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Land Rover Defender Crowned Best Design Car in the World

A third win for Land Rover in design category at annual World Car of the Year awards.

Land Rover’s new Defender has been judged the 2021 World Car Design of the Year, as part of the annual World Car Awards that recognise automotive excellence.

Highlighting new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries, the World Car Design of the Year award is part of a broader competition that also includes World Performance Car, World Green Car, World Luxury and World Urban Car categories, as well as the overall World Car of the Year.

Cars eligible for the 2021 World Car Design of the Year award encompass all contenders competing in the other four award categories, so the judging panel had dozens of new cars and SUVs to choose from.

That panel consisted of seven highly respected world design experts, including Gernot Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim Design School), Ian Callum (United Kingdom – Director of Design, CALLUM, and formerly with Jaguar, Ford and Aston Martin), Gert Hildebrand (Germany – Owner Hildebrand-Design), Patrick le Quément (France – Designer and President of the Strategy Committee – The Sustainable Design School, and formerly with Ford and Renault), Tom Matano (USA – Academy of Art University, Former Head of Design – Mazda), Victor Nacif (USA – Chief Creative Officer, Brojure.com and Design instructor, NewSchool of Architecture and Design) and Shiro Nakamura (Japan – CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.).

The panel was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short list of recommendations for the final vote. In addition to Defender, the short list included the Mazda MX-30, Honda e, Polestar 2 and Porsche 911 Turbo.

From this group, a 1 through 5 voting system determined the three finalists – Land Rover Defender, Mazda MX-30 and Honda e – which were announced on 30 March.

The final was held on 20 April, where the Defender was declared the ultimate winner, with 299 points, over the Honda e (239 points) and Mazda MX-30 (197 points). 

Prof. Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “New Defender is influenced by its past but is not constrained by it and we are delighted it has been honoured with this award.

“Our vision was to create a 21st century Defender by pushing the boundaries of engineering, technology and design while retaining its renowned DNA and off-road capability. The result is a compelling 4×4 that resonates with customers on an emotional level.”

This year’s win is the third for Land Rover in the design category, following the Range Rover Velar in 2018 and Range Rover Evoque in 2012.

Article Credit: Mike Ryan
Full Article: https://practicalmotoring.com.au/4×4/news/land-rover-defender-crowned-best-designed-car-in-the-world/



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Lifted Land Rover “Big Bertha” Defender Fits 35-Inch Wheels, Goes Where It Wants

Following the launch of the all-new Land Rover Defender last year, one of the main criticisms laid at the SUV’s feet was that it didn’t wasn’t as readily modifiable as the old model it shares its name with.

That idea was further supported by what happened with TFL’s second attempt to get their hands on a new Defender: after the first one’s engine died prematurely, the second one was deemed undeliverable after a vital cable harness was severed during the seemingly simple installation of a winch.

Meanwhile, the Internet is full of new Defenders modified to varying degrees, from the mild (mostly aesthetic) to the extreme (stuff that makes the vehicle more off-road capable). This almost-white P400 you’re about to see definitely falls into the latter category, featuring a cure to one of the vehicle’s greatest problems: its poor tire selection.

There are two things that limit the new Defender to a 33-inch tire, and they are the wheel size (no smaller than 19 inches for the six-cylinder engine) and the clearance in the wheel arch needed to fit 35s or larger. Now, the clever people at J Austen Fabrications have come up with a sub-frame lift kit that can bump the ground clearance by anything from two to six inches. The great thing about it is it doesn’t affect the vehicle’s original air suspension, allowing it to function as before, which means an extra inch and a half of lift is on the cards.

“Big Bertha”, the Land Rover Defender featured in the clip below, uses a two-inch lift from J Austen Fabrications as well as two-inch lift rods for a total gain of four inches. Then, it was time for “a bit of trimming” to make room for the 35s, a process that also required the relocation of some components. Finally, the brakes needed a bit of adjustment as well since the size of the rotors didn’t allow 18-inch wheels. With that taken care of as well – and the exhaust muffler removed too – Big Bertha was ready to take on the trails. The most difficult of them.

