CategoriesNews
By

The Arctic Trucks AT35 Is A Land Rover Defender With Even More Off-Road Capability

Arctic Trucks decided the Land Rover Defender wasn’t good enough off-road, so they gave us possibly the most capable new Defender on Earth

Several legendary nameplates have put off-road capability at the forefront of their purpose, models like the Jeep Wrangler or Mercedes G-Class. Of course, Land Rover is also one of the most well-known brands for featuring impressive off-road capability with equally notable doses of luxury and comfort. However, in the automotive world, “impressive” is rarely enough for everyone. So, Arctic Trucks, the company known for fitting massive tires, flared fenders, and generally cranking the off-road potential of already quite capable vehicles up to 11, has gotten its hands on the new Land Rover Defender and made it even more of a wilderness conquerer.

The Land Rover Defender Was Already Insane Off-Road, Then Came The AT35 Pack

The most notable modification is the set of massive tires. Gone are the comfortable all-seasons and in their place are 35-inch (315/60/R20) tires wrapped around 20-inch forged wheels. The tires look like they could get the Defender over anything in their way with the incredibly chunky tread and massive side walls. The latter was certainly a good idea as the last thing you would need on the trail is to ding or to bend one of the wheels that look like they could be from an ultra-high-end aftermarket brand and cost thousands each.

A lift kit has been fitted as well, but instead of altering the suspension itself, Arctic Trucks fitted spacers to the front and rear so the stock adaptive suspension systems could remain. Since the Defender AT35 will more than likely spend much of its time outside and exposed to the elements, the seams have been treated with an anti-corrosion coating. Since fatter tires would stick out from the body and look cheap, Arctic Trucks’ trademark fender flares have been installed, but this time they are much boxier and more geometric than we are used to. Normally, the wider fenders are curvaceous, but since the defender is about as boxy as a car can get, the black-painted angular flares are much more fitting. Other visual changes consist of Arctic Truck’s signature graphics, black mudguards, an electric towbar, and a winch.

The Arctic Trucks Land Rover Defender Has Impressive Performance Specs

The Defender’s standard ground clearance with the more conventional spring suspension setup is about nine inches (228 millimeters), and with the AT35 package, that figure is boosted to 10.6 inches (270 millimeters). However, if the air suspension system happens to be equipped, the ground clearance goes from 11.4 inches (290 millimeters) to 14.1 inches (360 millimeters) with the suspension in the highest setting. The entry and departure angles are all several degrees higher to allow you to drive over even wider gullies, however, the turning radius has suffered. The stock car has a 21.3-foot (6.5-meter) turning radius, and the AT35 takes up 24.6 feet (7.5 meters).

Unfortunately, none of the modifications reach as far as the engine, and the only version of the defender that the AT35 package is available for is the P400 model with a 3.0-liter straight-six hybrid capable of 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Possibly because the massive tires would be too hard on the P300 model’s 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, and the 518 horsepower-capable 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 would be too thirsty and unruly. While Arctic Trucks did not specify how much the alterations to the Defender cost (so presumably a shocking price tag is attached) it is for sale from the Russian division of Arctic Trucks.

Article Credits: Josh Conturo
Full Articles: https://www.topspeed.com/the-arctic-trucks-at35-is-a-land-rover-defender-with-even-more-off-road-capability/



CategoriesNews
By

One-of-500 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 30th Anniversary Is Up for Grabs for $92k

Right now, if you want a Land Rover Defender in America, the absolute ‘cheapest’ is the four-door 110 with the gasoline P300 (296 hp) two-liter, starting from an MSRP of $53,500.

Then you can rock an ‘S’ version, SE, X-Dynamic SE, P400 (395 hp, MHEV inline-six) ‘X’ grade, switch to the V8, and even treat yourself to the V8 Carpathian Edition, getting up to no less than $118,400 when starting the configuration. But, aside from the Carpathian, none of them is all too collectible.

As opposed to the pricey 75th Limited Edition Defender 90 and 110, or the North American-exclusive 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 30th Anniversary Edition. The latter, designed to celebrate the iconic nameplate’s three decades of local market presence, was only offered with a strictly limited production of just 500 examples, all sold for the 2023 model year like the proverbial collectible hotcakes. So, how do you come in possession of one?

Well, easy, as New York-based Motorcar Classics says it has yet another collector-grade vehicle up for grabs, this time a British SUV that was remade in North American drabs. And what do you know, if it isn’t precisely the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 S 30th anniversary edition ‘smiling’ for the studio photoshoot?

