The Defender specialists have built this car from the ground up.

For many, letting go of the previous generation Land Rover Defender is proving to be a hard challenge to overcome. While the new model is an exemplary 4×4 that offers comfort and capability, it lacks the rugged charm of the last one. This is why so many aftermarket outfitters have put their wrenches to works on creating restomods in an attempt to modernize the design for slightly better usability.

A usual modification for these cars is the implementation of a Chevrolet-sourced V8 engine swap but as of late, it looks like the trend of electrifying this icon is becoming a bit more common. Just earlier this month, we were treated to ECD Automotive Design’s conclusive electric conversion which sourced the powertrain from a Tesla Model S.

The next to involve itself in this trend is Twisted Automotive who has installed an electric drive system that’s not quite as extreme as the one found in the Model S. Using the short two-door wheelbase of the 90 model with a truck bed, the company has built this model from the ground up and states that every aspect of the car has been revised by its team of technicians.

The electrical components and running gear is described to be modular which means that you can exchange parts for more powerful mechanisms later on down the line. As of now, it offers a power output of 268 horsepower and a battery range of 130 miles. Although the powertrain is rather new-age, Twisted promises that its Defender 90 maintains its off-road credentials thanks to a high- and low-range transmission, differential lock, and generous wading depth.

Twisted doesn’t give any performance figures for its electric Landy, but it says that drivers will benefit from Eco and Sport driving modes and energy regeneration through braking. The electric powertrain sourced is completely new and has been installed in the areas where the engine and fuel tank were once found.

The exterior design offers an eye-catching blend of modern tones on a classical design. For a tough look, the body is painted in a Corris Grey metallic shade contrasted by a black roof. A set of 18-inch classical wheels are wrapped in BF Goodrich all-terrain tires while braking capabilities are enhanced thanks to an Alcon brake system with six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers. The discs have been coated with a protective layer that helps them resist crude elements such as road salt.

Twisted gives little details regarding the suspension but it does say that it’s been reworked to be more progressive, making the Defender easier to control. To ensure a low center of gravity, the battery pack has been installed as close to the floor as possible. In a bid to save weight, the design team has also replaced all of the exterior fittings with stainless steel parts.

The truck bed is finished in a textured coating to create a protective layer and is supported by a color-coded tonneau cover that operates on gas struts. An underbody chassis protection means that you can take the Defender out to treacherous locations without having to worry too much about damaging any of the components.

Twisted Automotive’s electric Defender 90 is a rugged off-roader but the interior has been designed to ensure the comfort of the driver and passengers. The interior accommodates three individuals utilizing two sports seats and one jump seat positioned in the center. These, together with other elements of the cabin, are upholstered in contrasting black and tan leather.

A Motolita steering wheel allows the driver to enjoy more cabin space and improved control over the system. For entertainment purposes, a double DIN-radio with a digital display includes features such as Apple CarPlay, satellite navigation, and a view for the backup camera. Below this, you’ll find a second digital display for the car controls and key readings besides a set of buttons that control the gears and differentials.

Obviously, a lot of time has been put into the development of Twisted’s electric Land Rover Defender 90 which is why it is selling the model for £225,000 (approximately $307,000) before taxes.

The original car was produced at Land Rover’s Solihull in 2015 before being revised by the team at Twisted at its Thirsk facility. The model as seen has already covered just over 1,000 miles. It explains that more of these examples will be created, but if you’re too impatient, this is your best bet at getting behind the wheel of an electrified classic Defender.

^{Article Credit: Nikesh Kooverjee
Full Articles: https://carbuzz.com/news/electric-land-rover-defender-blends-old-and-new-for-300000}

Land Rover’s 518-hp brute remains righteously excessive even with four doors.

While performance SUVs may be a dime a dozen these days, it’s taken some time for automakers to apply their fire-breathing formulas to more utilitarian offerings. Land Rover, for example, is just now bringing a rumble to the jungle with its V-8-powered Defender. But as block-shaped missiles with six-figure price tags go, it was worth the wait. Safaris will never be the same.

If the Defender V8’s recipe seems familiar, it’s because Mercedes-AMG used a similar playbook when transforming Benz’s rugged G-class into the swaggering expression of superiority that is the G63. For the Defender V8, credit largely goes to the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 beneath its hood. Cranking out 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, it delivers the necessary aural cues to assert a menacing attitude. Even the quad exhaust tips out back seem cut from the same metallic cloth, though the soundtrack blasted through the pipes is more mellifluous in tone than the G63’s machine-gun rat-a-tat-tat.

