The Defender discontinued

[Ray_G]

I guess I'm not as wound up about the end of the era as many, perhaps that's b/c I know plenty of series folks who think anything coil sprung isn't a real Rover (so the line doesn't go back to 48, but rather 83). I can also distinctly recall many Defenders folks quibbling that 110's and 90's were not Defenders until that badging changed mid production. So the nostalgia for me is a bit trite I guess.

I also take exception to the idea that the Defender was/is the AK-47 of the automotive world. Perhaps for a time the Land Rover Series and some of the Defenders were, but in the modern era (i.e. lets say since ~1990) I would say Toyota has that locked up pretty good with the Hilux.

I'd also challenge the 'golden era' notion of Land Rover as being when they had the RRC, Discovery, and Defender. Those were rough times for Rover, with the Disco barely keeping them alive. Current sales now illustrate a far healthier corporation, and while many bemoan the technology and some of the antics I still think out of the box they provide an excellent product; and they will do things with it other companies don't (TAT, Round the World Discovery, etc).

But don't let me be the turd in the glorification punch bowl!
r-
Ray

 

[Mack73]

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.

I can reiterate this point. I spent a day with a guy from Special Vehicles (been around since the series I) and he said Land Rover has never been in a better position now that they are under Tata - and he really meant it. I have complete confidence they won't screw this one up.... My D3 is up for replacement in the next couple years and I'm really hoping its a new defender that replaces it. But if they do screw it up - I guess I'm done too. I'll get an old Disco I and remember the good old days of Camel Trophy.

 

[99Discovery]

All good insider info, thanks for posting.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the new rovers, and ditching the aluminum Buick V8 was their best decision ever (too bad it was unreliable, as it's torque curve is really quite nice for off-roading).

What I don't like is are the single-speed transfer case rovers and I think omitting the low range in the LR4 is a mistake. Sure, it's not a mistake for the original buyer.....how many of us have had seized up D1 or D2 shifters? But Land Rover has built quite the reputation off of the secondary buyer who actually uses it off-road once it depreciates.

It's encouraging that the new Defender will maintain solid axles (IFS/IRS isn't bad if done right, but it is usually not heavy duty enough from the factory) and that they have the right target in mind.

That said, if they are aiming at the G-Wagon (which is also solid front and rear) and set the U.S. MSRP at $120k, it's pretty much dead-on-arrival for most of us in the US. If they price around that of a top-of-the-line JK Rubicon, there is hope one will be in my garage in the near future (after I get my L322 of course...)

Thanks again for the good news. I was worried for awhile that we'd get the DC100 with essentially a 2015 Jeep Cherokee drivetrain...

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Expect a butch looking, reskinned Evoque with offroad tires and you won't be disappointed in the next Defender when it is finally unveiled.

 

[XJLI]

Expect a butch looking, reskinned Evoque with offroad tires and you won't be disappointed in the next Defender when it is finally unveiled.

I actually wouldn't mind that.