When it comes to finding the perfect roof rack for your Land Rover Defender, there’s only one name you need to know: Front Runner. For years, Front Runner has been the leading manufacturer of premium roof racks and accessories for off-road vehicles, and their products are second to none when it comes to quality and durability.
The company was built by a group of friends who had a love for the outdoors with a background in engineering, design, and manufacturing and who also had an intense love for off-road adventures. They started making their own roof racks when they couldn’t find anything on the market that met their needs for quality and functionality.
Since then, the company has grown exponentially, but its commitment to quality and innovation remains the same. Front Runner’s roof racks are designed for function first, meaning that they are built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving while still providing easy access to all of your gear.
Superior Design and Construction
One of the things that sets Front Runner apart from other brands is their attention to detail when it comes to design and construction. Every element of their roof racks is engineered for maximum strength and durability, so you can rest assured that your rack will be able to stand up to whatever you throw at it, whether it’s heavy loads or tough terrain. Plus, their clean, stylish designs looks great on any Defender.
Modularity and Versatility
Another great thing about Front Runner racks is their modularity and versatility. Their racks are designed to be easily adaptable to different situations, so whether you’re looking for a basic roof rack or something more specialized like a Vintage Spare Wheel Carrier or an LED Light Bar Kit, Front Runner has you covered. And if you ever need to make changes or upgrades down the road, their modular system makes it easy to do so.
Outstanding Customer Service
In addition to their superior products, Front Runner also offers outstanding customer service. They have a team of experts on hand who are always ready to answer any questions you may have about their products or your specific vehicle, and they’re more than happy to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt about it: when it comes to choosing a roof rack for your Land Rover Defender, Front Runner is the clear choice. Their racks are designed with strength and durability in mind, they’re highly versatile and adaptable, and their customer service is outstanding.
The all-new Defender is bound to make a statement with its sporty styling and powerful V8 engine. This version is unique, with its quadruple exhaust and 22-inch alloy wheels. The Xenon Blue calipers are also a distinguishing feature of this vehicle. If you’re looking for an impressive off-roader that’s sure to turn heads, the Defender is sure to get the job done. The 525 hp V8 engine is also the most powerful engine in the history of the Land Rover brand.
Besides the 110 models, the V8 is also available as a 90 with only three doors and in Santorini Black. One of three colors available alongside Yulong White and the beautiful matte Carpathian Grey.
The interior, done largely in black tones, follows the same aesthetic as the other models in the Defender range. The black Windsor leather seats with suede and Robustec details are combined with the Alcantara steering wheel and unique black satin finish.
While the Defender is an off-road vehicle, its powerful V8 engine, sports styling, and luxurious interior make it clear that this is a vehicle meant for the highway as well. If not for the raised seating position, you would be made to think you are in a sports car. The Defender is the perfect vehicle for those who want the best of both worlds.
This versatility is also noticeable when you swap the highway for a conventional road. The Defender V8 is still fun, even when the roads get narrow and winding. Its 525 hp engine responds almost immediately, hitting 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, which gives an idea of what this big guy is capable of for a rather heavy car. Braking and steering are just as effective, making the Defender fun to drive on such surfaces.
But the true potential of the Defender V8 only becomes apparent when you get off the road and take it to dirt roads, rocky roads, or river crossings. That’s what the Defender was born for.
Thanks to its “Terrain Response” system, the Defender V8 overcomes any obstacle with ease, whether it’s rough terrain, a dirt road, or a river bed. Its luxurious interior appearance shouldn’t fool you for a moment.
With this twist, Land Rover brings a luxurious off-road car that lacks nothing yet performs on the road with agility and sportiness without sacrificing any of its off-road capabilities.
The price of the Land Rover Defender V8 ranges from $102,200 for the 90 models up to $109,000 for the Defender 90 V8 Carpathian Edition. The 110 V8 models will start at $105,400 and go up to $112,200 for the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition.
