see the Defender go the way of the Discovery 3 or Discovery 4.
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R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I don't think anybody was offended, just incredulous. I agree that the technology has improved greatly, but I don't know if I would claim that the frame was "more robust". Lighter? Probably. Stiffer? Yes. Strong... I don't know. "Robust?" Definitely not.
what production vehicle did LR make in 2wd? If you go to a jeep dealer in an area of the country that does not get lots of snow for example GA or even FL most Wranglers on the lot will be 2wd. I don't believe people buy Jeeps because of the 4wd history. Folks buy Wranglers because they are the only Co. that provides a soft top suv. and they look cool, even in 2wd. Teenagers and college kids don't really have a great knowledge of the jeep 4wd history. And lets face it that is who buys Wranglers for the most part.
as for the chassis robustness question. The LR3 frame is not lighter but heavier than previous frames. It is stronger and more rigid.
I think you guys should go see an LR3 cutaway to appreciate the qaulity and strength of the frame. Also with the new hydro forming technology the frame can shaped to fit multiple wheel bases and uses. It can also be strategically strenghthened were needed using minimal welding. So a D130 with a crane or a dumper body could have a frame made exclusively for that application with the extra strength needed without resorting to welding on extra pieces as you would have to do now with a Def. frame.
Tom I would not judge an entire dealership because you happened to speak to one person that did not know that D1's were sold with 5 speed transmissions 12 to 15 years ago. I would imagine that Toyota dealer personal would have no clue about 70's, 80's and early 1990's LC's. As for not hiring you as a sales person, well you probably just did not fit in with what they wanted. I can tell you for sure that 4wd knowledge and LR history is required by LR corp. when giving a sales presentation to a customer. There is no "lifestyle" requirement.
It is OK to admit that even though the new LR's are driven mostly by Soccer moms and Cougars they are still worthy 4x4's. Land Rover realizes the importance of this fact even if others don't.
as for the chassis robustness question. The LR3 frame is not lighter but heavier than previous frames. It is stronger and more rigid.
I think you guys should go see an LR3 cutaway to appreciate the qaulity and strength of the frame. Also with the new hydro forming technology the frame can shaped to fit multiple wheel bases and uses. It can also be strategically strenghthened were needed using minimal welding. So a D130 with a crane or a dumper body could have a frame made exclusively for that application with the extra strength needed without resorting to welding on extra pieces as you would have to do now with a Def. frame.
Tom I would not judge an entire dealership because you happened to speak to one person that did not know that D1's were sold with 5 speed transmissions 12 to 15 years ago. I would imagine that Toyota dealer personal would have no clue about 70's, 80's and early 1990's LC's. As for not hiring you as a sales person, well you probably just did not fit in with what they wanted. I can tell you for sure that 4wd knowledge and LR history is required by LR corp. when giving a sales presentation to a customer. There is no "lifestyle" requirement.
It is OK to admit that even though the new LR's are driven mostly by Soccer moms and Cougars they are still worthy 4x4's. Land Rover realizes the importance of this fact even if others don't.
Blueboy
Adventurer
the 2003 110 I had while living in Brasil was equipped with the typical R380 and LT230 - nothing sourced local.
the 300tdi was by International and manufactured in Argentina.
basically the Defenders were assembled by Karmann for LR in Sao Paulo in a fairly small plant.
there was local content, yet, the main idea was to beat the 100% tax put on imported new vehicles from outside so they were assembled in Brasil.
coolest part was though the ability to produce special editions such as a CT 110 or a G4 which they did.
what got me was it had to be profitable as the labor cost in Brasil is very low.
it was a sad day when the plant closed.
Jaime
JSBriggs
Adventurer
Yorker
Adventurer
there are a bunch of them here in the states, some fellow on Long Island had some for sale, there is one near here a collector owns, also on the Rovers North board there was some fellow who bought one last year and converted it to 4X4 I believe he posted pics of the original front axle and nontransfer case.
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
Scott Brady
Founder
Allow me to introduce you to the Jeep Rubicon...
And the Mercedes G-Wagen
Land Rovers are exceptional vehicles, but no one vehicle is exceptional at everything. There is no Best 4x4xFar. An LR3 could not follow a Jeep Rubicon even a hundred yards into the Rubicon Trail, just like a Jeep Rubicon could not keep up with an LR3 on a rally course. It is all a compromise, one that each of us makes based on our own needs. I ride a KTM, and drive a Discovery I, and do so eyes wide open to their faults, but even with their faults, I would not likely pick anything different...
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
Yeah, but I do have photos in a book of the SII's.