Limited Edition Land Rover Defender unveiled by Prindiville Design

• Limited Edition Land Rover Defender celebrates model debut in the Prindiville Collection.
• Only 25 individually-numbered vehicles available worldwide.
• Hand-assembled by Prindiville’s team of highly-skilled engineers.
• Power, cooling, and suspension upgrades by Defender specialist, Alive Tuning.
• Priced at £52,000 or $81,500 (excluding import tax and shipping).

Special Edition Land Rover Defender by Prindiville Design

London-based bespoke coachbuilder, Prindiville Design, has unveiled a new Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, designed to celebrate the debut of the model in their Collection which counts some of today’s most sought-after supercars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Aventador.

Restricted to only 25 units worldwide, and designed to offer individuality coupled with a superior level of comfort and practicality, the Limited Edition Land Rover is based on the latest Defender 90 Hard Top model, and hand-assembled by a team of highly skilled engineers at Prindiville’s UK manufacturing facility close to Silverstone, in-line with the customer’s bespoke interior and exterior specification. Enhancements to the suspension, braking system, cooling, and engine are undertaken by Defender specialists, Lincolnshire-based Alive Tuning, who has become renowned in their field for their extensive experience, unrivalled quality, and attention to detail.

The Limited Edition offers a choice of four different power upgrades, which gradually increase the output of the 2.4-litre TDi powerplant from 122 to 190 bhp. Coupled with the dual-range six speed transmission, which can be further upgraded to an automatic or tiptronic gearbox, and the additions of a high flow intercooler, silicone hoses, and turbocharger, this translates into a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100km/h) sprint of just 10 seconds, and a peak torque of 460Nm. The model is specified as standard with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, complete with a high performance braking system thanks to Prindiville’s bespoke six-pot callipers and sport discs. Custom designed and manufactured performance springs also allow greater vehicle speed and stability.

Each of the 25 customers are invited to specify a bespoke paint scheme in either a matt or metallic finish from Prindviille’s very own palette, thereby complementing the beautifully-designed exterior which boasts a number of features exclusive to the latest Limited Edition. These are namely a rear Prindiville signature badge, a titanium high performance sports exhaust, chrome side protection runners, LED front and rear headlamps, ribbed undershield, in addition to front and rear parking sensors and cameras, a world first for the Land Rover Defender.

The full leather interior is trimmed with the finest Italian hides, and superior comfort comes courtesy of Cobra sport seats dressed with hand-stitched piping. This is echoed in the matching leather steering wheel, alcantara driver and passenger carpets, and bespoke centre console storage unit, all built and tailored according to the owner’s colour selection. Each of the Limited Edition Defenders by Prindiville equally receives a dashboard-mounted numbered aluminium plaque commemorating the series in the coachbuilder’s prestigious collection.

The application of internal sound proofing significantly reduces road and engine noise, allowing occupants to enjoy the unsurpassed driving experience as well as the in-car entertainment and communication system. This comes as standard with a five-inch built-in LCD television interface providing access to wireless Internet, a DVD player, satellite navigation, 360-degree external vision, surround sound from four  loudspeakers, as well as a connection to any mobile handset and MP3 device via Bluetooth.

Commenting on the launch of the new Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, Alex Prindiville, Founder and Chief Designer of Prindiville Design, explains: “The Limited Edition Land Rover Defender is a truly unique proposition in that it offers a more refined, quiet, and comfortable environment comparable to that of high-end 4x4s. This is an uncompromised solution for either urban city driving or long-distance journeys. The significant interest which we have enjoyed to date will no doubt pave the way for further Land Rover or Range Rover customisations of a similar nature.”

The Limited Edition Land Rover Defender by Prindiville Design is available to order now at a cost of £52,000 or US$81,500 (excluding import taxes and shipping).

Source: 3D Car Shows

Land Rover Defender Special Editions by Twisted Performance

UK-based Land Rover specialist Twisted Performance claims to offer the perfect remedies for the increasingly apparent ailments of the elderly Discovery – so Classic Driver takes a look at its trio of special edition models to find out whether it’s worth waiting for Land Rover’s 2015 replacement or not.

