New Defender Rage/Hate Thread

umbertob

Adventurer
@mpinco you might know if the systems are similar, but of course I’d be open to answers from anyone — Does the new defender, properly equipped, allow me to manually lock either the front or rear diffs if I want to? I know it’s all electronically controlled, but can I hit a button on my HUD/control panel/whatever and keep my diffs locked, or is this a decision that is always up to the algorithms?

When properly equipped with both off-road packs (Off-road pack with rear lockers and Advanced Off-road pack with Configurable TR), yes. There is no front locking diff in the Defender though, so you can lock center and rear ones only, the choices being Automatic (the default - the electronics decide), Center locked (the electronics decide how and when to lock the rear) or both center and rear locked.
 

ChasingOurTrunks

Well-known member
Thanks @Carson G and @umbertob, that’s exactly the kind of info I wanted. The Defender might work pretty good for my application in this regard then. I do like the idea of a switchable front locker, though. I wonder what the aftermarket will come up with and how (if) that works with the existing systems.
 

mpinco

Expedition Leader
@mpinco you might know if the systems are similar, but of course I’d be open to answers from anyone — Does the new defender, properly equipped, allow me to manually lock either the front or rear diffs if I want to? I know it’s all electronically controlled, but can I hit a button on my HUD/control panel/whatever and keep my diffs locked, or is this a decision that is always up to the algorithms?

My current rig also relies on wheel slip before a locker engages (GMC with a G80 autolocker, so a mechanical system and not an electric one). It works well, especially when I underestimate how much traction I will have and thus am caught a bit off guard, but I would prefer to manually lock diffs from time to time.

The new Luxury Defender does not have front locking diff. Only center and rear if optioned. Probably the same as the LR4 with the addition to override the terrain response system and manually lock them. In reality you could get there in the LR4 by selecting the appropriate terrain mode. The new Defender is basically improvements to the software algorithms of the LR4 and now just about every auto manufacturer. The new Ford Bronco will offer "7" modes!
 
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Blaise

Well-known member
The new Defender is basically improvements to the software algorithms of the LR4

And by 'basically' he means he's guessing, as he (nor any of us) have access to the engineering drawings and control systems layouts for either truck. And that's of course ignoring the improved geometries and tire sizes, 1000lb weight drop, new powertrains, etc etc etc. You know, things that all hugely impact capability. But welcome to this thread, where facts are suspended and the only thing that matters is I DONT LIKE HOW IT LOOKS lolllll. Why aren't these clowns over on bronco6g.com?

Thanks @Carson G and @umbertob, that’s exactly the kind of info I wanted. The Defender might work pretty good for my application in this regard then. I do like the idea of a switchable front locker, though. I wonder what the aftermarket will come up with and how (if) that works with the existing systems.

The idea of a front locker is nice, sure. But do you need one? The TC system on the rovers is exceptionally good. My LR3 has a rear locker and it just means I have zero drama in low-traction situations. And apparently drama is something folks in this thread can't handle any of.
 

mpinco

Expedition Leader
For those new to Land Rover, simply look at the newest Range Rover to understand where the rest of the product line is going. Features are introduced on the RR and rolled out to other models over time. For the 2021RR:

"..........The Range Rover continues to take the Land Rover brand’s legendary all-terrain capabilities to new heights with its innovative technologies and four wheel drive system. The vehicle’s four wheel drive capability is managed by a two-speed transfer case, which features a smart actuator controlled via a multi-plate clutch. An available Active Rear Locking Differential is designed to further improve traction, while Adaptive Dynamics provides continuously variable damping for a supple and composed ride in a variety of conditions3.

Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) utilizes variable ratio speed-sensitive assistance is designed to deliver a relaxed and natural driving experience.

Core to the Range Rover SUV’s off-road capabilities is Land Rover Terrain Response® 2 technology. Drivers are able to choose between Comfort, Dynamic, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and Eco modes – with the vehicle’s suspension and ride settings automatically fine-tuned for each. Auto mode is designed to choose the most appropriate setting for the conditions3.

Eco mode also provides guidance to the driver on how to improve efficiency, while minimizing electrical power consumption. It softens the throttle pedal response, modifies the gearshift patterns and switches off the heating for the door mirrors, steering wheel and seats3.........
."

The last paragraph is where Land Rover is investing the limited resources.
 

mpinco

Expedition Leader
Wow, amazing inside info. Again based on..... your ability to make things up!

The progression of features from RR to LR has been a constant over decades. It makes perfect sense since RR is where the higher margins can be realized to pay for the R&D. JLR has already begun the move from mechanical design to EV/Electrical/IT with employee redundancies in the former and press releases of the latter. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Then add in $8 Billion in new debt, a owner (Tata Motors) who has been characterized as ZERO financial value, moves to delete models, new CEO and the clear overt move to a partnership model to survive.

As for traction control, its the same system that's been in production since the RR, later intro'd on the DII and slowly improved over the years. Higher sampling rate and more "modes". Basically reverse ABS. Every auto manufacturer now has some variation of the same strategy. Maybe the G doesn't have electronic modes and Ineos has said they would also not rely on reverse-ABS. We shall see.
 

