New Defender Concept

[Dendy Jarrett]

The other thing worth mentioning (that I don't like)- is they went the way of chrysler with the "gangster" low rise windows all round. (think H2).
The thing I have always enjoyed about the Discover and the Range rover is the "green house" effect of Land Rovers. Since we are outdoor enthusiast, it gives so much visibility- and now they are "squashing" that affect.
D

 

[Wander]

I am surprised that alpine windows were left off the concept vehicle. I see that the roof has a small step to it so if alpine windows were added it would help tie in the old and new. The roof step could also be enlarged to help the design, as Dendy mentioned one of the great aspect of LR's is the cabin greenhouse. The first thing people mention when they climb in my DI is how light filled and expansive it is inside.

 

[Rocket Ship]

The other thing worth mentioning (that I don't like)- is they went the way of chrysler with the "gangster" low rise windows all round. (think H2).
The thing I have always enjoyed about the Discover and the Range rover is the "green house" effect of Land Rovers. Since we are outdoor enthusiast, it gives so much visibility- and now they are "squashing" that affect.
D

I agree with that 100%. If I had the Photoshop skills, I'd increase the greenhouse 30%, see how that looks.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'm not saying that this is the truck that I want, either. But, we are not the target market.

I agree with you there. I own a 14 year old Discovery with 105k, I'm not part of the focus groups.

 

[Rob O]

My DC120 concept is coming along ...

We'll make the modern design look like a proper Defender-for-the-future.

Work in progress. Tomorrow I'll do lighting and maybe try putting some gear in the rack. Side steps / rock rails as well.

From this (official Land Rover press rendering)

To this, my first go at making a 4-door version from the above image (I'm calling it DC120)

Photochop - Land Rover "DC120" Defender Concept ... by Rob Overcash Photography (robotography), on Flickr

To this. Lifted, same wheels but with more rubber between them and the trail, front protection and roof rack/protection.

And I can do any color at this point.

 

[Pskhaat]

Next to nwoods, this guy doesn't hold a candle:

Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market. We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle. One thing's for sure, it's going to be an exciting journey, and we can't wait to get going.

Quite frankly that's the EXACT same BS I give at my job too.

• Loved the world over. Start with truth to set the stage.
• meeting the requirements of a changing global market. The only changing global market is their revenue and margin requirements, I assure you. It has nothing to do with adjusted demand for a "heritage" Defender.
• We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle. Name ONE person you think Rover will approach that will echo the majority of comments in this thread.
• exciting journey...can't wait to get going Classic optimism speech regularly used when trying to get more money from dicey business plan. Don't get me wrong, I think Rover should charge us out the you-know-what and be SWIMMING in $ if they produced the right product.

OK, with all of this said, I could not stand the DII and the LR3+, but they have grown on me over the years. Same with the LC100. I think it has potential, but a 2-door? The Camel Trophy generation is mid-30s+ in age and looking for a much bigger vehicle, IMNSHO.

 

[OBX Seafari]

D-bs

This so called Defender is offensive. I once heard that 75% of all Landys are still on the road today, not because their reliable, we all know they aren't, but because people love them and take care of them and keep them on the road.

Now I know they are changing it up to meet safety inspections but they should at least do the following as well:
1. Make sure the front and rear bumpers are easily removed for aftermarket products like ARBs Safari Bumper.
2. LEAVE THE AXLES SOLID. The only IFS I even remotely like is the Hummer H1.
3. Gutter Rails. It better have them.
5. Please don't offer a Union Jack as a roof scheme. It already looks Mini enough.

I plan on contacting Land Rover personally. I doubt it will do much. When they debuted the Evoque I was conacted and asked a bunch of questions because I am a Land Rover enthusiast. I told them it was an ugly p.o.s. and I'm sure the only people to buy them will be Victoria Beckham and the rest of the Nouveau Riche. Which was funny because when they held their release party the really did have Victoria Beckham debut it.

I guess the Discovery Series II will be our last true Land Rover 4x4. Now I guess we will all just have to twist little knobs and access our onboard computers to change the terrain. Just give me a Willys MB already. I'm sick of where they are taking the 4x4 market.

 

[nwoods]

Next to nwoods, this guy doesn't hold a candle:

LOL! I hope you realize I offered my "defensive marketing" comment was with tongue firmly in cheek.

[*]We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle. Name ONE person you think Rover will approach that will echo the majority of comments in this thread.

Well, certainly not Victoria Beckham

 

[Pskhaat]

Rob O, good work, can you stretch the wheelbase and storage area in the back? I'd like to see...

 

[SCRover]

Rob O, good work, can you stretch the wheelbase and storage area in the back? I'd like to see...

ditto on the effort and the request. i'd love to see it in white, too! oooh, this is sooo exciting!

 

[haven]

"...75% of all Landys are still on the road today"

I believe the line is, "85% of Land Rovers are still on the road today. The other 15% managed to reach their destinations."

Pickups like the Toyota HiLux and VW Amarok have taken away the light utility market in Europe and around the world. I'm not sure why LR bothers to compete in that market segment. Even the British military have cut back on Defender purchases.

 

[LUISJG]

Thats like the uglyist thing I ever seen ,,,.............they should change the name to offender, ..
big insult to use the defender name on this piece of crap.


.

 

[ywen]

drop a toyota drivetrain into a defender.. possibly the best thing ever!

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

We'll make the modern design look like a proper Defender-for-the-future.

Work in progress. Tomorrow I'll do lighting and maybe try putting some gear in the rack. Side steps / rock rails as well.

From this (official Land Rover press rendering)

To this, my first go at making a 4-door version from the above image (I'm calling it DC120)

Photochop - Land Rover "DC120" Defender Concept ... by Rob Overcash Photography (robotography), on Flickr

To this. Lifted, same wheels but with more rubber between them and the trail, front protection and roof rack/protection.

And I can do any color at this point.

Can you level the truck out (suspension lift in the front!!)
I hate that sloped look.
: )

Nice work!!
D

 

[Scotty-1978]

Different!

Looking very FJ Cruiser to me!!!!

Is this a bad thing?????

The Defender as we know it will end and a completly different concept is the only way to please everyone!!! Here in the UK a lot more people hate the car than love the car. The concept of the car as is appeals but the reality of ownership is a different thing!

I love my 110 and will certainly always have one, but I understand that things move on. Here in the UK the number of Farmers for example driving MIT L200's and Nissan Nivara's is Large! Land Rover are way behind in this sector and until they are competitive in this area we may even loose the brand completely!

The main problem I see here is that the people that really love the current Defender will be so anti-change that their input will not matter to Land Rover!! I have always had a Land Rover and now as my post may suggest I work at Dealer level for Land Rover but all I see from older owners is negatives! Oh it's a Ford Transit engine!! Hang on one minute!!! I remember when people hated the TD5 engine as it was full of electrics! Now it seems that it is a great engine and that 'Puma' is the unwanted one!!!

I know that it's a little different in the States but That my view.

Scotty.