New Defender News

So the last check of the Ineos cost in 2019 was an estimated conversion rate of $37k-$56k; last month Ineos press release said they plan to build 25k units per year starting in 2021. What's of interest is, INEOS also failed to elaborate and actually didn't even mention cost and said it is undetermined but said to be "comparable and affordable"; what does that mean? Is it expected that Ineos is hammering through the global meltdown while the rest of the planet seeks major setbacks due to economic shift and pandemic; Brexit, etc? JLR only produced 19k Defenders in its last year and I believe 1988 is the only year that around 25k Defenders were produced. So then there is the logistics of building a niche vehicle in a niche market where Ineos even admits that it's expected to target the occasional off-roader; the Ineos engineering is in Germany, chassis and body from Portugal, Aussie BMW engines and then assembled in Britain. So global stats PROVE that and Ineos admits the vast majority of Defender owners were of the industrial and agricultural realm and over the last 10.5 years have shifted from Defender style SUV's to pick-up trucks. Old Defenders were still coming off the production line in 2016 so every farmer and enthusiast on the planet should be driving the old Defender that the global markets regulated out of common sense manufacturing sense.

On that note, INEOS is a niche market and even Jim Ratcliff states that the vast majority of his sales are targeted at people who are currently driving high end performance vehicles and luxury market. Not to mention, Ineos has almost zero automotive manufacturing experience; only one new manufacturer as made the global push in the last decade with legit numbers and that has been Tesla; data shows how long that took for them to finally nail it down and they build and control 100% of their design, engineering, manufacturing of products in house in just a few feet from each other.

Rumor on the street is a D80 will be somewhere in the $30k+ USD range in 2021 and that was released to CarandDriver from JLR during the December release jargon to compete with similar sized SUV which may take over Evoque sales to some degree.

Ineos is more on the lines of DeLorean when it comes to a reality; the numbers and the markets don't jive for global distribution and "accessibility" to the overwhelming majority of us "commoners". Safety and green regulation work hand in hand when being successful as a global vehicle and Ineos will never make it in the US on mass numbers off today's regulations; they do not stand a chance for tomorrow. I don't mean DeLorean on the sense of failure, but on the sense of accessibility and reality of this vehicle being a game changer in the global market like some think JLR got so wrong. Sure, they will sell, and they will not be at the price or the quality, or timeframe for the first years just due to the self-imposed econonomica, global trade, and logistical constraints Ineos created for themselves.

I'm pretty sure JLR saw that on the wall when they stopped building a Defender that the world regulatory authorities didn't want, hasn't allowed (NAS Defenders) and wouldn't allow. The old Defender would have needed a complete redesign to meet current and future safety, and green rules to remain relevant and legally/globally distributable for the next five years, ten years, etc.

Oh wait; it did get that redesign to allow that growth!

Again, we can't even get a 2020 Toyota LC into the United States to meet green and safety rules; the vehicle I would definitely be buying if it were available here. JLR and Toyota both wrote off the US market in this fashion with a vehicle that meets the specs many of you want because it can't be done with an effective approach that is sustainable; the last stand is the Aussie market and even there seems it looks only short term as regulations continues its death squeeze.

So the big OEM's couldn't make it happen but we should believe Ineos has seemed to nail it with a vehicle that has "0" vehicles coming off the production line during the most globally complicated economic and trade times we've seen to date?

Buy an Arkonik now; a 25 year old luxury rebuild of the exact vehicle you want cuz you'll be long aged or dead by the time you're behind the wheel of an Ineos in the US.
 
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Paddler Ed

Adventurer
So then there is the logistics of building a niche vehicle in a niche market where Ineos even admits that it's expected to target the occasional off-roader; the Ineos engineering is in Germany, chassis and body from Portugal, Aussie BMW engines and then assembled in Britain.

I don't think you mean Aussie BMW engines.... I think you mean Austrian.... bit of a difference...
 
@Paddler Ed you are correct; definitely Austrian....lol

On that note, it changes nothing to my opinion on Ineos; I'd love to see them succeed to build that vehicle but it will never be globally accessible or viable for the average commoner like so many think it is.

Do I take my Ineos to BMW for warranty service because the closest Ineos service center is most likely by boat; the same one that might have delivered it to the US if it ever does get here.
 