Land Rover Defender Special Edition

The enduring Defender is over sixty years old now, which begs the question: why now? Well, Twisted Performance has in fact been producing Defender upgrades for many years, but the company is now held in such high esteem in Land Rover enthusiast circles that it has sufficient demand to gather together numerous modifications into its own special edition vehicle packages. Currently, there are a trio of special editions: Alpine, French and Retro, all of which can be specified in Classic or Sport guise. And what’s more, both 90 and 110 models can be supplied as brand-new vehicles, or transformed by undergoing retro-fitted conversions.

Classic and Sport Specifications

While all three editions have their own individual differences between the Sport and Classic specifications, some enhancements are common across the trio. These include a suspension upgrade for the Sport models (the Classics are given gas B6 dampers), which are also bestowed with AP Racing brakes. All special editions get a front and rear white light kit and a halogen crystal headlight upgrade, as well as a P10+ Performance Kit (adding between 30 and 90HP depending on the donor vehicle), interior leather retrim, and privacy glass from the B-pillar aft. Sport versions are also furnished with leather Recaro sports seats.

The Retro Edition – from £42,510




Those with a love of classic cars will quickly warm to the Retro Edition: designed in homage to Land Rover’s heritage, it’s intended to show how far the Defender has come in its 64-year lifetime. Among the highlights are Sand colour body paint, and a Gloss White powder coat for the roof, mirrors, steering guard, headlamp surrounds, side vents, and five-spoke 18-inch rims. The Sport version specifies Toyo road tyres in place of BFG off-road rubber, as well as Alcantara trappings inside to supplement the Classic’s leather retrim. Both versions also have a polished wood steering wheel.

The French Edition – from £38,902.80

The French Edition is designed for life in the city, providing a stylish alternative to the ten-a-penny crossovers that claim to offer individuality, but do the exact opposite in practice. A Gloss Black coating for the grille, mirrors, bumpers, steering guard, chequer plates and alloys give the off-roader a mean and purposeful look, while the daytime running lights embedded into the bumper are included in both Classic and Sport specifications. Inside, a Black Nappa leather interior offers the sort of luxury usually only associated with a modern Range Rover, and a Momo steering wheel completes the overhaul.

The Alpine Edition – from £40,855.20

Billed as a stylish family cruiser with the ability to go anywhere, the Alpine uses a Gloss White theme for its trimmings (including the alloy roof rack and ladder only included in this edition); however the 20-inch wheels and DRL-housing bumper are painted in Gloss Black, presumably to prevent you losing your car in a blizzard. Again, Black Nappa leather and a Momo steering wheel are present inside. Is it time to trade in the Range Sport for something a little more select?

The Verdict

While we haven’t yet tried out the special editions for ourselves (expect that in the not-too-distant future), we’re already suitably impressed by the triumvirate's lengthy list of modernisations. The company’s experience in Land Rovers is evident, proven not only by the quality of the vehicles shown here, but by the fact that in 2009, the Twisted team held off various other respected Land Rover tuners to take the title of ‘World’s Fastest Land Rover’ – despite a self-imposed constraint of only using parts developed in-house.

But a replacement is on the horizon (due in 2015), so is it too little, too late, for the senior Defender? In a word, no. Classic Land Rovers are as popular as ever, and despite a new headquarters, Twisted Performance is struggling to keep up with demand for its services. The new model may be looming, but perhaps this will only increase Twisted’s workload; after all, with 75% of the Defenders ever made still in use, perhaps the arrival of the successor will only spur on existing owners to give their ageing workhorses a new lease of life? Especially when it means you can have modern Range Rover comfort and performance in a shape as iconic as the Defender.

Source: Classic Driver

2015 Land Rover Defender and the Tata Aria could share platforms! May be produced in Pune, India!

Tata Motors taking over Jaguar-Land Rover is giving rise to a few pleasantly surprising synergies, with the latest buzz suggesting that the next generation 2015 Land Rover Defender could share its platform with the next generation Aria. That ain’t all, the 2015 Defender could be a made-in-India model exported all over the world as a completely knocked down kit, for local assembly elsewhere. Also, the 2015 Defender is expected to feature a body-on-ladder construction. Does this mean that the next generation Aria also will go the body-on-ladder way?

