An icon reimagined for the 21st century; Land Rover has finally unveiled the iconic Defender at Frankfurt motor show. The new Defender is clever, capable and safe for all the family, and in a category of its own.
Built for the adventurous hearts and curious minds, the new Defender is based on a lightweight allumium monocoque construction. Land Rover says the stiffer body structure allows for three times strength than traditional body-on-frame designs. Showcased in two iterations – a Defender 110 with long wheelbase and Defender 90 with short wheelbase, the model for India will initially be the long wheelbase 110 variant, while the short wheelbase 90 variant will arrive in the line-up in 2020.
The design of the new Defender retains its boxy stiloute from the earlier iterations sold years back but it’s now packed in a 21st century modern design which makes it instantly recognizable. The tough looks have been engineered to excite an iconic name, shape and capability. The front end directly takes inspiration from the DC100 concept, while the upright stance, alpine light windows in the roof, side hinged rear tailgate and externally-mounted spare wheel make it identifiable.
The interiors too follow the same design theme as the exterior, with modern craftsmanship evoking exposed hinges and cross beams lending an upmarket yet rugged design. Among the well designed interior is the automakers future ready electronics on board as well, a 12.3 inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infortainment system with Android auto and Apple CarPlay take charge of entertainment and instrumentation on board the vehicle.
Customers can also get the option to choose between a new Satin protective film for the exterior paintwork protection. Apart from that a remote control electric winch, rooftop tent, inflatable waterproof awnings, conventional tow bar systems and roof racks.
Powering the Defender is 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines that come mated to 8-speed automatic transmissions only. A plug in hybrid electric powertrain is expected to hit the roads next year. The monocoque construction also provides perfect foundations for the fully independent air or coil sprung suspension and supports the latest electrified powertrains.
Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We’ve embraced Defender’s stunning capability and minimalistic, functional interior to reinvent the icon for the 21st century. New Defender gives us the licence to do things differently, to push the boundaries and do the unthinkable, without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original. From the start we had an absolute obsession with functionality beneath the skin, from choosing the right materials through to state of the art connectivity. The result is not only the most capable Land Rover ever made, but also a truly comfortable, modern vehicle that people will love to drive.”
The new Land Rover Defender is expected to hit showrooms sometime next year and will rival the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes G class.
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