No one claimed they would be successful, which doesn't matter. What does matter, is it's rare a vehicle misses the mark so substantially that it spawns a serious effort to do it right.

What the F does that even mean; success "doesn't matter" but the fact that someone is building a 20 year old vehicle with a modern engine is the serious effort to do it right?

I can find 20-30 pages of guys on this forum doing that exact same thing with Defenders; its called customization and these are the innovators, not some multi-billionaire who is picking up on someone else's design and slapping a modern engine in it and getting blind followers like yourself to believe they are the next coming of Christ. You ********** about JLR marketing and getting new Defender followers and Ineos is nothing but advertising; they have zero metrics of an actual vehicle and you follow up with "successful doesn't matter, its the effort that counts" paraphrased of course. The righteousness and delusion of the "JLR hurt feelings club" is hilarious because you didn't get the Defender to look the way you wanted it. Bronco guys are doing it too, Corvette guys, Camaro, Mopar, and blah blah. Nobody liked the new Charger when it first came out cuz it wasn't legacy; had 3 times the ponies, a true suspension, similar looks but not all, and angry eyes; argue its not a better "Charger" in every fashion of progression.

Hilarious that your thought process is so delusional on the New Defender that you think because someone picked up on an old design is like him saving the world from a water crisis or some crap; with the New Defender, the world shall go on. If that is your measure success, or should I say failure, then Ineos completely missed the mark because what are they actually fixing on the old Defender that millions of owners have spent 40 years changing, modifying, upgrading, or customizing that JLR didn't do right on the OG Defender.

You know the BMW engine that is going in the thing is from BMW car line and it's 100% electronically controlled with a ton of ECU's that you claim is garbage and overly complicated in the new Defender? Has BMW ever been known for its off-road innovation, reliability, and success in austere environments that "legacy Defenders" are known to thrive outside of their one-off DAKAR vehicles? How many of these global operators of the legacy Defender are stuffing high-end electronically controlled engines in them; much less saying it's gonna be a BMW I put under my hood; how is Ineos changing the game again?

So in that case, JLR "IS" making a D90 with no frills, no EAS, will be locked all around, comes with Petrol and Diesel options, a fully encaged crash worthy vehicle, can fit 33" off-road tires, has weatherproof exterior and interior, fords 36" of water, approach/break/departure angles galore, stops on a dime, can cruise 75-80mph all day long, hits the trail and is electronically locked up on around with one of the best TC systems ever built, will run the nuts off an Ineos in 90% of the environments they will ever see and JLR got it all wrong over Ineos? Oh, and JLR price point says by 2021 will be in the same ballpark price point as the Ineos, comes with a global warranty and I can order it anyway I want; sounds like JLR got it right by your measure but missed the mark on the personal preference on looks in your eyes.

Because it doesn't have the exact same look, and no live front axle; JLR missed it completely that the rich man will save us all........
 
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EricTyrrell

Expo God
What the F does that even mean...

It means what I said, which again was "The obvious refute to this is the existence of the INEOS project". Where did I say they were destined to be a runaway success and put LR out of business? I didn't. They're attempting to build a modern Defender, because JLR's attempt is the disappointing vision of a dandy who dislikes off-roading. Will they be successful? Who knows. I'm just glad they flipped LR the bird with their trademark case.

I've said it before, the new fashion Defender will be a good option for overlanders if it is reliable and ships with 18s. However, it's still a joke in the context of being of a Defender successor. Go check out the actual Defender forums, they hate it, but they don't hate everything as so many Namibia vacationers and YouTube talking-heads would have you believe. When the new Bronco comes up in discussion, it's basically a "Hmm. Not bad. Why is LR so dumb?", not a "This is going to suck too!" It is not a community of unilateral dismissal of all modern products, but one of judgement based on common values.

Arkonik? Here we go again with the two dimensional thought. :rolleyes:

Anyways, we don't need another "The new Pretender sucks" thread. There's plenty. This was just a response to that dumb video reviewer who can't see beyond two visions and complains that it's uncomfortable on the road.
 
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soflorovers

Well-known member
Hmm...maybe a Defender SVX in the works, since the Discovery SVX was canceled?

