Netherlands-based car restorer Heritage Customs has finished restoring a rather world-weary Land Rover Defender 90, which wound up with a V8, a metal body kit and a unique Moon Dust Metallic finish.
We are tempted to call the exterior the main highlight of the entire project because of how well it looks on an elderly SUV. The near-black paint changes color to copper, bronze or brass depending on the viewing angle.
Interestingly enough, the customer apparently decided to leave all the dents and scratches on the 36-year-old car intact – probably to highlight its long years of service. We applaud the decision, because the assorted little defects look charming under the chameleon paintjob and next to the modern aluminum bumper, headlight bezels and running boards. Custom steel wheels looks simple, stylish and fitting.
The interior is awash with leather and Alcantara, while the trunk area is lined with wood. Modern niceties on board include a sports steering wheel, an audio system with a subwoofer, and a long gear shifter.
Powering the restomod from the Netherlands is a V8 of unspecified parameters. Prices remain likewise unknown
An exclusive edition for the North American market.
To make up for a lack of the classic Defender Camel Trophy Edition in the U.S., Land Rover has now created one for the 2022 Defender model instead, making it exclusive to the North American market.
The car itself is based on the Defender X-Dynamic SE, which is powered by a six-cylinder engine pushing out 395 horsepower. Aside from being dressed in the ultra-iconic yellow shade of the Camel Trophy vehicles, the special edition receives a vintage-styled logo on both doors and a black trim package to offer a sleek dash of contrast. To prepare you for the wilderness, Land Rover has also equipped the car with a new front bumper, a skid plate, an expedition roof platform, a ladder to access it, mud flaps to keep things relatively clean along with rubber floor mats on the interior, a winch installation kit, a tow hitch and an air compressor.
Other standard features from its base model include an air suspension system, an electronically locking rear differential, heavily treaded tires for off-roading, off-road cruise control, terrain management, as well as a heated windshield, steering wheel, washer nozzles and headlight washers.
Limited to just 220 examples made, the 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition will start at $91,350 USD, which includes a two-person entry into the U.S. Trophy Competition, a contest similar to the original Camel version.
Bowler Motors reveals the Defender rally car that will compete in its own championship in 2022. The Bowler Defender Challenge will run over seven UK-based rounds using competition-prepared Defender 90s.
New Bowler Defender: Competition-prepared Land Rover Defender 90 showcases the very best of Bowler’s motorsport expertise
Bowler conversion: Rally revisionsinclude performance upgrades to suspension, modified underbody, fitment of roll cage and unique Bowler wheels
Perfect starting point: Builds on Land Rover Defender’s unstoppable capability, robust durability and natural balance
Bowler Defender Challenge: New rally competition series announced for 2022, exclusively featuring the all-new Bowler Defender
2022 Challenge: Seven UK-based rounds will feature in the single-series competition with the full support of Bowler
Bowler Motors, the off-road performance specialist, has revealed the Land Rover Defender rally car that will compete in its own championship in 2022.
The Bowler Defender Challenge is based on the Land Rover Defender 90 with a 300PS Ingenium 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Bowler uses its long experience of competition to transform it into a rally car with a full roll cage, modified underbody, raised suspension, rally-spec 18-inch wheels and column-mounted paddle shifters.
Since going on sale in 2020 the Land Rover Defender has won acclaim from customers and media for its unstoppable capability, engaging drive and overall robustness. The more compact shorter wheelbase Defender 90 proved the perfect starting point for the Bowler conversion.
The rally Defenders are built for their own competition – the Bowler Defender Challenge series – on seven events around the UK in 2022.
The development of the new Bowler Defender Challenge rally car perfectly illustrates the mutual benefits of Bowler joining Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations. Our technical support married to Bowler’s legendary rally expertise has turned the extraordinarily capable Defender into a purposeful competition machine. The Bowler Defender Challenge will prove the Defender’s durability through some of the toughest conditions, while providing an exciting and accessible entry point into all-terrain motorsport for a new generation of Bowler and Land Rover customers.
MICHAEL VAN DER SANDE MANAGING DIRECTOR, JAGUAR LAND ROVER SPECIAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS
BOWLER DEFENDER CHALLENGE: THE CAR
Each Bowler Defender Challenge is completely stripped back to install a full FIA-standard roll cage. The front and rear subframes are modified and given additional bracing for a new bespoke performance suspension set-up. Designed in collaboration with Fox, it increases the ride height by 25mm. This purposeful stance is enhanced by new Bowler rally-spec 18-inch wheels.
