Four doors are convenient, but the Defender 90 proves that Land Rover’s redesigned off-roader can impress even in its simpler two-door form.

Supercar makers rarely boast about ground clearance, breakover angles, or wading depths. Acceleration numbers for rugged SUVs are barely more relevant. Yet, being shorter and lighter than its four-door sister, the new two-door Defender 90 is set to be the quickest factory-produced version of Land Rover’s classic off-roader.

Select the range-topping 395-hp P400 six-cylinder engine, and we expect the 90 to dispatch the zero-to-60-mph benchmark in just 6.0 seconds, continuing to an electronically limited top speed of 120 mph. When we recently timed a seven-seat version of the long-wheelbase that was 110 to 335 pounds heavier, according to Land Rover’s numbers, and fitted with a drag-inducing roof rack, it ran to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and blew through the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds. Nobody is likely to buy a Defender 90 to win a stoplight grand prix, but it might mean owners will take victories in a few.

Although mighty, the P400 engine isn’t one of the Defender 90’s experiential highlights. The 3.0-liter inline-six comes from JLR’s Ingenium family and features both a mild amount of electric assistance—through an integrated 48-volt starter-generator—as well as an electric compressor to quicken responses before the turbo builds boost. It is certainly effective, with the sensation of acceleration heightened by the nose-up attitude the 90 takes on its soft springs. But the engine is short on refinement, sounding loud and diesel-like under gentle loads and becoming coarse at higher revs.

To be fair, the powerplant’s lack of manners are only really noticeable because the rest of the 90 is so good. It cruises remarkably quietly for something with such a blunt aerodynamic profile and such sizable tires, road and wind noise staying impressively low even when cruising at an indicated 80 mph. Although upright, the seating position is comfortable over long stints behind the wheel, and the uncluttered dashboard is a model of clarity. Ventilation and drive-mode buttons are grouped in a binnacle next to the gear selector, with other most functions controlled by the 10-inch touchscreen above. We’ve been plenty rude about JLR’s clunky, confused, and often oxymoronic InControl infotainment, so we are happy to report that the Defender’s Pivi Pro system—which will soon roll out throughout the range—is clearer and much more intuitive.

Although smaller than the 110, the Defender 90’s cabin does not feel cramped. The rear seats are positioned slightly higher than those in the front, and although access to the back requires an awkward scramble, both legroom and headroom are entirely viable for adults. The option of what is effectively a fold-up jumpseat in the front means the 90 can carry six passengers—all hail the return of the front bench seat—although anyone in the middle up front will have to bend their knees around the dashboard console. Cargo space has obviously been reduced compared to the 110, but there are still 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The P400 we drove in England was in fully loaded X trim, set to start at $82,560. The X model brings both plush trim and a near fully ticked set of option boxes, including an upgraded Meridian audio system and a set of gray-faced 20-inch alloys that looked too nice for proper off-roading. The X also gets standard height-adjustable air suspension, with lesser versions of the 90 running on steel coil springs.

On road the air springs felt a little firm when asked to deal with urban bumps and potholes, but they were well suited for highway speeds. Although the P400 has a set of Terrain Response modes to allow it to tackle any off-road environment, it lacks a Sport or Dynamic mode, and even moderately rapid progress brings some acute lean angles. Our test car’s Goodyear all-terrain tires could only produce modest grip, with the 90’s stability control intervening hard and early when it sensed any loss of grip. The electrically boosted brakes are also grabby, and the pedal lacks feel. We were also surprised to discover that even in range-topping form the 90 lacks steering-wheel shift paddles. Taking manual control of the standard eight-speed automatic transmission needs to be done through the central shift lever.

Having shown us one extreme of the 90 clan with the P400 X, Land Rover also let us experience something far closer to the other, a P300 riding on coil springs and with interior trim clearly chosen for durability rather than niceness. We got to drive this on a route around the grounds of Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, this being the place where Land Rover has tested the off-road credentials of its vehicles (and those of its competitors) pretty much since the company’s foundation.