Land Rover DC100 Sport Concept

It seems like as both the Defender and the Aria are set to share the same platform. Also, the 2015 Defender and the Aria Crossover we hear, could use plenty of common parts, ranging from the engines and transmissions to the interiors and the suspension. The main idea behind building the 2015 Defender in India will be to keep a tight leash on costs, thus making the off roader accessible to a large section of buyers. The next gen Aria will also benefit from this alliance as vast improvements in quality levels could be had, making the Aria an outstanding product in its class.

Land Rover DC100 Sport Concept

The 2015 Defender is said to be closely based on the design of the butch and futuristic looking Land Rover DC100 concept. Tata is also building a new engine plant at Chikli for manufacturing engines for the upcoming Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel sedan. This plant is expected to cater to the 2015 Defender as well, with local sourcing for components to reduce costs. All in all, this move is a landmark one when it comes to demonstrate the finesse in Indian build quality to a worldwide audience and Tata Motors really seems to be using the synergies gained from the JLR acquisition to the fullest potential.

Source: ICB

Land Rover Unveils Cutting Edge Off-Road Technology For Defender

Concept showcases Terrain Response, Wade Aid, Driveline Disconnect and torque vectoring.

Land Rover was kind enough to invite "Exhaust Notes" to the beach in Malibu, Calif., before the Los Angeles Auto Show to drive the new Defender concept. The beautiful day saw us hop into the concept and tool around the beach -- slowly and carefully, because it's still basically a bolted-together show vehicle -- until the lifeguards kicked us off. The concept was in North America to introduce a new-look Defender to the States and showcase some exciting technologies in the pipeline. The redesigned global model will arrive around 2015.

After the concept test drive we checked out the various Terrain Response systems in the Range Rover Evoque, which you choose based on road conditions -- highway, sand or snow. Going forward, Land Rover plans to have the car know the terrain ahead and adjust suspension, throttle response and power distribution through a variety of sensors. Using high-definition video cameras mounted on the side-view mirrors, front-mounted sensors to detect road variations and a probability matrix that takes into account wheel, suspension and body information, the goal is to have future vehicles auto-select the appropriate Terrain Response setting. Land Rover is already known for conquering seemingly impossible off-road conditions, but the idea going forward is seamless driving performance from the highway to off-road in any conditions -- including wading on beaches or in rivers.

Speaking of wading: The new Wade Aid technology uses sonar sensors to help guide drivers even when they can’t see the road ahead -- say, traversing a muddy river while on safari. The system reads the bounced-back sonar signals to determine water depth ahead of the vehicle, then advises the driver on the safest speed, closes vehicle vents if necessary and raises the ride height. The next wave of research is focused on turning the bow wave to an advantage: By adjusting speed accordingly, the system could help the driver keep the wave’s trough as low as possible, keeping the air intake above water when normally it would be submerged. You potentially could traverse water that technically would be too deep, as long as you followed the wave's crest at the ideal speed.

How about bringing some James Bond technology to reality? "Die Another Day" fans will remember when Bond is driving his Aston Martin through the ice palace and the car becomes invisible, then drives up the wall. No, we're not talking the invisibility shield, but rather the actuating spike tires. Land Rover’s patented On-Demand Spiked Tyres aren’t that far away; the company even has a working prototype. Small chambers between the treads have studs that extend when the chamber is pressurized via electronic sensor. Voila: instant studded tires for climbing sheets of ice (OK, the horizontal kind). They are just as easily be retracted via the same electronic sensor.

If that’s not enough, Land Rover also has torque vectoring and Driveline Disconnect to keep the Defender on all fours. With torque vectoring, power will be distributed to outside wheels during the beginning of a turn, switching to the inside wheels during the turn exit for more control and stability during turning, off-road and on. With Driveline Disconnect, the Defender will be able to switch from 2-wheel drive to four. Nothing new, you say? This isn’t some electronic bypass but a mechanical disconnection of the rear axle from the center differential, which Land Rover says will result in a 7 percent fuel savings during highway driving. And when the highway is getting a little too boring and you want to take the shortcut that only you know about, the 4-wheel drive can recouple just as fast as those using an electronic system.

The iconically spartan Defender is headed back to the U.S., but this time it will pack some high-tech goodies -- and we say that's a welcome addition.

