Land Rover has just announced the new 2007 Defender. As you can see, it doesn't stray too far from the original, both visually and mechanically. It does get a new 6-speed tranny, a new 2.4L CRD diesel, and a much improved interior.
Unlike the "styled" FJ Cruiser, I see this as being about as honest, to-the-point design, as you can get...
Best of all, the LR—and again, unlike the FJ—has great rear outward visibility. Now why couldn't have Toyota done the same? And, as to being "cool," this is every bit as cool as the FJ...
I'm not wild about LR sticking with solid axles here, but I can understand why. I would have much preferred seeing an IFS/IRS, something like that found on the new LR3. That's probably just too expensive an item for the intended audience, and the durability is still an unanswered question for prolonged and severe conditions, under which the Defender is expected to encounter on a daily basis.
At the moment there is no word as to whether it will be sold here.
Snippet: As Dave Saddington, Defender chief designer points out, "Defender's timeless exterior has become synonymous with functional design. Every line and surface seems to be linked to the vehicle's extraordinary capability, so we deliberately changed very little.
"But the interior's a different story. We wanted to change the heating system and instruments, as well as improve ergonomics, all of which gave us the opportunity to introduce an all-new facia. In doing so, we've worked hard to reflect Defender's unique purpose and versatility inside the vehicle too. The new facia is better integrated, more robust and functionally superior to the old unit, whilst still entirely in keeping with Defender's character."
I'm not wild about LR sticking with solid axles here, but I can understand why. I would have much preferred seeing an IFS/IRS, something like that found on the new LR3. That's probably just too expensive an item for the intended audience, and the durability is still an unanswered question for prolonged and severe conditions, under which the Defender is expected to encounter on a daily basis.
At the moment there is no word as to whether it will be sold here.
Snippet: As Dave Saddington, Defender chief designer points out, "Defender's timeless exterior has become synonymous with functional design. Every line and surface seems to be linked to the vehicle's extraordinary capability, so we deliberately changed very little.
"But the interior's a different story. We wanted to change the heating system and instruments, as well as improve ergonomics, all of which gave us the opportunity to introduce an all-new facia. In doing so, we've worked hard to reflect Defender's unique purpose and versatility inside the vehicle too. The new facia is better integrated, more robust and functionally superior to the old unit, whilst still entirely in keeping with Defender's character."
ateixeira says:
07:29 AM, 08/23/06
It's not retro design, it's just old. But in a cool way.
I like them but I wonder if they've let it age a bit too much. It's too industrial for US tastes. But then again, it might be a hit with the "counter-culture" folks that want to go back to simpler times.
For a price, of course. ;-)
rsholland says:
09:14 AM, 08/23/06
I think the American audience is probably the last on their list of prospective customers. This is aimed at 3rd-world environments first. That's why it looks the way it does. It's 100% function and 0% style.
navigator89 says:
08:05 AM, 08/24/06
This looks really cool just because of the old styling. I'd choose it over the FJ an Wrangler. Only problem is the reliability.......
fourx4ever says:
08:04 AM, 08/25/06
Ok this is cool. And as far as solid axles go, I love them for off-road. They are stronger, can articulate MUCH better and lifting is easy and not expensive. IFS and IRS just suck for hard core off-road. I think LR will hit a home run with the hard core off-roaders.
Now this is some more serious competition for the Wranger Rubicon than the FJ will ever be.
Can we order the new defender with front and back lockers, a 60:1 or better crawl ratio and full skid plates? I hope so!
mercedesman1 says:
01:37 PM, 08/25/06
A little too Land Rover Discovery II...wich i'm considering bying one any opinions on that?
tom79au says:
05:22 AM, 09/11/06
Why the hell would the author wanna ruin a car like that with an IFS/IRS?
Does he realise IFS and IRS are only good for onroad comfort?
Solid axle is much better in terms of articulation etc.... offroad...
And it's one of the few things these days that seperate a true offroad from a city biased 4wd....
Hope The DEFENDER and the wrangler HOLD out as long as they can, with solid axles!!