Oddie
AntiSeptic Sandal Wearer
Didn't think they'd let me post
Michael ( post 1 ) obviously doesn't own a Defender.
I do and would not px mine for that dogs diner.
It looks like a restaurant for dogs???
It looks like a restaurant for dogs???
landy90will
Member
thought they learnt their lesson with the svx?
is there an echo in here?
I like them tires and thats about it.But then again all defenders are fugly.But fit for purpose
Badger
Well-Known Member
Question is though, why continue with the Defender if you can't keep the original design? Yes the name sells and yes someone will buy it, but they're clinging onto an old design which, rather than imitate to a point, they may as well design a completely new model and leave the old style Defender...
If it comes to the point of changing it to look like a RR/Def/Dis hybrid then it's not a Defender is it? The concept's above have the same box shape and 4 wheels, but when does it not become a Defender and become a new model entirely?
The gaylander is for those who want to drive the city and pretend they got a 4x4, the RR is for those with money, Disco is a poor mans RR, Defender is a working vehicle, simple as, it's not a street or town car so when will they realise this and stop making it look like one....
If it comes to the point of changing it to look like a RR/Def/Dis hybrid then it's not a Defender is it? The concept's above have the same box shape and 4 wheels, but when does it not become a Defender and become a new model entirely?
The gaylander is for those who want to drive the city and pretend they got a 4x4, the RR is for those with money, Disco is a poor mans RR, Defender is a working vehicle, simple as, it's not a street or town car so when will they realise this and stop making it look like one....
Langers
Well-Known Member
The reason is mate that unfortunately the current Defender only sells in very limited numbers compared to all of LR's other models. Also it can't be sold in the US due to it's lack of safety features, which is a huge hole that LR would obviously like to plug.
The Defender only looks different to the rest of the LR models because it hasn't been changed significantly in decades. The styling has effectively been left behind by the other models as they have progressed. Back in 1983, the 90/110's styling was pretty contemporary (albeit never a beautiful vehicle), and when you compare it with Range Rovers of the time, you can see then how far the other LR models have progressed since then. The fact of the matter is that looks do help to sell vehicles - regardless of whether it may be a Ferarri or a Transit van - the looks of the vehicle are most people's first impression.
Badger
Well-Known Member
A valid point Langers, but why change it though? It was, and still is, built as a utility vehicle, by changing it to conform with other regulations takes it away from what it is all about, for me i'd stop trying to change it.
If you can't continue to build it for what is was designed for, then you're missing the whole point of the vehicle and instead riding the gravy train that puts the Series/90/110/Defender name on the front. Land rover have sales with Disco's, RR & Gaylanders, so it's not as if they are forced to continue with the Def shape to stay afloat...
Can you imagine a farmer buying one of these? Can you see utility companies upgrading their current Def fleet to something like this? Would you, or anyone, go greenlaning or P&P in one of these?
Leave it as it is, if you can't continue it, then leave it and move on to something different and stop trying to ride the name.
If you can't continue to build it for what is was designed for, then you're missing the whole point of the vehicle and instead riding the gravy train that puts the Series/90/110/Defender name on the front. Land rover have sales with Disco's, RR & Gaylanders, so it's not as if they are forced to continue with the Def shape to stay afloat...
Can you imagine a farmer buying one of these? Can you see utility companies upgrading their current Def fleet to something like this? Would you, or anyone, go greenlaning or P&P in one of these?
Leave it as it is, if you can't continue it, then leave it and move on to something different and stop trying to ride the name.
Langers
Well-Known Member
Yeah I see what you mean. Bearing in mind though that these are just concepts and I bet the real thing won't look anywhere near as flashy (as is often the case with concept cars). I bet (and hope) it will still look like a working utility vehicle, albeit a modern one.
For whatever reason, they have decided they want to replace the current Defender, though we don't actually know for sure that it will be actually called 'Defender'. All we know at the moment is that the project itself is called 'Project Icon'.
For me, a worthy replacement would have to be the following;
- Simple, easy to work on, torquey and economical diesel engine with minimal electronics
- Retain full time 4wd with low range, perhaps include axle lockers as a factory option
- Solid axles front and rear
- Modular 'mechano' construction
- A minimalistic yet ergonomic interior
- Retain some of the original's charm and character
- 100 inch wheelbase and 120 inch wheelbase with wheels close to the corners
Still, it will be interesting to see which direction they take it... it could be the company's greatest cock-up ever (aside from the P38 of course
)or a massive success, but we won't know until it gets here 