Bowler’s engineers have provided a suite of electronic components, from fire protection and electrical cut-offs to additional lighting and vehicle control systems – all fully integrated into the existing electrical architecture. Competition race seats are installed and the gear selector is repositioned for the optimal racing position. Bowler-developed column-mounted paddle shifts complete the transition.
During the conversion Bowler subtly modify and stiffen the already extraordinarily rigid Defender bodyshell to cope with the extreme conditions of off-road competition. The standard doors are trimmed to remove the sill covering section, which allows the fitment of full-length, side-to-side underbody protection panels. A modified front end increases airflow to the cooling system and houses additional race-level lighting, while a new roof spoiler houses additional rear lighting.
BOWLER DEFENDER CHALLENGE: THE COMPETITION
The 2022 Challenge will run over seven UK-based rounds, with dates and locations to be announced later in the year. There are 12 entries available for the one-make series, with each team competing in identical Bowler-prepared Defenders. The series is open to veteran competitors and those with no competition experience.
For those with limited experience or none, Bowler can offer training and support to gain the necessary licence before moving directly to the series. The Challenge has been an ideal platform on which to gain motorsport know-how before joining other Bowlers and competing in rally-raid events across the globe.
For 2022 and beyond, the Challenge will continue to focus on delivering a fun environment that fosters the development of driving and competition skills yet retains the involving, engaging feel of a real motorsport family.
The competition calendar covers the UK and each Bowler Defender Challenge-equipped team will face a true mix of rally conditions. For each round there will be a full Bowler support team, with dedicated service areas. A hospitality area will help drivers and teams make the most of downtime and attend briefings throughout the events. The Challenge will enjoy full coverage through national and Bowler media channels.
Bowler’s own Bowler Defender Challenge car will make its public debut at the Iceland Hill Rally 400km stage rally on 6-8 August.
The previous Defender Challenge powered by Bowler Motorsport was an incredible success. So we are delighted to announce the new Bowler Defender Challenge, launch the series and provide this amazing opportunity to experience Bowler in its natural environment. Using the team’s unique skills, knowledge and experience, developed over years of challenge and rally raid competition, has resulted in a formidable competition vehicle that will be exciting and rewarding to drive.
CALUM MCKECHNIE BOWLER GENERAL MANAGER
Packages for the 2022 Challenge will start at £99,500 which includes a Bowler-prepared Defender Challenge car, entry into the 2022 series, which starts in March, and event support. Further options include training, series logistics and vehicle support. A range of accessories developed as part of this programme will be available later in the year.
BOWLER LAND ROVER DEFENDER CHALLENGE CAR SPECIFICATION (MODIFICATIONS FROM BASE)
Structural body and chassis:
Monocoque bracing – minimises body movement and supports underbody protection
Full internal roll cage integrated with body and linking suspension mounts
Internal spare wheel mount integrated to roll cage
Additional front recovery points
Rally-spec gearbox cross member
Stiffened gearbox mounts
Strengthened engine mounts
Braced front and rear subframes
Front suspension turret brace
Rear turret brace
Strengthened radiator mounts
Adapted chassis and subframe mounts
Performance:
Cooling – auxiliary radiators removed and system redesigned to increase airflow to main radiator
Increased transmission cooling capacity
Bowler Sports exhaust system
Bowler 18” wheels with increased strength
All-terrain tyres
Bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness
Bespoke Fox dampers
Race steering wheel with quick release boss
Side air intake covers
High level air intake
Front upper wishbone revised to reflect new ride height geometry
Electrical/systems:
ECU system integration with race box
ABS/DSC – rally control modifications
New integrated wiring harness for new components
New rally-spec facia
Navigator control unit for lights/washer/horn
Rally system integration with JLR safety systems
Adapted body control unit
Regulatory:
High-level rear marker lights
Alpine, door and rear windows replaced with polycarbonate
Race sports seats with specific race seat mounts
6-point race harness
Integrated and hand-held fire suppression
Electrical cut-off switches – internal and external
Complete removal of all airbag systems
Design:
Front bumper adapted to take new underbody protection
Bowler front grille with increased air flow
Rear roof spoiler with extended profile and integrated additional reversing lights
Front and rear wing shields to meet new underbody protection
Wheel arch extensions utilising accessory fitment
Door lowers – protection pieces on shortened doors
Rally Function:
Additional bonnet-mounted windscreen washers – to deal with rally levels of water splash
Front driving lights for increased night driving illumination
Rally-spec mudflaps
Full underbody protection system – 6mm aluminium reinforced design
New gear shift position – optimised to sports seats
Column-mounted gear shift paddles – unique to Bowler
Passenger foot rest
Rear door manual release mechanism
Wheel arch lines – increased strength to meet rally requirements
ABOUT BOWLER
Bowler, founded in 1985, is based in Belper, Derbyshire and pioneered the production of dedicated off-road competition cars in the UK.