The P300’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine soon proves to suit the Defender’s doughty character perfectly. With 296 horsepower, it’s still capable of delivering reasonable acceleration; we expect it to come in under 8.0 seconds, still entirely respectable for a vehicle this shape and size. It is also happy grumbling along at low revs in gelatinous mud. Its peak 295 pound-feet of torque is available on a flat plateau that stretches from 1500 rpm to 4000 rpm.

You won’t be surprised to learn the P300 proved mighty in its development playground. The combination of low-range gearing, locking center and rear differentials and the traction-boosting magic of the Terrain Response system’s Mud and Ruts mode allowed it to slither and grind its way along some of Eastnor’s tracks while barely working hard. Steel-sprung clearance wasn’t quite as good as it would have been with fully raised air suspension—8.9 inches versus 11.5 inches—but it was still more than adequate to clear sizable obstacles. And with four-wheel independent suspension, the diffs are tucked up in the middle instead of dragging along with the axles, as in the old Defender. (And the current Jeep Wrangler.)

The Defender 90 is cheaper than the 110, but not by much. The entry-level $47,450 P300 is $4400 less than the equivalent 110, but the difference is actually less than that: The longer-wheelbase model brings standard air suspension, which is a $1600 option on the base 90. Further up the tree, the difference is even less, with the 90 X only being $2500 less than the 110.

While some may choose the two-door Defender to secure that modest discount—or to fit within the confines of an exceptionally short garage—most 90 buyers will be drawn by the desire to experience the Defender in its purest form.

Specifications

2021 Land Rover Defender 90

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5–6-passenger, 2-door wagon

BASE PRICE
P300, $47,450; P400, $59,150

ENGINES
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 296 hp, 295 lb-ft; turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 395 hp, 406 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 101.9 in
Length: 180.4 in
Width: 78.6 in
Height: 77.5 in
Passenger volume: 102 ft³
Cargo volume: 16 ft³
Curb weight (C/D est): 5200–5400 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.0–7.9 sec
100 mph: 17.0–18.9 sec
1/4 mile: 14.5–16.4 sec
Top speed: 120 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/17–18/21–22 mpg

_{^{Article Credit: Mike Duff
Photo Credits: Land Rover
Full Article: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34514682/2021-land-rover-defender-90-drive/}}

although awash with all-new design cues inside and out, the land rover defender still retained its iconic boxy silhouette upon its highly anticipated reveal at IAA 2019. a year on, designboom finally gets behind the wheel of the reimagined SUV. it has four decades of history to build upon – not replace – pushing the british brand’s designers and engineers to go above and beyond yet again. through its development, the model overcame a supposed 62,000 different tests on the toughest terrain across the world. it excelled in the soft sand of the desert and the frozen ice fields of the arctic, but how about the rain-washed woodlands of the british midlands? we travel to the cotswolds with the short wheelbase model – the 90 – to test out.

the exterior design of the 2020 land rover defender appears familiar yet new. it, once again, builds upon the iconic model’s boxed proportions with signature elements like the short front and rear overhangs as well as the wraparound glasshouse as seen across the land and range rover portfolio. its all-purpose, utility-driven aesthetic looks tough yet there is an intriguing sculpture to its form. defiant chamfers smooth the lips of its edges at all corners and on the wheel arches, not hiding its bold lines but adding a finesse. these details are emboldened with the new satin protective film, which makes the paintwork even more durable as well as creating an elegant glow in changing light. our indus silver model looked great clean and when naturally painted in mud, as we found out throughout our drive.

the resulting design builds upon neoclassicism. it is old but new, toy-like but elegant; it is all about utility but that doesn’t mean it can’t look stylish at the same time. the SUV will be greatly loved by hardcore off-roaders and suburban parents alike. this is all thanks to the purity of its design. every detail, from the refined chamfering of its box proportions to its short overhangs, is reimagined for the modern day. the rear design completes its perfect aesthetic: an externally-mounted spare wheel is fitted to the side-hinged tailgate and a trail of rounded square tail-lights line the edges.