According to the owner, the total cost for this conversion is somewhere in the $14,000-15,000 range. That may not seem like much for a set of mods that will make the vehicle immensely more capable off-road, but when you consider how much the Defender – especially in the P400 trim – costs, it could bring the total cost to over $100,000. That’s a lot of money to put into something that’s supposed to go over razor-sharp rocks and narrow passages, putting it at constant risk of being damaged. But at least now you know that if you want a beefed-up Defender, you can have it.

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Article Credit: Vlad Mitrache
Full Article: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lifted-land-rover-big-bertha-defender-fits-35-inch-wheels-goes-where-it-wants-159534.html#



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V8-Powered Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 Is a Carbon-Clad Widebody Titan

Ares Design’s gifted auto specialists are no strangers to the aftermarket realm. Since the company’s relatively recent birth, the Italian craftsmen never failed to amaze gearheads with their fascinating works of mechanical art.

A few of Ares’ most notable undertakings have honored the autoevolution pages with their presence, including a bespoke Porsche 911 Turbo with 425 hp on tap and a Tesla Model S-based convertible masterpiece. As you examine these beasts, it’s fairly safe to conclude that Modena’s experts mean business.

Given the fact that we can’t seem to get enough of this firm’s surreal wizardry (and I’ll bet you feel the same), we’d say a closer look at their Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 is a welcome feat. At the end of the day, transforming an undistinguished previous-gen Defender into a V8-powered monstrosity with eerie vibes is no walk in the park. In fact, I encourage you to sit down and take a deep breath because this bad boy will make you weak at the knees.

In Stock form, the SUV is brought to life by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel inline-four engine with four valves per cylinder head and a healthy compression ratio of 15.6:1. At about 3,500 rpm, the mill produces as much as 121 hp along with a respectable torque output of up to 266 pound-feet (361 Nm) at 2,000 revs. This oomph is distributed to all four wheels by means of a six-speed manual transmission, enabling the Defender to reach a top speed of 90 mph (145 kph).

Now that we’ve covered the standard vehicle’s main characteristics, let’s proceed with a thorough analysis of Ares Design’s leviathan. The very first thing you’ll notice is a sinister widebody kit that manages to look just about as rad as it gets. At the front, the new bodywork consists of a carbon fiber grille that doubles up as a headlight housing for the car’s new LED items, as well as a beefy hood with integrated air inlets.

On the flanks, we spot a set of muscular fender flares arching over the tuner’s rugged 18-inch five-spoke hoops. To add even more visual bulk, Italy’s pros went about installing a stealthy pair of tubular side steps in between. Furthermore, the colossus also received enlarged rear windows, a panoramic roof, and circular LED taillights to round out (no pun intended) the cosmetic pizzazz.

Inside, the cabin has been meticulously reupholstered with top-grade leather, but the use of premium materials doesn’t end there. An assortment of carbon fiber trimmings tastefully complements the new upholstery, while a state-of-the-art infotainment system supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto adorns the dashboard. Ares’ high-tech goodness is concluded by an engine start-stop button, electric windows, and heated side mirrors hosting fresh turn signals.

Last but not least, the Defender’s humble 2.2-liter turbodiesel powerplant has been discarded in favor of a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 behemoth producing no less than 282 wild ponies and 324 pound-feet (440 Nm) of twist. To ensure the additional force is handled with ease, the V8 predator has been coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. On the other hand, stopping power is taken good care of by six-piston calipers from AP Racing.

The finishing touch comes in the form of a suspension lift kit, which increases the SUV’s ground clearance by 1.4 inches (35 mm). Should you be looking to purchase your own Defender Spec 1.2, Ares Design claims that your order will be delivered in approximately three months. However, pricing information remains undisclosed at the time of this publication.

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Article Credit: Silvian Secara
Full Article: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/v8-powered-land-rover-defender-spec-12-is-a-carbon-clad-widebody-titan-158036.html#

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A Close Look at What Land Rover’s 2022 Defender V8 Range Toppers Have to Offer

A little more than a year after it debuted the modern version of its epic off-roader, Land Rover has given the Defender a series of upgrades for the 2022 model year, chief of which is a powerful 5.0-liter supercharged V8.

Launched in September 2019 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Defender had some big shoes to fill since its predecessor is widely regarded as one of the best-off roaders of all time.