It has achieved international success in rally raid events, having previously participated in the Dakar Rally, British Hill Climb Championship and French Baja with their Tomcat, Wildcat & Nemesis models.
Bowler provides its customers with competition racing events, to provide them with the driving skills and technical competition knowledge necessary to undertake international rally raid events.
Bowler has become synonymous with conversions and modifications of Defender models, designed to enhance power, handling, braking and comfort. These can be tailored to suit individual requirements and desires, including bespoke engineering requirements.
Since its inception Bowler has had a close affiliation with Land Rover, which was formalised with a brand partnership in 2012 that led to the creation of the popular Defender Challenge by Bowler rally series in 2014 – 2016.
The business was acquired by Jaguar Land Rover Group in December 2019 and forms part of Special Vehicle Operations.
BOWLER’S MOTORSPORT HERITAGE
1985 Drew Bowler begins making and selling competitive safari and trials cars from his home in Derbyshire
1991 Drew Bowler wins ARC National Comp Safari
2000 Bowler first competes in world-famous Dakar Rally in Africa, and races in central Europe
2004 Bowler vehicle wins British Hill Rally Championship
2005 Bowler’s largest ever Dakar entry means it’s the second largest factory team, and has highest finisher rate
2006 Bowler vehicles win both the British Baja National Championship and the French Baja
2012 Bowler agrees formal brand partnership with Land Rover across sponsorship, marketing and engineering
2014 Defender Challenge launched to prepare competitors for Dakar. Bowler moves into new production facility
2016 CSP development begins. Company founder Drew Bowler sadly passes away in November
2018 Bowler vehicles claim first, second and fourth overall on Tuareg Rallye
2019 Jaguar Land Rover acquires Bowler
2020 Bowler granted licence by Jaguar Land Rover to produce road-biased Defender Station Wagon – codenamed CSP 575
Bowler is granted use of the Defender name under licence from Jaguar Land Rover.
The SVR V-8 is likely to be available in the short-wheelbase 90, too.
WHAT IT IS: The most muscular version of the rough-and-ready Defender, one of the hottest SUVs on the planet right now—in fact, Land Rover is still scrambling to meet demand. As hot as the off-roader is, though, our 2021 SUV of the Year is really just getting started, especially if you’re a fan of hugely powerful SUVs. The lineup already includes four-cylinder, V-6, and V-8 models, but the forthcoming SVR will build on the Defender V8 (seen below and in gallery) with more horsepower, sportier design elements, and unique suspension tuning to deliver the ultimate street version. Both the 110 and 90 versions will still kick ass off-road, of course, but think of the SVR as the Mercedes-AMG G63 to the regular Defender V-8’s Mercedes-Benz G550.
WHY IT MATTERS: This will be the first sporty Defender in history, and maintaining interest in its excellent 4×4 by pumping out more—and more profitable—variants will ensure cash flow as Jaguar Land Rover transitions to an all-electric future sometime in the next decade or two. Additionally, its engine should preview the upcoming top-spec Range Rover powertrain.
PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: The Defender SVR will naturally use the same Modular Longitudinal Architecture as its lesser kin, but we hear it’ll pack a different engine than the non-SVR V8. That model uses Land Rover’s long-serving 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 to stump up 518 hp, but the SVR just may raid the BMW bin and leverage the Bavarians’ 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 for 600-plus horses (it makes 617 hp in the BMW M5 Competition), a meaningful bump up from the regular V-8. Both BMW and JLR use ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission, which should make overall powertrain calibration easier, and BMW’s more modern engine will help JLR pass ever-stricter global emissions regulations. This isn’t unprecedented; the third-generation Range Rover initially came with a BMW V-8.
ESTIMATED PRICE: It’s likely you’ll need to cough up $125,000 to get into the basic Defender 90 SVR. Think $130K for the 110, and options and accessories will push the stickers up from there. (Land Rover also plans an even longer Defender 130, but it’s not clear if that will get the SVR treatment.) Think the SVR is expensive? It will still represent a roughly $30,000 discount on a G63.