the purity of design does feel a little forced inside the 2020 land rover defender. fixings that are usually hidden from view have been left exposed to create a stripped-back personality. the result, however, is just a couple of large bolts visible on the door panels or center console, finished in either a metal or timber depending on your trim package. the rest of the cabin does find a more harmonious balance between utility, comfort and glamor. all surfaces support this stylish utility, with the flooring lined with durable rubber and brush-to-clean materials upholstered elsewhere.

for simplicity and practicality, the dashboard is a key refinement in the new model. two upholstered rail-like bars stretch across the width the of the cabin. the negative space in between can be used to hold utensils, from water bottles and maps to even your smartphone thanks to integrated charging ports. in the middle of the dashboard sits the infotainment system, which includes their all-new user-friendly and intuitive pivi pro software. below that, a mounted gear shifter not only makes all controls within easy reach and eyesight for the driver, but it also accommodates for an optional center front ‘jump’ seat – a neat nod to the early land rover. our 90 model sits six occupants whereas the long wheelbase model – the 110 – offers a five, six or 5+2 configuration

from the winding country roads of the cotswolds to the fast motorways of southern england, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine of the new defender perfectly balances both worlds. 304hp (300PS) combines with 400Nm of torque to race from 0 to 60mph in 6.7seconds and to a top speed of 119mph (191km/h). it is so comfortable on the road that you might excuse the driver for not looking at what they have, so quickly, passed by. as another nod to its predecessor, its externally-mounted spare wheel together with the middle rear headrest blocks most of the driver’s view behind. land rover have fitted a ‘clearsight rear-view mirror’ that transforms the mirror into an unobstructed video screen, as seen in the range rover evoque.

as well as this surprising on-road comfort, the defender raises the threshold for off-road ruggedness during our tests through the mud puddles and slopes of the cotswolds woodlands. its new purpose-engineered D7x architecture – a lightweight aluminum monocoque construction – creates their stiffest body structure to date. it is the perfect foundation for the fully independent air or coil spring suspension. permanent all-wheel drive and a twin-speed automatic gearbox, center differential and optional active locking rear differential pushes it above and beyond the capabilities of any SUV we have driven. ‘clearsight’ can be used again to provide views on the touchscreen of the ground that usually the driver cannot see. this was extremely helpful when navigating the deep mud ruts and cornering round rocks and trees on our trails.

from its refined, neoclassic design to its fine-tuned, all-conquering performance, the 2020 land rover defender proves more than a toy – although it is still great fun. it is your everyday car. the model, a reimagined icon for the 21st century, is utilitarian in its practicality but it is stylish. 40 years on from its predecessor, the 2020 edition was worth the wait.

_{^{Article Credit: Tim Spears
Photo Credits: Land Rover
Full Article: https://www.designboom.com/technology/2020-land-rover-defender-first-drive-10-28-2020/}}

Chelsea Truck Company’s latest creation adopts a striking volcano-inspired paint scheme

The Chelsea Truck Company has revealed the Defender Vesuvius Edition: an aggressively styled, orange-and-black-themed take on Land Rover’s new SUV.

Created by the company’s Project Kahn tuning arm, the Defender Vesuvius Edition is available to order now from £66,999 (roughly £20,000 more than the cheapest standard Defender) and aimed at drivers seeking more individuality.

It’s marked out from the standard car by a number of bespoke design elements. As standard, the exterior is metallic black with orange detailing, but these colours are customisable by customers.

Inside, the altered Defender sports black seats complemented with orange armrests, doorcards. However, as with the exterior, these colours can be changed to order, so customers could model the interior on, for example, their “favourite cashmere scarf”, said Kahn.