Other than the name, it shares nothing with the legendary model. Land Rover dropped the body-on-frame construction in favor of a modern, aluminum unibody, and the whole vehicle looks and feels much more upscale.

For the new model year, the Defender will be receiving its first major upgrade. Both the three-door 90 and the five-door 110 versions will be available with a highly capable supercharged V8.

Matted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine produces 518 hp (525 PS) and 461 lb-ft (625 Nm) of torque, making it the most powerful Defender ever produced, according to the manufacturer.

Apart from the power it delivers, a V8 engine is also loved by many for the glorious growl it produces, and the engineering team that developed the Defender V8 paid close attention to acoustics. They tuned the engine’s induction and exhaust systems to produce what is described as a beautiful soundtrack that can be enhanced by selecting Dynamic driving mode.

The models fitted with this powerplant feature a unique suspension configuration featuring customized spring and damper rates, stiffer bushings, and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential.

The Defender V8 also builds on the nameplate’s excellent off-road capability with the introduction of a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response system.

Engineers have focused on carefully calibrating this program to make the SUV more agile and responsive. When enabled, it dynamically controls the air suspension, torque vectoring, and traction control systems to provide an on-road driving experience that will give drivers the impression they’re driving a sports-tuned Jaguar sports car rather than an SUV, according the automaker.

On the other hand, the program also ensures that the Defender can easily navigate through tough off-road conditions.

For the exterior, every Defender V8 comes with some unique enhancements that distinguish them from standard models. The most noticeable are the quad exhaust tailpipes, the 22-inch alloy wheels, and the Xenon Blue brake calipers.

As for personalization, customers can choose between three exterior colors, Carpathian Grey, Yulong White (both of which include a contrast roof painted in Narvik Black), and Santorini Black.

Inside the cabin, Defender V8s offer seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor Leather with Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, each finished with a distinctive Ebony tag. Also unique to these models are the Alcantara four-spoke steering wheel and tactile satin chrome gearshift paddles.

For customers who want the ultimate Defender, JLR has announced that it will package the V8 in an exclusive trim called Carpathian Edition.

It comes with all the goodies from the standard Defender V8, distinguishing itself thanks to the Carpathian Grey premium metallic paint contrasted by Narvik Black roof, hood, and tailgate. Other unique additions include Satin Black tow eyes, Carpathian Gloss front and rear skid pans, and a front grille bar.

The Defender is a remarkable SUV, and the addition of the supercharged V8 makes it even more desirable. However, pricing starts at around $90,000 for the standard 90 three-door model powered by the eight-cylinder engine, which makes it obscenely expensive for what it has to offer.

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Article Credit: Vlad Radu
Full Article: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/a-close-look-at-what-land-rover-s-2022-defender-v8-range-toppers-have-to-offer-157039.html

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The Land Rover Defender pickup could make a comeback

Apparently it is ‘structurally possible’. And there’s demand. Do it, Land Rover

Truck yeah. The Land Rover Defender pickup looks like it’s coming back.

The chief of the new Defender project, Nick Collins, was asked in meeting of Car of the Year jurors about the possibility. Can it be done when the new Defender is a monocoque, whereas the old one (and all other tough pickups) have a frame chassis?

“It is structurally possible [with the monocoque]. And there is demand,” said Collins, doing absolutely nothing to quash the rumours.

“We won’t comment on future plans,” he went on, again doing nothing to quash speculation, “But watch this space.”

The pickup, with removable hardtops or canvas tilts or running naked, was always an important part of the old Defender range for farmers and other working owners. There was a lot of criticism at the new Defender’s launch that it had turned into a high-spec luxury 4×4 that is leaving these people behind.

But Land Rover points out that the range now includes simpler coil-sprung models and the commercial hardtop variant, so the lowest price isn’t far above a well-specced double-cab Toyota Hi-Lux or similar.

Collins said “we are already talking to fleets and utilities” about sales of the hardtop models.

A pickup version would go further towards satisfying true country working people. And on them rests much of the oft-repeated claim that the Defender is all about ‘authenticity’.

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Article Credit: Paul Horrell
Full Article: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/land-rover-defender-pickup-could-make-comeback