Source: Exhaust Notes MSN

Review: 2012 Land Rover Defender

2012 Land Rover Defender - Front View

Ladies and gentlemen, last orders! After more than half a century as the world’s chosen workhorse, the Land Rover Defender has finally reached its twilight years. It might have followed today’s common downsizing principles, but does that make it the best Defender ever?

Here’s a question: what do the Defender and the Porsche 911 have in common? Well, for starters, both have been in production for several decades, and both have a distinctive image recognised around the world. Not to mention the fact that Porsche has also had four-wheel drive for many years now. But the crux of this exercise lies in how many of the cars built are still in service, despite their advancing years: around 75 per cent of all the Defenders ever built are still in action, and the 911 can boast something similar. Both vehicles can also claim an extremely high residual value.

The word ‘icon’ is bandied about a little too often these days, but in the Defender we have a true embodiment of the word, even without taking the aforementioned facts into account. And up in the Scottish Borders near the city of Edinburgh, the Defender’s capabilities speak for themselves. Guiding it through a river bed and then parking it on a 40-degree slope – a feat which would swiftly illustrate the shortcomings of modern pretenders – is merely a warm-up for the no-nonsense Landie.

2012 Land Rover Defender - Rear View

But, while there are few physical objects that will bring the Defender to a standstill, 2015 will see the warhorse paralysed by government legislation – after nearly 7 decades of service. While the new diesel engine allows the staple Land Rover to limbo-dance under the 2015 emissions threshold, its inability to conform to forthcoming pedestrian impact laws means that its reign will finally come to end. Although Land Rover is reportedly hoping for a temporary exemption to the law, work on its replacement has begun, previewed by the DC100 concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In the meantime, though, the company has given the existing model a comprehensive overhaul.


The EU5- and EU6-compliant diesel engine’s capacity has been reduced by 200cc, yet the 2.2-litre unit still provides the same 120bhp and 266lb ft as the EU4 engine – and also ups the top speed from 82mph to 90mph, so be prepared to buckle up. The emissions reductions are down to a new diesel particulate filter, and a new engine cover makes a noticeable difference inside the cabin: it is part of a noise insulation upgrade which almost mutes the diesel engine, eliminating the characteristic valve-patter of the previous generations’ powerplants. In fact, it’s almost too quiet; the under-bonnet humming of a warmed-up Defender engine used to seem like a signal that the rugged off-roader was ready to help you conquer the world.

And so we float our way across the rain-soaked estate belonging to the Duke of Roxburghe, an environment where the Defender is in its element. With the proper speed and torque applied, it really can traverse any terrain which the headlights bathe in their glow: mud, rivers, and seemingly impossible inclines are all dealt with by the Defender’s bravado – and occasionally, the optional winch. The Landie will stand up to this punishment in the long run as well, for the frame has been treated with a new multi-stage coating for increased corrosion protection.

On the road, the car’s refined side is displayed. The six-speed gearbox requires a much less ‘manly’ action to perform a cog-swap, and you can cruise at 70mph while talking about the best Scotch whisky as if you were in front of a log fire in Edinburgh Castle. A revised dashboard houses better heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and seats have been improved – from where the main exterior change is also visible: a revised bonnet.

So, the upgraded Defender ultimately builds on its obvious strengths while addressing some of its decades-old weaknesses. Its durability is clearly still apparent, with our test drive only pausing for a puncture. And given the likelihood that this actual vehicle will still be on the roads in 70 years’ time, the much-improved swansong is looking like a more attractive offer than ever, with prices starting at just over £20,000. Long live the king of off-roading.

Source: Classic Driver

Current Defender to live on to 2017 atleast

Current Defender

The bulk of the current Land Rover Defender range is likely to continue in production until 2017 or later — and that will be at least two years after the launch of the all-new Defender replacement in 2015.

The long-wheelbase 110 and commercial 130 versions of the Land Rover Defender are likely to be beneficiaries, staying in production well after the arrival of the new short-wheelbase Defender, previewed at the Frankfurt show as the DC100 concept.

“There are a number of changes to the legislation that mean we can keep the current Defender in production longer than we thought,” said a Land Rover source.



The first is the ability of the new 2.2-litre diesel engine to meet EU6 standards — the tough next step in emissions regulations that will align diesel engine pollutants with those of petrols in 2015/16.