Project Khan has also added a gloss-black vented grille, a vented bumper spoiler and several new accents. Customers can add further features through upgrade packs such as the Black Pack, tweaking the front grille and rear bumper.

The Vesuvius Edition also gains Kahn’s distinctive ‘crosshair’ exhaust exits and rides on 22in Black Kahn RS forged wheels.

The Defender Vesuvius Edition is available with the top-rung P300 petrol engine used by the standard Defender, which delivers 296bhp to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Vesuvius Edition launch car’s 1 DBT numberplate can be retained by one customer for an additional £23,000.

_{^{Article Credit: Will Trinkwon
Full Article: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/project-kahn-unveils-land-rover-defender-vesuvius-edition}}

LUMMA gives a preview of its refinement programme for the new Defender.

LUMMA Design individualizes the Land Rover Defender Type L663 to become a muscle-bound off-road athlete, once again reaffirming its claim as the top dog in the league of exclusive SUV refiners.
Production at the highest technical level, in connection with exceptional workmanship and the finest materials – this is the quality standard with which the southern German tuning specialists masterfully stage the wide version, dubbed LUMMA CLR LD. Strikingly designed aerodynamic components and matching alloy wheels form the basis, high quality accessories and stylish interior fittings complete the range.

LUMMA uses the most modern manufacturing processes for its extensive body modifications. Whether front spoiler attachment, rear apron, side skirts, front grille, bonnet attachment or the wheel arch extensions that widen the vehicle by 40 millimetres at the front and rear – all components are weight-optimized either made of carbon fibre or polyurethane plastic (PUR-RIM). The LUMMA wide body combines sophisticated aerodynamics with a spectacular look: Large air inlets on the wings ensure an optimum flow of fresh air to the drive unit and also underline the sports, dynamic look. An additional roof panel with two integrated spotlights, on the other hand, emphasizes the off-road character of this off-road classic.

The distinctive LUMMA alloy wheels fit perfectly under the new, muscular-looking wheel arch extensions. The range includes wheel dimensions from 19″ to 23″. Depending on the preferred application, the SUV specialists equip the Defender with on or off-road tyres.
The aluminium wheels are particularly highlighted by performance spacers in conjunction with the raised suspension in the off-road version.

As a supplement to the existing interior, LUMMA offers a wide range of individualization options – from a personalized set of floor mats to anodized aluminium pedals right up to a complete leather interior. All equipment details are manufactured with the highest level of manual precision.

Powerful performance enhancements and exhaust systems with a sports sound are already being tested. The delivery date for the refinement programme, which is also being developed to suit the Defender 5.0 Top model, is spring 2021.

PHOTO GALLERY

The New Land Rover Defender Hard Top brings unstoppable capability, usability and toughness to the commercial 4×4 sector.

• Unstoppable capability: Land Rover Defender Hard Top provides a unique combination of off-road capability, long-haul comfort, toughness and durability in the commercial vehicle sector
• Hardworking heritage: Hard Top name dates back to the 1950 original and has been revived for the most durable and practical member of the New Defender family
• Two practical body designs: New Defender Hard Top is available in 90 and 110 body designs, providing 1,355 and 2,059 litres of cargo space respectively
• Ingenium diesel engines: Powerful and efficient Ingenium diesel engines with smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
• Off-road expert: Defender Hard Top is capable of wading up to 900mm and will tow up to 3,500kg, with Advanced Tow Assist technology available to aid reversing manoeuvres
• Fit for purpose: Flexible load area features full rubber floor coverings, lashing points, hooks, lockable underfloor storage and a full bulkhead partition for security and safety
• Business-ready: Passenger compartment has space for up to three occupants with the Defender’s innovative optional jump seat and features the latest connected technologies
• Enhanced visibility: Clearsight Rear View camera and 3D Surround Camera ensure impeccable visibility around the whole vehicle, making light work of tight manoeuvres and off-road terrain
• Available now: Defender 90 Hard Top available from £35,820 OTR (ex. VAT) in the UK, and Defender 110 Hard Top available from £43,012 OTR (ex. VAT)

The New Land Rover Defender Hard Top brings unstoppable capability, usability and toughness to the commercial 4×4 sector alongside 21st century connectivity and premium comfort. The Hard Top name has been associated with rugged practicality and go-anywhere carrying capacity since the first Land Rover Hard Tops were introduced 70 years ago.