There’s a certain cool factor of two-door SUVs that more than compensate for the lack of rear doors. Usually, these vehicles have a shorter wheelbase and a much sportier demeanor. Among the few examples are the two-door versions of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Earlier this year, the Alpha dog of this breed launched in the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90.
While it shares the same foreshortened looks of its erstwhile rivals, the V8 version packs a punch that’s unheard of in this realm. For under the hood is a 5.0-liter supercharged engine that cranks out 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. It’s truly a beast. Land Rover says its capable of sprinting to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
According to David Hemming, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief product engineer, “The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it. We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender lineup with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
Beyond its impressive performance numbers, there’s something in the Defender 90’s looks that stirs hearts of anyone who played with Tonka trucks or Matchbook cars. The boxy profile hearkens back to the original Land Rover with its long hood, short wheelbase, massive wheels. The tidy footprint, towering ride height and menacing looks thanks to its Santorini Black paint scheme, makes it stand out in the increasingly crowded SUV space.
The design is purpose-built for off-roading and the design cues reinforce that capability. And there are also elements in the styling that hew to Land Rover tradition. The short front and rear overhangs and lifted body provide exceptional approach and departure angles to go along with the generous ground clearance that ranges from 8.5 to 11.5 inches with the advanced air suspension system. There are front and rear tow hooks, bright LED lighting, a large panoramic sunroof and Land Rover signature skylights in the roof to provide a bright interior and excellent all-around visibility.
It’s the tall stance of the Land Rover Defender 90 that makes the vehicle fun to drive off-road and on. Even in an urban environment, the high seating position, large glass area and high level of maneuverability allows it to slip deftly through crowded streets while being able to see around traffic in stop-and-go commuting.
Riding on a 101.9-inch wheelbase, the Range Rover Defender V8 employs massive 22-inch wheels and tires. Hitting the start button brings the V8 to life with a rumble that grows into deep growl through the tuned exhaust on hard acceleration.
The ride is supple thanks to the well-tuned suspension. A vehicle with a short wheelbase like the Defender 90 can be hoppy over uneven surfaces, but the air suspension coupled with large diameter solid anti-roll bars fight this tendency and provide relatively flat cornering. This neutral attitude in corners is further aided by an electronic active rear differential with yaw control.
Since it’s a Land Rover, it is equipped with the most sophisticated multi-mode adjustable suspension on the market. This Terrain Response setup also include additional modes to take advantage of the exceptional on-road performance that comes with the V8 drivetrain. The Dynamic setting enables sharper throttle response, quicker shifts from the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and revised damping in the bushings and shocks. It also employs torque vectoring using the brakes to deliver more power to the wheels with the most grip.
This great on-road performance does not come at the expense of the true off-road nature of the Land Rover brand. The ability to adjust ride height and employ systems like descent control while taking advantage of the all-around camera views gives it exceptional capability to go anywhere and do anything whether its on tarmac or well off the beaten path.
All of this doesn’t mean giving up comfort. The interior features seating upholstered in luxurious Ebony Windsor Leather with Miko Suedecloth inserts, a thick four-spoke steering wheel covered by Alcantara, and generous use of satin trim on things like the steering wheel gear shift paddles and floor pedals. There’s a large 11.4-inch center touchscreen with navigation, infotainment, and a wide range of vehicle settings. There’s even a page detailing the exact dimensions of the vehicle including approach and departure angles to aid off-road escapades.
The two-door body style still has room for up to five passengers. Rear seat space is generous, but it takes a bit of athleticism to access the back bench – the front buckets fold forward slightly and there’s a switch on the seatback to power it forward enough to provide a path in or out. The process is about what you’d encounter in accessing the third row on a four-door SUV.
The 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 is not for buyers on a budget. The sticker on our test vehicle starts at $104,200. The 11.4-inch touchscreen adds just $140, a Wi-Fi package costs $360, and a premium interior protection and storage pack is another $660. With $1,350 destination, the bottom-line nets out to $106,710.