There is also a suggestion that the Defender might not have to comply with EU6 until a later date. A few years ago the Defender was reclassified as a commercial vehicle, which might help.

Pedestrian impact laws were due to pull down the shutters on the Defender in 2015, but Land Rover now understands that a ‘derogation’ — exemption from the law — might apply until 2020.

Source: Autocar

Land Rover to unveil Defender concept (DC100) in Frankfurt

The Defender Concept - DC100 from Land Rover

London, Aug. 31: 

Land Rover will unveil the DC100, the concept car for its replacement of the iconic Defender four-by-four, at next month's Frankfurt auto show. It's the latest sign that JLR is ramping up its £5-billion investment drive across the two brands.

Production of the re-designed “Defender for the 21st century” is set for 2015, the company said as it unveiled images of the concept car for the first time.

Over the past few months, JLR, which is targeting 40 product actions in the next five years, spending £1 billion during each of those years, has released a number of new and updated vehicles.

This includes the Range Rover Evoque, which goes on sale in September, and the launch of a four-cylinder diesel version of the XF. It has also announced production dates for its C-X75, a hybrid supercar.

 

Heart of the brand

Analysts believe the latest announcement is one of the most significant steps it has taken to date. 

“The Defender is at the heart of the brand,” said Mr Tim Urquhart, an auto analyst at IHS Global Insight in London.

Though the Defender itself was launched in the 1980s, it dates back to 1948, when the original Land Rover series was launched, since when around 2 million vehicles have been sold.

“It simply has to be done in the right way encapsulating the values of the previous vehicle: being: tough, rugged and reliable and able to go everywhere,” Mr Urquhart added.

The company's description of the concept car as “functional and purposeful” suggests that this will remain key to the new design.

“Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world,” said Mr Gerry McGovern, the director of design at Land Rover.

Jaguar Land Rover has come to represent an increasingly significant part of Tata Motors: though in the quarter ending June income after tax fell by 10 per cent year-on-year to £220 million.

Earlier we revealed that Land Rover is going to debut 2015 Land Rover Defender in 2011 Frankfurt Auto show. Read here: 2015 Land Rover Defender Concept To Debut Next Month at Frankfurt Motor Show

2012 Land Rover Defender gets new 2.2L EU5 Diesel Engine

There may be talk of a new Defender on its way with rumors of a concept model making its appearance as early as next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but for now, Land Rover is updating the current version with a new turbo diesel engine and the introduction of two new option packages for the 2012 model year. 
 
The most important change of course is the new, EU5 compliant, 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that replaces the EU4 2.4-litre oil-burner found in the 2011MY Defender.

Despite the smaller capacity, the new four-cylinder diesel delivers the same power and torque as the outgoing unit with 122PS at 3,500rpm and torque, 360Nm (265.5 lb-ft) at 2,000rpm.
 
The new engine also comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), while it's more frugal and delivers lower levels of the regulated emissions, NOx, CO and HC than its predecessor. 
 
Land Rover says CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are consistent at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130 models. 
 
Performance remains similar, however, top speed has been raised to 90mph (145 km/h) compared to 82mph (132 km/h) for the previous version. 
 
Power is transferred to all four wheels through a GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox.
Also new for the 2012 model year Defender is the addition of two new optional packages:

• Comfort Pack - Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input, electric windows and remote central locking, priced at £1650.
• Off-Road Pack - ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar, priced at £1500.

Other changes include the plain black Pick Up hood that will now be available as an option whilst a plain beige hood is introduced for the 110 Double Cab Pick Up, plus the addition of tinted glass on all models.

UK sales of the 2012 Defender begin in November with prices starting from £20,995 on the road. 

2015 Land Rover Defender Concept To Debut Next Month at Frankfurt Motor Show

Land Rover reportedly believes its time to make an important decision regarding the future of the Defender, and that means a new model will be developed or the tough SUV will be dropped from the lineup. The time is passing and Land Rover Decided to bring a new Defender concept, which is set to make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The purpose of the concept is to see what kind of feedback an all-new model would receive while also demonstrating that Land Rover is serious about continuing the Defender.

John Edwards, brand’s director, says that he ‘can’t imagine not producing a successor’ to the 63 year old four-wheel drive that established the Land Rover brand. Still, much like the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, the Land Rover Defender is widely used by militaries and world organizations and that means it has to be built to some very specific guidelines. The production version is scheduled for release in 2015, and must sell in annual volumes of 60-80,000 units to be viable.