Available in both 90 Hard Top and 110 Hard Top body designs, the durable interior of the new commercial model combines a two-seat passenger compartment – with the option of a third central jump seat – and a flexible, hard-wearing rear load bay that provides 1,355 and 2,059 litres of loadspace respectively.

By incorporating clever lockable underfloor storage solutions and a secure bulkhead partition, the experts at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations have taken every step to maximise the space and practicality of the Defender in its transformation into the most usable and hard-wearing commercial Land Rover ever produced

The Defender Hard Top is powered exclusively by Land Rover’s strong and efficient Ingenium diesel engines, including D200, D250 and D300 in-line six-cylinder variants (certain EU5 markets offer in-line four-cylinder D200 for Defender 90 and D240 for Defender 110). All make use of the latest advanced Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system to distribute power and torque for optimum performance and efficiency.

Land Rover Defenders have always thrived in the harshest environments. Whether for commercial or recreational use, the Defender Hard Top is a true no-nonsense vehicle that will take whatever is thrown at it, or in it

MICHAEL VAN DER SANDE
MANAGING DIRECTOR, LAND ROVER SPECIAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS

DURABLE AND FLEXIBLE LOAD AREA

All Defender Hard Top models come with a practical cargo area with a fixed full-height partition to separate occupants from the generous load area. The bulkhead boosts security and safety and preserves the refined driving experience of the passenger model. The partition itself comes with four hanging hooks on the loadspace side, and two stowage nets on the cabin side of 110 models for small items.

All Defender Hard Top models come with a practical cargo area with a fixed full-height partition to separate occupants from the generous load area. The bulkhead boosts security and safety and preserves the refined driving experience of the passenger model. The partition itself comes with four hanging hooks on the loadspace side, and two stowage nets on the cabin side of 110 models for small items.

The full-width load floor is completely flat, with up to six integrated lashing points, heavy-duty rubber mats and a set of lockable storage areas providing with 58 litres of underfloor stowage at the rear of both the 90 and 110. An additional underfloor area is fitted to the 110 Hard Top, where the footwells of the Defender passenger model would normally be found, providing 155 litres of hidden stowage, and the whole load area is illuminated by enhanced interior lighting five times brighter than the standard passenger Defender.

Additionally, high-sided rubber mats for the front footwells add to the rugged nature of the passenger compartment – and when the time comes to clean the interior out, the all-rubber floor coverings can be hosed down. 

The Hard Top’s load area is accessed via the side-hinged rear tailgate, while the rear side doors on 110 variants boost practicality and give customers the flexibility to access smaller items located towards the front without the need to move bulky objects out of the way. The interior rear door panels also feature a unique slimline profile to maximise loadspace inside. If required, the 110 Hard Top can accommodate a standard Euro Pallet thanks to its wide-opening tailgate and generous proportions. The maximum load length measures up to 1,472mm in the 110 and lashing points ensure large loads can be safely secured in place.

Customers can add bespoke signage to the Defender Hard Top’s iconic silhouette, thanks to the Exterior Signage Panel behind the front row of seats that runs to the rear of the vehicle, while a variety of roof racks and accessories provide added scope for load carrying.

UNRIVALLED CAPABILITY

Defender Hard Top provides exceptional off-road capability in tandem with strong load carrying capacity – giving commercial vehicle customers the ability to reach the most remote locations.