The Defender’s roughly three-ton curb weight is responsible for taming its beastly engine, resulting in acceleration that’s more authoritative than urgent. Think 60-mph times in the low-five-second range—roughly a second or so quicker than the inline-six-powered 110 model that we last tested, but the V8 also carries around a few hundred more pounds. Still, it’s clear from the behind the wheel that the blown V-8 has fun countering this Rover’s prodigious mass, roaring gleefully all the way to its 6750-rpm redline. The Defender’s standard ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is a willing cohort, responding instantly to a click of the paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel that only the V8 model gets. Once a gear is selected, the transmission will dutifully hold on to it until directed otherwise. Fortunately, the V8 model’s big brakes—14.9-inch front rotors, 14.3-inchers in back—are strong and inspire confidence, offering a reassuringly firm and progressive pedal feel, even after heavy use.

Further leaning into its inevitable role as a pavement-dwelling brute, the Defender V8’s Terrain Response system gains a new Dynamic mode, which sharpens the engine throttle response and stiffens up the adaptive dampers. Larger anti-roll bars and an electronically activated rear differential also conspire to give this portly top-heavy beast a commendable interpretation of agility. Hustling along the winding canyon roads through the Angeles National Forest, the Defender V8’s tenacity in corners surprised several drivers. Push it too hard, however, and the stability control will intervene with all the subtlety of a bear trap.

Of course, the Defender’s roots ostensibly remain planted off-road, despite its newfound pavement prowess. With the air springs cranked up to their maximum height—providing 11.5 inches of ground clearance—and the low-range transfer case engaged, there are few trails this Defender won’t be able to navigate. Climbing steep inclines is child’s play for the V8 model, which burbles contentedly just above idle, free of stress and full of torque. And while these back-road journeys are technically possible with the standard 22-inch wheels and all-season tires, we don’t recommend it. The slim sidewalls betray the suspension’s composure by transmitting every impact, however minor, straight into the cabin. If you’re determined to use the Defender V8 to its fullest potential, we heartily suggest opting for the no-cost 20-inch wheels and $350 all-terrain tires.

Those wanting even more options will be disappointed, as the Defender V8 comes fairly loaded in its base form. Color choices are limited to an uninspiring three shades—black, white, and gray—and the vehicle we drove looked as if it had been dipped in a black hole. As if that weren’t enough to absorb all the available light, the Extended Black Exterior package ($1180) slathered dark finishes on the remaining contrasting bits. Inside, the Pivi Pro infotainment system sports a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen—a $140 option on our example, look for it to be standard on 2023 models. We still find this system to be sluggish at times, though we appreciate the highly configurable options and well-organized Terrain Response menus, which include detailed descriptions for each mode. However, we wish that we could read up on a given mode without first having to engage it. And since the Defender V8 can tow up to 8201 pounds, we’d like the ability to more closely monitor the engine’s vitals beyond a lone water-temperature gauge.

But while these details might matter to us and a handful of others, we suspect the majority of Land Rover Defender V8s will be spotted with a trailer about as often as they will be found off-road—in other words, rarely. That’s partially attributable to the 2022 110 model’s starting price of $109,560. Unlike the Mercedes G-class, however, the Defender comes in plenty of milder flavors aimed at satisfying a more practically minded contingent—freeing the V8 models to revel in their supercharged excess.

Specifications

2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base: $109,560

ENGINE
supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 305 in³, 5000 cm³
Power: 518 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 461 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.0 in
Length: 197.6 in
Width: 78.6 in
Height: 77.4–77.7 in
Passenger Volume: 110 ft³
Cargo Volume: 34 ft³
Curb Weight (C/D est): 6100 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.1 sec
100 mph: 13.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.8 sec
Top Speed: 119–149 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 16/14/19 mpg

^{Article Credit: Jessica Lynn Walker
Full Articles: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g39091878/2022-land-rover-defender-110-v8-drive-gallery/?slide=58}

Both the 90 and 110 body styles are catered to.

The Land Rover Defender is an SUV that has been built to make off-roading a less stressful task thanks to its complex and capable 4×4 drivetrain. Despite this, there are some customers out there who just want to enjoy the product as a general lifestyle SUV to be used in urban settings. Acknowledging this is Kahn Design, which has got to work on giving both the 90 and 110 a completely new look.

Both units that are currently up for sale have been kitted out with a set of carbon fiber panels to give them sportier and more intimidating looks. This is accentuated by a set of custom wheels and a nearly completely reworked interior. We’re sure that the firm will apply some of these parts to the upcoming three-row Defender 130, as soon as it’s released to the market.

