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This 1981 Land Rover 6×6 Pickup Truck Is Old-School Awesome

Six-wheeled military and commercial vehicles have been around for ages, but six-wheel passenger vehicles are relatively new. The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 single-handedly made six-wheel drive cool eight years ago when it launched, and since then, the aftermarket has caught notice.

We could talk all day about 6×6 trucks from Hennessey, but did you know that a relatively small British company offered 6×6 conversions of the Land Rover back in the 1980s? Townley Cross-Country Vehicles is the name of that company, and the pickup before your eyes is one of their creations.

Listed for sale by the Land Rover Centre in Huddersfield, the 1981 Land Rover 109 Series 3 Stage 1 V8 was registered for road use in May 1986. One-of-two Townley 6×6 conversions, the sport utility truck was first owned by a gentleman who used it for towing a concrete pump and carrying pipes.

The second owner acquired it sometime in 1995, sold it, then repurchased the SUT in 2005. From 2016 to 2018, the pickup underwent a restoration that saw almost everything rebuilt or replaced, including the bulkhead and rear wings. Now riding on a galvanized chassis, the Landy features 30 more inches of wheelbase over the standard 109 inches (76.2 and 276.8 centimeters).

Rated at 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) in terms of payload capacity, the Townley 6×6 can be switched from 4×6 to 6×6 on the fly. This capable workhorse is rocking an OHV aluminum V8 with 3.5 liters of displacement, the venerable Rover V8 with 91 horsepower and 166 pound-feet (225 Nm).

Fed by twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and an electric fuel pump, the motor is connected to a four-speed manual transmission. A pair of transfer boxes, 3.54 gearing for all three axles, and servo-assisted drum brakes on all six corners also need to be mentioned, along with a ground clearance of 8.25 inches (20.95 centimeters). For reference, the all-new Defender with air suspension and a unibody chassis offers 11.5 inches (29.21 centimeters).

If you intend to make this six-wheeled blast from the past your own, prepare to pony up 39,995 pounds sterling or $55,340 at current exchange rates.

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Article Credit: Mircea Panait
Full Article: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/this-1981-land-rover-6×6-pickup-truck-is-old-school-awesome-157232.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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Kahn’s 2015 Land Rover Defender Pickup Looks Ready For The End Of Days

Kahn will soon proceed to modify the new Land Rover Defender, but in the meantime, they have tuned yet another previous-gen example and named it the End Edition.

A fine piece of automotive work, the pickup bears the British tuner’s signature design, with bolt-on fender extensions, new stainless steel front bumper with integrated lights, tweaked bonnet, tubular side steps for improved ingress and egress, side vents, roof lights, rear mud flaps and spare wheel cover in the open bed.

The Mondial Retro 20-inch wheels, shod in Cooper AT/3 tires, and twin crosshair exhausts with 100 mm (4 in) tailpipes round out the exterior changes. This six-year old Defender also features an upgraded interior. The front GTB bucket seats with heating, rear seats, parts of the dashboard and 3-spoke steering wheel, with billet brushed satin aluminum, are wrapped in brown quilted and perforated leather. It also features machined aluminum vented pedals, chunky rubber floor mats, rear boot mat, custom interior badge and boot sill plate.

While we’ve gotten used to seeing older Defenders with big GM engines, this one has a 2.2-liter diesel with 122 brake horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission. It has 27,000 miles (43,452 km) on the clock, two previous owners and was built in 2015, and it is for sale, with Kahn listing it with a buy-it-now price of £64,999 ($91,246). It’s also in right-hand drive, and if you want to check out the ad, you may do so here

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Article Credit: Christian Gnaticov
Full Article: https://www.carscoops.com/2021/02/kahns-2015-land-rover-defender-pickup-looks-ready-for-the-end-of-days/



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The new Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of Land Rover’s toughest 4×4

The Land Rover Defender was inarguably the most exciting car to hit our roads last year, but the British marque hasn’t quite started to relax just yet. 

Quite the contrary, because it’s just casually dropped the most powerful production Defender ever made. This will be the first major upgrade since its reintroduction in 2019, and it’s fair to say that the power-hungry won’t be disappointed, not when there’s a potent new V8 under its hood. 

Available on both the three-door 90 and the five-door 110 versions, the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 — mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission — is capable of an immense 518hp and 625Nm of torque, making this 4×4 hooligan not only the most powerful, but also the fastest production iteration ever. Zero-to-100kph figures are touted at only 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 240kph. 

Don’t mistake the regular turbocharged inline-six (mild hybrid too, mind you) to not be good enough though, because it’s plenty powerful enough for anything you might’ve already fantasized putting the SUV through, including steep muddy ascends in the wild outback. The Defender V8 will, however, get an additional drive mode in its Terrain Response system that focuses on the tarmac and loose surfaces like say, gravel, so you can get the most out of its formidable powertrain literally anywhere you go. Expect beefier sway bars too, as well as a yaw controller for the electronic rear differential and larger front brakes to cope with this newfound power. 

Besides a new powertrain, Land Rover is also offering a host of trim levels that you’ll be able to upgrade your dream Defender with. The new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is the model’s flagship and will feature Carpathian Gray bodywork with Land Rover’s semi-matte Satin Protective Film, as well as a black roof and tailgate. It’ll also come with extensive “V8 Carpathian Edition” badging and black trim pieces for maximum presence both inside and out. 

There’ll also be an XS Edition that replaces the wildly popular First Edition, which offers exterior and interior treatments on both the 90 and 110. This includes bespoke body-coloured lower claddings and lower wheel arches, which draw the eye to distinctive 20-inch, contrast diamond-turned Satin Grey alloy wheels. The four exclusive paint colours here — Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone, and Santorini Black — perfectly encapsulate the brooding power of the iconic SUV, and set the tone for its luxurious grained leather interiors. 

Other highlights to look forward to in 2022 Defenders include infotainment upgrades. The Pivi Pro system can now be upsized to 11.4 inches — up from the regular 10 inches — and includes a wireless charging tray and signal booster. If the handsome exterior of the Defender somehow fails to impress you, there are also three new design packs that enable personalization such as chrome finishes and badging. 

Article Credit: Shatricia Nair
Full Article: https://www.lifestyleasia.com/sg/gear/motoring/defender-v8-2021/



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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