Both 90 and 110 Hard Top models are equipped with independent coil-sprung suspension, with advanced Electronic Air Suspension available on the 110. Both set-ups provide outstanding off-road geometry, with ground clearance of 291mm, and approach, breakover and departure angles as the passenger models – up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively for the 110 (in Off-Road Height).

The Hard Top also demonstrates impressive towing prowess, with the ability to pull up to 3,500kg, and it will wade through water up to 900mm deep, assisted by the Wade programmed in the Terrain Response 2 system that ensures drivers can cross flooded roads or tracks with confidence.

Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is instrumental in enabling customers to go anywhere. The new intelligent driveline system uses sensor data from driver inputs and vehicle surroundings to continually vary axle torque and deliver it to where it’s needed. This torque distribution arrangement optimises the vehicle not only for traction and on-road dynamics, but it also contributes to driveline efficiency with lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy, without sacrificing any of the Defender’s unrivalled off-road capability.

EFFICIENT AND POWERFUL INGENIUM DIESEL ENGINES

Power for the Defender Hard Top comes from a choice of advanced Ingenium diesel engines mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box.

The Defender 90 Hard Top features the D200 in-line six-cylinder engine producing 200PS and 500Nm of torque (D200 in-line four-cylinder with 200PS and 430Nm in select EU5 markets).

The Defender 110 Hard Top is available with the D250 or D300 in-line six-cylinder diesel engines,  featuring MHEV technology and the option of Electronic Air Suspension. The D250 delivers 249PS and 570Nm of torque, while the D300 provides 300PS and 650Nm (D240 in-line four-cylinder with 240PS and 430Nm in select EU5 markets).

The smooth and strong torque delivery offered by the six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines is perfect for the Defender Hard Top, while also delivering superior fuel economy and reduced emissions from the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

The RDE2-certified and Euro 6d-Final compliant six-cylinder engines meet the most stringent global emissions standards and feature state-of-the-art Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology to enhance refinement, efficiency and responses.

The 48-volt system harvests energy usually lost when slowing down and stores it in a battery under the rear floor of the vehicle. This energy is then redeployed to provide torque assistance during stop/start driving, providing smoother and more economical driving.

DEFENDER HARD TOP SPECIFICATION

The rugged Defender 90 Hard Top comes exclusively in Defender specification with durable Ebony fabric seats ensuring it’s up to the challenges and rigours of everyday use, and rubber flooring throughout.

Defender 110 Hard Top customers can choose from four specifications: Defender, S, SE and HSE. These provide a range of exterior and interior enhancements and wheel choices, including Taurus upholstery on SE and Windsor Leather seats on HSE, all offering a unique blend of comfort and durability.

Land Rover’s state-of-the-art Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment provides immediate and intuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, including seamless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Twin eSIM technology underpins Pivi Pro and supports Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability, allowing customers to download updates for a variety of vehicle systems. For professionals using the Defender Hard Top for business, this will minimise time spent off the road as SOTA updates can be completed without the need to visit a Land Rover retailer.

All New Defender Hard Top models feature a comprehensive set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. This includes Land Rover’s 3D Surround Camera system that provides all-round visualisation of the vehicle on the central touchscreen, helping drivers manoeuvre safely in tight spaces or position the vehicle close to items ready for loading.

For an uncompromised view out of the rear of the vehicle – regardless of whether the load space is full or if there’s a passenger in the optional Jump Seat – Land Rover’s ClearSight Rear View camera provides an uninterrupted view out the rear of the vehicle at the flick of a switch on the bottom of the rear-view mirror.

Convenience is enhanced further with the Remote smartphone app, which will allow businesses to keep track of the location, fuel level and journey history of their vehicle from afar, for ultimate peace of mind and security.

The 90 Hard Top is available from  £35,820 OTR (exc. VAT) and the Defender 110 Hard Top from £43,012 OTR (exc. VAT) in the UK.

^{Source: Land Rover Press Release}