While the Defender 90 V8 is the ultimate expression, buyers who want the two-door cool factor don’t necessarily have to break the bank. The base level Defender 90, which comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 295 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque starts at $47,700. If you’re looking for a bit more output, Land Rover also offer the vehicle in the 90 X Dynamic S hybrid that has a 3.0-liter six with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It lists for $59,500.
The Land Rover Defender Edition was first released at the Amsterdam Motor show in 1948; the series 1 edition wore a green hue, making it look classy.
After 75 years, Land Rover is releasing its 75th Defender Limited Edition, coming with a Grasmere Green body hue. This edition has an excellent exterior design and an exclusive interior with unique detailing. It will be available in 90 and 110-body designs.
Land Rover models this Defender 75th Limited Edition to match the unrivaled luxury, capability, and versatility of previous versions and thus lays the perfect foundation for future productions.
The Features
Land Rover has loaded this 75th Limited Edition with many amazing features. Some of the latest technological features are; Heads-Up Display 10, a 3D Surround Camera, Configurable Terrain Response 1, Premium LED headlights, the 11.4 Pivi Pro16 infotainment system, Wireless Device Charger 28,31, and Meridian sound system. These features are based on the high-specifications HSE, with comprehensive standard equipment.
The all-wheel drivetrain of this model is equipped with an electronic active differential system and a Terrain Response system. Also, it has an advanced Off-Road capability package with black roof rails and a Tow hitch receiver. There is three-zone climate control in the interior, so the passenger and Driver can experience different climatic conditions.
Safety is an important feature of the Land Rover. The 75th Limited Edition comes with some important standard driver assistance features. They are; Traffic Sign Recognition, a Driver Assist Pack, emergency braking, a 3D surround camera, Lane Sensing and Keeping Assist, driver condition monitor, and various other features as standard equipment.
The Exterior
Land Rover will introduce Grasmere Green metallic color to the Defender’s line-up for the first time. The 20-inch alloy wheels, coupled with All-terrain tires, take the color of the body, which is the 5098 Grasmere Green, and they come with matching center caps just like it was in 1948, and there ‘are Ceres Silvered colored bumpers too.
This Defender offers adaptive suspension for better performance off the road and better ride quality. Land Rover has outfitted the front with a satin chrome DEFENDER badge followed by 75 years of graphics in various places to make this Edition more noticeable.
The fascia of this Defender comes with a pair of LED headlights with semicircular DRLs and a unique vented bumper to give a better cooling performance at high speeds. At the rear are:
Square LED tail lamps.
A huge metal bumper to improve the off-road experience.
A spare tire.
The new Defender is a big SUV and compared to the Land Rover’s Discovery, it is longer (195.2 to 180.1 inches long). The Discovery is a little bit wider than this new Defender; that is 83 inches to 79 inches without side mirrors, but it is not taller. The Land Rover’s new edition beats it by about 4 inches in height. It is 77.8 inches high. Its overall wheelbase value is given to be 118.7 inches, and it has a total curb weight value of 5,570 lbs.
The Interior
The spirit of innovation is spread to the interior of the Defender 75th Limited Edition. While most parts are covered with dark soft surfaces, others offer rich environments. It features superior comfort provided by 14-Way Driver, and Passenger Heated Electric Memory Seats finished in Resist Ebony with perforated inserts and Grasmere Green accents. This edition, like the first, features a Folding Fabric roof. The steering wheel is heated with electronic adjustments.
The cabin contains five seats and plenty of room for comfort, with 41 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom. The front has a pair of 14-way power-adjustable seats with4-way manual headrests, heating and cooling, memory settings, cushion adjustment, lumbar support, and power-adjustable bolsters. At the rear, this Edition offers a heated center armrest and heated foldable bench seats. The rear seats of the 110 model feel roomier with 39 inches of legroom, but both the 90 and 110 models offer 40.5 inches of headroom. All the values given have been approximated.