Founded by billionaire industrialist Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the automaker should have its Defender-inspired 4×4 in production next summer.
Lovers of Land Rover’s rugged, mud-plugging Defender are still reeling at parent company Jaguar Land Rover’s 2015 decision to stop making this iconic 4×4 after 67 years, despite the fact that a new iteration has since been put in production. One person rankled more than most was British billionaire and lifelong Land Rover fan, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, head of the UK-based INEOS Group and its expansive portfolio that includes the world’s third biggest chemical company. In fact, the group’s name is an acronym for Inspec Ethylene Oxide Specialties.
Ratcliffe had offered to buy the old Defender tooling with a view to continuing production, but when Jaguar Land Rover politely declined, he decided to build his own. To that end, he created INEOS Automotive, acquired a former Mercedes-Benz plant in France for manufacturing and has since been designing and developing an all-new take on the old Defender.
Enter the INEOS Grenadier, named in part after the historic pub in London’s Belgravia close to INEOS global headquarters where, no doubt after a few pints, Ratcliffe came up with the idea of building his own Defender-inspired off-roader.
“Why is INEOS building a 4×4? Most of it is down to the determination and will of Jim Ratcliffe and his love of the outdoors, his love of off-roading and not loving the fact that what he wanted to buy didn’t exist anymore,” notes Greg Clark, INEOS Automotive’s newly appointed executive vice president for the Americas, in a conversation with Robb Report.
At the age of 45, Clark has the challenge of launching the all-new Grenadier in the US and Canada, setting-up a dealer network and convincing anyone thinking of buying a new Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler that this French-built 4×4 will do a better job.
“Grenadier has been designed with a singular purpose, and that’s to be capable. Our mantra is ‘Built on Purpose,’ mentions Clark, whose career includes stints at Mercedes-AMG and, more recently, at Jaguar Land Rover.
As for the Grenadier’s capability, it’ll feature rugged body-on-frame construction, coil-sprung live axles front and rear and a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six gas engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While European markets will offer a six-cylinder BMW diesel engine, there are no plans to bring that power plant to the US, at least for now. And while there are also no battery-electric Grenadiers on the horizon, INEOS is working on a hydrogen-powered version.
One major plus to the Grenadier’s capability is the fact that much of its development work has been done by Magna Steyr, which builds the go-anywhere Mercedes-Benz G-Class at its plant in Graz, Austria.
As far as size, the Grenadier is slightly shorter and slightly wider than the old long-wheelbase Defender wagon. Styling-wise, it’s pretty much a carbon copy of the old Defender 110, with its clamshell hood, flat-top fenders, rolled waistline, near-flat windshield and those trademark “alpine” windows in the roof.
Just-released images of the Grenadier’s interior show a simple, no-nonsense layout with rubber flooring and drain plugs for hose-it-down cleaning, water-resistant Recaro seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center console and toggle switches in the roof. And to keep things simple—and ensure there are fewer things to go wrong—there’s even an old-school ignition key and over-sized knobs designed to be used while wearing gloves.
One fun feature is the twin horns, one of which is controlled by a big red button on the steering wheel that delivers a more gentle-sounding “toot” to warn cyclists. It’s a nod to Ratcliffe’s passionate involvement with cycling and his Tour de France–competing INEOS Grenadiers pro-cycling team.
Clark is all too aware that his major challenge is going to be keeping interest high before the first Grenadiers land Stateside. It was just announced that production was being delayed until summer of next year, with the first US vehicles unlikely to arrive until early 2023. That’s part of the reason Clark is reluctant to talk about pricing, only saying that the Grenadier’s base price will likely be above Bronco and Wrangler, and below the Mercedes G-Class.
Who’s going to buy it? “These are people who are really going to use the vehicle off-road, people who need that level of go-anywhere capability. It could be adventurers who want to take their kayaks or mountain bikes to remote spots, fishermen, hikers or hunters or anyone who simply wants to just go off the grid,” says Clark.
With a 7,700-pound towing capacity, the Grenadier will also have the muscle to haul a boat, jet ski, camper or horse trailer. And with a roof beefed-up to carry a 750-pound load, it can accommodate a rooftop tent big enough for two or three adults.
How serious a venture is INEOS Automotive and the new Grenadier? Clark says it is definitely not a “hobby” project for Jim Ratcliffe and adds: “Grenadier will fill an important niche in the market. Sir Jim is passionate about creating the most capable 4×4 out there and certainly has the financial means to make it happen.”