Edwards also says the new Defender needs to be different and unique enough to command a higher price than its large-volume and cheaper rivals, but the price cannot be too high to separate it from the market.

The company is currently exploring the possibility of using a cost and complication-reduced Discovery chassis or engineering a new, bespoke chassis among other options. Its design must allow for the wide range of body types that the Defender has long offered, and needs to be repairable in remote territory and this isn’t quite easy.

Finally, he believes that whatever solution Land Rover finally picks, ‘it won’t please everyone’, because with so many fans and opinions it will be difficult to avoid disappointing some. The challenge is to please most of them and more importantly, attract new buyers to a vehicle of which only 18,000 were made last year.

Land Rover is set to bring a concept version to Frankfurt and perhaps this move is to gauge media and consumer interest in an all-new Defender.

Price: is much too soon to talk about prices, but keep in mind that the 2011 Defender is priced around £30,000.00 (ON-THE-ROAD PRICE for Defender 110 XS Utility Wagon) and the 2015 model will probably be priced slightly higher

Land Rover Will Unveil Defender Concept at 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Just the Facts:

• Land Rover will show a Defender concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, as it mulls a replacement for the current model.
• Land Rover considers this car vital because it's where the brand sprang from after World War II, even if most of the business these days is centered on more luxurious vehicles.
• Land Rover may elect to develop a new platform with a separate chassis for the next Defender, allowing a wide variety of vehicle types, as with the current model.

LONDON — Land Rover will show a Defender concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The company, now controlled by India's Tata Group, considers this car vital because it's where the brand sprang from after World War II, even if most of the business these days is centered on more luxurious vehicles.

The current Defender dates to 1983 and is a direct descendant of the original 1948 Land Rover Series I.
The business plan for — and the extent of — the new-generation Defender family is the challenge.
Land Rover may elect to develop a new platform with a separate chassis for the next Defender, allowing a wide variety of vehicle types, as with the current model. Or the company could use an adapted, complicated and cost-reduced LR3 chassis. Expect some clever ways of achieving body modularity (to get station wagons, crew-cabs, pickups and a military version) without costing a fortune and with better finish.

Company planners have categorized the potential SUV market as luxury, leisure and utility, and they're working on how the Defender can score a bigger slice of the utility market and make money without the economies-of-scale benefit and with the grip Toyota and others have on the market.

Land Rover ultimately may have to take a premium utility stance with the new Defender, and hope that the style and depth of competence will allow a higher price.

The company also will have to get reliability licked once and for all — a constant sticking point in the U.S. as well as the home market.

Land Rover reckons it needs to sell 60,000-80,000 units annually to make the program pay. Military sales are attractive because of the parts business. Last year, it sold 18,000 Defenders.

Inside Line says: The company is mulling a fourth plant, possibly in China, for Land Rover manufacture. China is now its second biggest market, behind the U.K. and ahead of the U.S.

Defender Might be on the way out

Is Land ROVER on the verge of dropping the Defender from its range?  Motoring website AutoExpress reports that this option is definitely on the cards for company bosses who have to decide what to do with the trusted 4x4 brand.

Colin Green, the MD of Land Rover UK, said in an interview with AutoExpress that it was a huge challenge to come up with the right plan.  He added “If we get it wrong we are messing up one of the industry’s biggest icons, and in that sense it’s a tremendous responsibility.”

Green says they are also considering other options, such as a complete makeover or fitting the Defender with a range of “cleaner” engines.

A few Car Finance buyers will even remember when the first Defender rolled off the production line.  This happened way back in 1947 and since then it has crept into the hearts of many people.  It meets Euro V emissions regulations for at least five years and many utility companies, rescue services and farmers still rely on its off-road abilities.

The tricky part, says Green, is to keep the core functionalities of the vehicle, but to expand its appeal to a wider market.

One possibility is to see a new Defender built on the same platform as the Range Rover Sport and the Discovery.  That would, however, inevitably make the Defender much more expensive.

A second option is to fit the current model with a range of Euro VI engines.  According to Green, their last resort is to phase out the Defender range completely.