The star of the show is the Land Rover Defender 90 Carbon Wide Body First Edition. Giving it a bold appearance is a set of panels that have been applied to the front which includes two vents, a three-piece valance for the bumper, and a vented grille mask. The profile is toughened up by a set of extended carbon fenders and mudflaps, while the rear shows off a custom hard wheel cover, and quad-tipped performance exhaust system.

Kahn Design then opted for a set of 22-inch Type 57 RS forged alloy wheels as the finishing touch for the exterior. All panels are finished in a signature Kahn Design satin paint with complementary Volcanic Rock Black trimmings. The interior has been treated to an extended leather pack which includes a Red Designo finish for the front and rear seats.

The Land Rover Defender 110 Wide Body takes a slightly more conservative approach. Like the 90, it employs a set of carbon extended wheel arches, as well as a front grille mask, bumper vents, and a three-piece bumper spoiler. The exhaust system here is finished in matte black while 22-inch Mondial Retro light-alloy wheels are joined by a set of mudflaps.

The body is painted in a black satin shade which is complemented by a Santorini black roof and Chelsea Truck wheel cover. Within the cabin, you’ll find the company’s Volcanic Orange extended leather package which is tailored to the seats, center console, and sections of the doors.

Both cars have 101 miles on the clock. The Defender 90 is currently listed for £114,999, approximately $155,000, while the 110 will set you back £109,999, roughly $148,500. Seeing that these are UK-spec models, both cars are being sold in right-hand drive. They’re powered by JLR’s 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a power output of 300 horsepower.

These two products from Chelsea Truck Company will no doubt turn a few heads but, if you are in desire of a Defender with a bit more flair and exclusivity to it, you can opt for the open-top conversion by Heritage Customs, of which only five are going to be assembled. If it’s even more aggression that you’re in the market for, then Barugzai’s menacing Defender kit might be what suits your standard more.

^{_{Article Credit: Nikesh Kooverjee
Full Articles: https://carbuzz.com/news/the-land-rover-defender-gets-the-widebody-treatment}}

This classic Landy sourced its drivetrain from Tesla and has a super cool cargo area.

ECD Automotive Design, formerly known as East Coast Defenders, specializing in restoring and modifying classic Land Rover models, has unveiled two of its latest custom builds. The Florida-based company overhauled two Defender 110s from the ground up and converted them to electric power using Tesla-sourced drivetrains.

And this isn’t the first of its kind for the Kissimmee shop. In mid-2021, MotorTrend technical director Frank Markus had a chance to get into the driver seat of ECD’s electric vintage Range Rover, also powered by Tesla. Both are fully assembled in-house in the U.S.  

ECD named one of the two electric luxury SUVs “Project Britton,” and we’re focusing on that example here. Adopting a Tesla motor and direct drive unit, the modified Defender can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The 100-kWh battery delivers up to 220 miles of driving range on a full charge; reaching that capacity that requires plugging in for five hours, the outfit claims.

The electrified Defender 110 is finished in glossy Cool Khaki Gray with five bar aluminum tread plate and features a custom OEM roof painted Alpine White. Accessories include a swing-away full-size spare carrier, Hella 500 Series work lights, and a Front Runner roof rack system. CNC metal cut pieces, including the door hardware and air intake vents, add a high-quality touch to the already fancy-looking Landy.

Out front, Project Britton sports a heritage-style grille, an A-Frame protection bar, a Warn winch, and a classic bumper complete with daylight running lights. It rides on 18-inch custom-painted Kahn Mondial wheels wearing BFGoodrich tires and an ECD adjustable air suspension, while Brembo brakes provide stopping power.

Like the exterior, the superbly furnished interior takes customization to another level. For starters, it features a 2+2+2 seating layout. The front and middle Recaro Expert S seats, which come heated and ventilated, are upholstered in sandy tone Porsche Nappa leather with diamond-quilted middle inserts. This same material covers the doors cards and spreads to other parts, including the dash, center console, and cargo area.

A classic Evander wood-rimmed steering wheel, ECD electric gauges, and Porsche Nappa Black Schwarz with stainless steel fastenings adorn the dashboard. The cargo area has two inward-facing jump seats and a Teak wood storage bench and flooring. Tech and modern equipment include an Alpine Floating Halo touchscreen, WiFi, wireless charging, USB ports, and a sound system featuring Infinity Kappa speakers and JL Audio subwoofers. Safety consists of blind-spot monitoring, a front and back up camera, and a parking sensor.

Pricing for the tailor-made electric Defender 110, while not disclosed by ECD, we’d estimate is well over the $200,000 mark.

_{^{Article Credit: Eleonor Segura
Photo Credits: The Manufacturer
Full Article: https://www.motortrend.com/news/land-rover-defender-110-project-britton/}}