The interior is made of durable and versatile materials, with the Cross Car Beam finished in a brushed Grasmere Green powder coat. Grasmere Green laser etch detailing is also found on the end caps of the Cross Car Beam. These little green finishes are only because Land Rover decided not to go overboard with their celebration.
There is also a Heated Steering Wheel and Three Zone Climate Control that helps make every journey comfortable and provides a luxurious experience. The hockey of the center console is made of Robustec material- a Robust fabric.
Engine and Performance
Sitting under the hood of this special edition, is the 3.0-liter mild hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, mated with an all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The powertrain choices of this special edition Include the powerful P400e plug-in Electric Hybrid on 110 models in addition to P400 and D300 Ingenium petrol and diesel options. Both of which utilize Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. This technology helps to optimize fuel economy and power delivery.
An electric 48-volt supercharger used by the mild hybrid unit produces a horsepower of 395hp and a torque value of 406 pound-feet. It comes with a 23.4-gallon fuel tank to deliver almost 540 miles on the highway. The fuel economy is given thus; 18 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway.
The performance of this Defender is impressive, considering its size and weight. It climbs from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is impressive for its class.
Pricing
This luxury SUV Edition is limited, with only 75 units available for sale. The MSRP with starting price of these units begins at $91 800 for the 90 trim and $94 380 for the 110 trim.
Pros and Cons
Pros
· Customers greatly love it.
· It is affordable
· It has great technological features.
· Great Off-Road and On-Road capabilities.
Cons
· The engine is not what is expected
Conclusion
Since this special edition was revealed, the demand has been high, not necessarily because of what it stands for, but because many people have fallen in love with it. The Land Rover Defender 75th Limited Edition is available for order placement now and can be purchased from certain authorized Land Rover Retailers.
Much like its American counterpart, the Jeep, the story of the Land Rover Defender began with humble military origins. Heavily modified American trucks were used by the British army throughout World War II, and most notably in Northern Africa, where the Long-Range Desert Group gained great notoriety for waylaying German forces using unconventional tactics. A prerequisite for this unit was a reliable, tough vehicle that could navigate rocks, mud, and deep sand with ease, all while carrying tons of gear.
The Brits took these lessons to heart and set about developing a vehicle of their own, and in 1948, the original Land Rovers hit the market. Initially known as the I, II, and III series, these rather primitive trucks were refined just a bit, and finally, the Land Rover 90 and the Land Rover 110 (named for their wheelbases, in inches) were unveiled in 1983. Later on in 1990, these two trucks received the name Defender, and after that, a Defender 130 joined the lineup, as well.
It’s easy to get a bit in the weeds regarding model names when talking about the original Defender series, but for the scope of this article, we’ll include anything made after 1983: 90s, 110s, 127s, and 130s are all welcome here, except the brand-new L663 Defenders, which we’ll cover in another article. While the sale of all of these variants was phased out in the United States over 20 years ago, they are still in common use throughout the rest of the world.
Much like the Jeep, these Defenders were (and still are) kitted out frequently and enthusiastically, to meet the needs of their owners. While the aftermarket doesn’t quite approach the levels of mass production of its American cousin, decades of research and development have ensured that there are more than enough parts and accessories available for the vintage Land Rover enthusiast, many of them handmade by small, specialty companies. Here are five great accessories that will look the part on your old Defender.
Bearmach Aftermarket Wheels
You know what they say – opinions are like preferences in wheel style and size. Everybody has their own, and it’s a great way to substantially alter the character of your vehicle, if you’d like. Bearmach specializes in creating rotating assemblies for Land Rovers, and offers a variety of sizes, styles, and widths for you to choose from. 15” or 16” wheels would be the most popular offerings, and of those, the 16” size will give you the most choices in terms of what tires to wrap them with. For a clean, classic look, consider the simple steel wheels – or “steelies,” as they’re called. These will pair great with your all-terrain or mud-terrain tire of choice, and don’t forget to pick up a full-sized spare, too!