JeepColorado

Well-known member
And by 'basically' he means he's guessing, as he (nor any of us) have access to the engineering drawings and control systems layouts for either truck. And that's of course ignoring the improved geometries and tire sizes, 1000lb weight drop, new powertrains, etc etc etc. You know, things that all hugely impact capability. But welcome to this thread, where facts are suspended and the only thing that matters is I DONT LIKE HOW IT LOOKS lolllll. Why aren't these clowns over on bronco6g.com?



The idea of a front locker is nice, sure. But do you need one? The TC system on the rovers is exceptionally good. My LR3 has a rear locker and it just means I have zero drama in low-traction situations. And apparently drama is something folks in this thread can't handle any of.


Speaking of bronco6g.com.... there's been so much demand for the Bronco Ford has doubled the amount of the First Editions



What is that saying about how people vote with their dollars in a capitalistic society?
 

roving1

Well-known member
One thing I am surprised by is the T/C of the Defender doesn't seem to be any better, and maybe worse at times, than a humble vehicle like a Suzuki Jimny or a Jeep Cherokee KL. The Jimny's T/C definitely has a lag but it is a consistent lag which makes predictable driving possible. I don't really like anything about the Jeep Cherokee KL platform personally but I have seen the T/C do some amazing things. The Defender just seems to do whatever the hell it wants when it feels like it. It gets the job done but it sure isn't confidence inspiring from a 3rd person viewpoint. Maybe everyone is in the wrong mode or something. I would expect next level T/C for the development and spec of the Defender. It's early days still but I am not seeing it in the videos I have watched so far.
 

JeepColorado

Well-known member
Meanwhile, at JLWranglerForums.com Jeep just continues to offer the same boring old Wrangler....

 

JeepColorado

Well-known member
One thing I am surprised by is the T/C of the Defender doesn't seem to be any better, and maybe worse at times, than a humble vehicle like a Suzuki Jimny or a Jeep Cherokee KL. The Jimny's T/C definitely has a lag but it is a consistent lag which makes predictable driving possible. I don't really like anything about the Jeep Cherokee KL platform personally but I have seen the T/C do some amazing things. The Defender just seems to do whatever the hell it wants when it feels like it. It gets the job done but it sure isn't confidence inspiring from a 3rd person viewpoint. Maybe everyone is in the wrong mode or something. I would expect next level T/C for the development and spec of the Defender. It's early days still but I am not seeing it in the videos I have watched so far.


When some of the 1st videos started coming out there were some who thought maybe the people driving just didn't know what they were doing. As more of these videos look similar- the lunging, the start, stop at random, I don't know. It does seem that in a lot of these videos there's a lot of unpredictability out of the Defender.
 

Carson G

Well-known member
One thing I am surprised by is the T/C of the Defender doesn't seem to be any better, and maybe worse at times, than a humble vehicle like a Suzuki Jimny or a Jeep Cherokee KL. The Jimny's T/C definitely has a lag but it is a consistent lag which makes predictable driving possible. I don't really like anything about the Jeep Cherokee KL platform personally but I have seen the T/C do some amazing things. The Defender just seems to do whatever the hell it wants when it feels like it. It gets the job done but it sure isn't confidence inspiring from a 3rd person viewpoint. Maybe everyone is in the wrong mode or something. I would expect next level T/C for the development and spec of the Defender. It's early days still but I am not seeing it in the videos I have watched so far.
The traction control is adjustable. You can control how much wheel slip you want. To me it looks like people are leaving the TC in the lest aggressive setting. I’ve seen D5’s do similar terrain as some of the videos of the Defender show and they don’t spin at all.
 

Carson G

Well-known member
When some of the 1st videos started coming out there were some who thought maybe the people driving just didn't know what they were doing. As more of these videos look similar- the lunging, the start, stop at random, I don't know. It does seem that in a lot of these videos there's a lot of unpredictability out of the Defender.
My guess is improper TC setup in combination with the touchy brakes. Proper TC setup with ATPC enabled would make it much smoother.
 

roving1

Well-known member
The traction control is adjustable. You can control how much wheel slip you want. To me it looks like people are leaving the TC in the lest aggressive setting. I’ve seen D5’s do similar terrain as some of the videos of the Defender show and they don’t spin at all.

While possible, and a rational explanation, it isn't a good look when any moron can jump in a lesser vehicle and just go on baseline settings.
 

DieselRanger

Well-known member
One thing I am surprised by is the T/C of the Defender doesn't seem to be any better, and maybe worse at times, than a humble vehicle like a Suzuki Jimny or a Jeep Cherokee KL. The Jimny's T/C definitely has a lag but it is a consistent lag which makes predictable driving possible. I don't really like anything about the Jeep Cherokee KL platform personally but I have seen the T/C do some amazing things. The Defender just seems to do whatever the hell it wants when it feels like it. It gets the job done but it sure isn't confidence inspiring from a 3rd person viewpoint. Maybe everyone is in the wrong mode or something. I would expect next level T/C for the development and spec of the Defender. It's early days still but I am not seeing it in the videos I have watched so far.
Hard to see the driver's feet in most of the videos. And, as with any new technology, there's a learning curve associated with things like turning the knobs on the adjustable diff, TC, and throttle behavior.
 

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