Very interesting. JLR has announced that they're finally going to stop production of the AJV8 later this year (A motor that has been in production in one way or form since 1996!). JLR has also stated that an end to production doesn't necessarily mean that they won't have stockpiles of that motor to place into new vehicles, but it does make you wonder... will it be the 5.0 or will it be a new BMW 4.4? Exhaust looks very similar to this BMW-engined L405 mule.

Personally, I love the AJV8, and more than half of the cars I've had the pleasure of owning have had some derivative of the AJ motor, whether as an 8 CYL NA, 8 CYL SC or 6CYL SC. The AJ series is a great motor (as long as you stay on top of oil intervals and don't overheat it), so I'd be very happy to see it stay. That said, I just don't see JLR keeping that motor around since it's not exactly very efficient in 6 or 8 cyl guise (my FType P340 averages about 16 MPG). A BMW twin turbo V8 would be vastly superior in terms of fuel efficiency and power, given the figures we're seeing from the new TT BMW motors. Furthermore, a shift to BMW powertrains would likely lower future parts costs and increase aftermarket/replacement parts availability down the road. My one concern is that BMW motors aren't exactly known for their longevity or ease of maintenance. Almost every single BMW motor since the early 2000's has had some major flaw.

 
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@DieselRanger I agree with you for the most part, however, BMW over a ten year period is at the top of the list for the most expensive repair costs per vehicle. Like I said, under JLR warranty, I'm not concerned. However, its convenient that Ineos is so innovated that they when down the same path as JLR with BMW engines; this begs to offer the question that is JLR so wrong like everyone says and if so, the new innovator that is soooooooooo much better than JLR is using the same thought process.

The numbers do not lie; BMW is rated as one of the highest maintenance cost vehicles and only because they decided to extend their warranty and eat the cost products does it allow them to show improvement of cost. The cycles have not changed; its just BMW eating the cost now over the consumer unit the warranty expires.

Again, where do I service my Ineos because it has a BMW engine and computers, a Portugal chassis, German assembly and no support in the USA for the fraction of the vehicles it will get here if any? When I get a "limp mode" CEL, who do I call and what do I get for a loaner when I'm waiting on Ineos to fix my shiny new 1980 techno Defender with a new BMW electronically controlled engine and body control modules? Anyone?
 

Colin Hughes

Explorer
Yup, agreed, any of the BMW's that went through our household always had higher repair bills than the Rovers. The vehicle that surprised me the most though was my wife's Mercedes 240. I did over her period of ownership have to replace all the coil springs at different times, she didn't quite grasp the concept that it couldn't be driven like her previous RRC, but except for that and some small items, it was pretty much just oil changes. I do miss the 1986 euro spec 320i, 5 speed we had for a while. That was one fun car to drive.
 

mpinco

Expedition Leader
Given that the auto industry is virtually shut down I'm surprised anyone is arguing over the new Defender. Manufacturing in shut down. JLR furloughed half their corporate staff. The just announced they are putting 40% of U.S. staff on paid leave, suspending co-op advertising. Also attempting to set up a virtual sales model. Wouldn't be surprised to see some buyers now fail to qualify for financing.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see 2020 model orders delayed and moved to 2021 model designation although changes would be minimal as suppliers are also shut down.

One aspect of the worlds response to covid-19, the economic lockdowns, virtually killed product launches. What we will likely now see is the simultaneous launch of several new 2021 models, all in roughly the same month. The Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco will launch simultaneously.
 

umbertob

Adventurer
The D110 I had ordered in early February, originally scheduled for delivery here on the US West Coast in late May / early June (the expected build date was supposedly 4/3, but obviously that date came and went as the Nitra plant shut down in mid-March) is now rescheduled for delivery in early July - according to my local dealer. The plant in Slovakia should reopen any day now.
 

catmann

Active member
Oh boy, let the fun begin! The first few months of a new launch are always a fun time as people discover little quirks, annoyances, fun Easter Eggs, etc.
 

merrion13

Member
I'm told my 110 (pre-ordered last year) is now produced and still scheduled for delivery in Colorado first week of July. Slovakia plant re-opens on May 10th, so about time for many more to start hitting the roads.
 

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