wangie46
Active Member
The real deal.
Now that's a lot better than that other bit of ****
Now that's a lot better than that other bit of ****
buckshot
Well-Known Member
I don't think they've missed the point at all. Remember the Defender is currently sold in very few countries, most notably not in America (and I think maybe not even Oz anymore either, or least in tiny numbers if they do).
It may have utilitarian origins and some such as farmers and a few others might still buy them as work horses. But for many years the Defender has been far more a "lifestyle" vehicle than anything else. Look at all the urban trim, big alloys, silver trim dash and big plastic bull bars you can currently get from LR for a Defender.
Also it's worth noting, on a World stage the Defender would be up against vehicles such as these:
And while we in blighty see the Defender as a true workhorse type vehicle. Places like the US don't, they see them as recreational vehicles. Their workhorses are more like this:
What LR should do, is make a double cab LR4 on something like a Ford F150 chassis but utilising Land Rover running gear. Of course as there aren't owned by Ford any longer that won't happen. But they could still do something similar.
While I'm keen to know what running gear and engine options the new Defender is likely to have, I have to admit to liking the way it potentially looks.
sooner see the fender go to the wall than see it end up pandering to the fookin septics wants and needs FFS !!! and stop posting those shyte motors on here !!!
yu is just a Luddite
Landyjd
Active Member
I don't understand how Land Rover haven't learnt from Jeep's success with their Wrangler.
In terms of design the current Defender is just like the Wrangler; it is based on the original Land Rover as the Wrangler is based on the original Jeep and the links can clearly be seen.
Jeep realised that people didn't want the look or the underpinnings of the Wrangler altered too much so they simply left the ladder chassis and beam axles and updated the interior and added the necessary safety features (airbags etc.), and now the Wrangler appeals to families as well as off-roaders and trades people. If Land Rover simply add some decent safety features to the Defender then new markets would instantly open up.
Wiithout a doubt they will have to put in a more complex engine as they have to meet the Euro 5 emission regulations but the rest could be relatively left alone, and fuel economy would improve.
In terms of design the current Defender is just like the Wrangler; it is based on the original Land Rover as the Wrangler is based on the original Jeep and the links can clearly be seen.
Jeep realised that people didn't want the look or the underpinnings of the Wrangler altered too much so they simply left the ladder chassis and beam axles and updated the interior and added the necessary safety features (airbags etc.), and now the Wrangler appeals to families as well as off-roaders and trades people. If Land Rover simply add some decent safety features to the Defender then new markets would instantly open up.
Wiithout a doubt they will have to put in a more complex engine as they have to meet the Euro 5 emission regulations but the rest could be relatively left alone, and fuel economy would improve.
ZeDefender
New Member
Don't forget to include a diff lock that isn't made from a recycled coat-hanger...
mrtod
New Member
Totally agree - Jeep have shown how to update an icon (whether we like em or not) in a sympathetic way. They also managed to extend the range to a LWB version, produce a military version and keep all those features that their owners like (lift off doors, fold down windscreen, ladder chassis, beam axles etc, etc). I also heard they considered the enthusiast market when designing them so the wings and bumpers are easily upgraded at home.
JLR should buy one and learn a few lessons.
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
I don't think you can buy these new any more either.
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
The Jeep aftermarket is HUGE, but modding is common place in the US and expected. Ford will happily sell you a Mustang and supercharger kit, install it at the dealer and warranty it. Basically modding is expected.
Jeep are no exception, the MOPAR parts catelog is huge with things like body armour, bumpers and diff locks all available and available for dealer fitting.
If LR want to break the LR market, they need to embrace the aftermarket and modyfiying also.
But LR are moving the production of the defender to india and will be selling the original design to "developing markets".
So as our govern. pros won't allow the import all you'll need to do is set up your own small country and import it. Simples
maybe you could create Meerkovo, the money from tourism would easily pay for that tata defender.
Station House
Well-Known Member
maybe you could create Meerkovo, the money from tourism would easily pay for that tata defender.[/quote]
But can you imagine the journey the Landy would have to go on to get here if it's anything like the soft toys they're pushing just now!?!
Renewed my 'day cars' insurance through them - they send an interactive map which updates daily on the soft toys progress - it takes forever!
Think i've just confirmed how sad I am - I'll leave the room now
But can you imagine the journey the Landy would have to go on to get here if it's anything like the soft toys they're pushing just now!?!
Renewed my 'day cars' insurance through them - they send an interactive map which updates daily on the soft toys progress - it takes forever!
Think i've just confirmed how sad I am - I'll leave the room now
If it aint broke why fix it?
Footballers will love it. Farmers and sane human beings won't.
Style (although that's questionable) over substance.
I think it's actually OK but it's not a Defender. There can only ever be one Defender.
Forget your roots and it's all over. This is the start of the end for the Land Rover brand. When they realise someone needs to be sacked it'll be too late as they will all be out of work.
Footballers will love it. Farmers and sane human beings won't.
Style (although that's questionable) over substance.
I think it's actually OK but it's not a Defender. There can only ever be one Defender.
Forget your roots and it's all over. This is the start of the end for the Land Rover brand. When they realise someone needs to be sacked it'll be too late as they will all be out of work.
RichM
Well-Known Member
It is very broken, actually, or at least it will be by 2015. The current Defender will not meet various EU regulations that will come into force. Most notably, the Defender will not meet the upcoming safety requirements. Also, they are having a job at keeping the engines compliant with the emissions standards, which is why it will soon have a 2.2 litre diesel unit instead of a 2.5 litre unit.
Land Rover probably don't want to kill off the Defender in its current form. They most likely have no choice which is why they are generating hype for its successor.
waldershelf
Well-Known Member
Didn't they do just that in 1948?
The new Defender will happen there's no putting it off. Those concepts are horrible and miss the point totally. For what it's worth here's my take on it.
The existing "look" should be maintained but brought up to modern safety standards.
Made of steel, current production methods riveting aluminium panels is just too costly.
Retain a ladder chassis and beam axles. Galvanised from new.
Modern (simple) engines not relying on electronics, it can be done.
Modular design, allowing a soft top to become a hard top or pick up to become an estate with simple bolt on components.
Abandon the centre seat and make the driving position suitable for normal humans.
Focus on utility not fashion, no 20" alloys or leather seats.
But I expect land rover will do what they want and leave us all disappointed.