Snorkel Intake
Snorkel intakes serve to raise the air inlet from around the wheel wells to, or above, the windshield. This is commonly seen on actual safari vehicles, where fording deep puddles might require you to almost completely submerge the vehicle. In addition to preventing your motor from hydrolocking due to water intrusion, snorkels also have another benefit that might be overlooked; they also dramatically help reduce the dust that your motor sucks in, increasing the longevity of your air filter and reducing MAF sensor fouling in fuel-injected vehicles. In fact, you can even buy a “pre-filter” element to put at the very end of your snorkel, which collects even more contaminants and allows you to dump them out of the catchment at your convenience. Their usefulness isn’t limited to those on the Australian or African continents; enthusiasts in arid, dusty regions like the Western United States can all benefit from this simple modification, even if the vehicle stays primarily on the pavement. Many manufacturers for these have sprung up over the years, but for Land Rover applications, the best choice is likely to be the classic ARB snorkel. They boast a high build quality and years of happy customers behind them.
And, let’s face it – snorkels just look plain cool, right?
Spare Gas Cans (“Jerry Can”)
For those looking to add a little extra range and military-inspired visual flair to their Defenders, an extra five-gallon gas can (or two) has the perfect blend of form and function. While the molded plastic RotoPax containers are a popular choice among the Jeep and Toyota crowd these days, the old-school, steel “NATO” jerry cans will last a lifetime, and look much more period-correct on your old Land Rover. While the plastic type may buckle and warp over time due to UV exposure in sunny climates, you won’t need to worry about that with this style of construction. Two great NATO gas cans are currently offered by Wavian and Scepter; you might also get lucky and find a few at your local military surplus store, too.
Safari-Style Roof Rack
A roof rack is almost mandatory equipment on any vintage of Defender. For a newer (L663) variant, there are a few sleek, low-profile designs on the market that look great. However, if you’re blessed with one of the original Defenders, it’s hard to beat a traditional safari-style roof rack. These cover the entirety of the roof and feature a “basket” design, which is not only incredibly practical for actually transporting cargo, but compliments the retro aesthetic of an older Defender perfectly. In addition to the obvious benefits that a roof rack provides, the perimeter rails also make great places to mount auxiliary lighting and radio antennas. Generally, these will need to be mounted to your rain gutters, or you can also attach them to commonly available crossbars (such as those from Thule or Yakima). The racks from Atlantic British are likely the most popular among enthusiasts, and they offer a variety of mounting options and sizes depending on what specific model you’re looking for. Or, if you’re already placing an order for an ARB snorkel and the tall roof rack aesthetic doesn’t appeal to you, consider an ARB Flat Roof Rack, which is another great-looking option (ARB also offers the traditional safari-style racks as well).
Rear Ladder
If you’re going to add a safari-style roof rack (and indeed, even a snorkel), you might as well go ahead and complete the look with a rear ladder. While these look incredibly cool and rugged, they will also help you access your roof-stowed cargo, in addition to providing a little extra protection for your taillights and rear windows. Masai 4×4 offers a few different choices of roof ladders at a surprisingly affordable price point for the Defenders 90 and 110. Incidentally, these can also make good mounting points for other gear such as shovels, recovery boards, or even a hi-lift jack for when the going gets very tough.
Conclusion
All of these accessories will not only increase the utilitarian value of your truck, but also help to put your own personal touch on it. The other great thing about these parts? In most cases, they’re non-destructive and easily removable in case you’d like to change things up in the future, and you can install all of them yourself and without any specialized tools. While these older Defenders look great as they left the factory, they also look great when personalized to an owner’s liking, and by starting with any combination of the above accessories, it’s impossible to go wrong.