The dealership notes this Fuji White Defender 110 S with an Ebony interior has just 68 miles on the odometer, which equates to a mere 109 km, making it of the fabled “as new” variety. Powered by the entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 296 hp, this posh British SUV is also hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission to make even 4×4 driving as effortless as possible.

Naturally, we are also dealing with a one-owner 30th anniversary example, and additional options include the Cold Climate Package (heated everything: windscreen, washer jets, steering wheel, etc.), the Off-Road Package (electronic active differential, domestic plug sockets, off-road tires), the Towing Package, the Air Suspension Package, and even a Black Exterior Package to provide a sensible tuxedo-style contrasting look.

As for pricing, the quotation stands at $91,900 but one can also hit the “make an offer” button on the dealership’s online portal if that’s not good for you.

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”77″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]

Article Credits: Aurel Niculescu
Full Articles: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/one-of-500-2023-land-rover-defender-110-30th-anniversary-is-up-for-grabs-for-92k-205020.html



CategoriesNews
By

Project Freedom Is a Custom 1985 Land Rover Defender 90 With LT4 Power Under the Hood

If your overlanding trips could use a pinch of good old patriotism, a Florida-based tuner named E.C.D. might be able to help.

Brothers Tom and Elliot Humble grew up in the central English region of the Midlands, just 40 miles away from the Solihull plant where Land Rover’s rugged Defenders were being assembled. Of course, life around the British countryside often meant coming face to face with such machines, so it was only a matter of time before the lads went on to develop a strong affinity for the Defender nameplate.

Tom would eventually get married and move to the United States with his wife Emily, followed by Sir Elliot a bit later on. Come 2013, they joined forces and co-founded E.C.D. Automotive Design in the bustling city of Kissimmee, Florida. Just in case you’re wondering, that acronym stands for East Coast Defender, which leaves no room for any doubt concerning these folks’ specialty.

Not only does E.C.D. take care of importing classic Defenders to the land of the free, but they also tailor each vehicle to the respective client’s individual preference. At first, many aspects of the customization process had to be outsourced, and the crew worked 18-hour days in order to meet their deadlines without cutting any corners.

Slowly but surely, the firm grew in numbers as the years went by, welcoming dozens of new employees and someone whose financial support would finally help them take off. That person goes by the name of Scott Wallace, and his arrival on the scene gave E.C.D. the funding they needed to begin handling everything in-house. Now then, let’s fast-forward to the present day, shall we?

The company is headquartered in a massive 30,000-square-foot (2,800 sqm) facility, where more than 50 bright minds make a living doing what they love. For us to truly grasp the level at which these guys and girls operate, we’ll go right ahead and inspect one of their more recent undertakings.

Enter the aptly-nicknamed Project Freedom – a brutish off-roading juggernaut that had once been an ordinary 1985 Defender 90. Starting with what occupies the engine bay, we find a 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 sourced from General Motors. This fearsome V8 can put down a whopping 650 ponies when solicited, and power travels to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking of footwear, those satin-black, alloy 18-inchers were supplied by the specialists over at Project Kahn, while a set of all-terrain BF Goodrich tires provide ample grip on and off the asphalt. Braking is achieved through premium Brembo hardware at both axles, with E.C.D’s proprietary suspension upgrades making for a smooth ride.

As regards the bodywork-related mods adorning Project Freedom, the squad installed a beefy widebody kit with riveted panels and a four-point roll cage to ensure future occupants’ safety. A custom-made soft top keeps the elements at bay, but the goodies that’ll really catch your attention can be seen up front.

There you’ll notice an imposing bull bar and a bespoke steering guard manufactured from scratch, as well as a Warn winch to help this Defender get out of any sticky situations it may encounter. At the rear end, things are concluded with dual exhaust tips, a spare Kahn hoop, and (interestingly enough) two flag mounts. The latter may not be ideal for departure angle, but it is a pretty cool touch nonetheless – because ‘Murica!

Last but not least, we arrive at the car’s interior, where E.C.D. fitted heated and ventilated Corbeau front seats, a high-grade Prototipo steering wheel from Momo, and a new dash cloaked in leather. Aftermarket gauges inhabit the instrument cluster, accompanied by a premium infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility in the center.

A quartet of foldable, inward-facing seats can be found out back, though plentiful legroom doesn’t appear to have been a priority here. Although we’re not sure how much the customer was charged for Project Freedom, what we can tell you is that builds from this tuner are typically priced at around $200k. Well, E.C.D. refers to this menacing Defender as a sleeper, but we reckon it’s just about as subtle as a frigging tank.

Article Credits: Silvian Secara
Full Articles: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/project-freedom-is-a-custom-1985-land-rover-defender-90-with-lt4-power-under-the-hood-206103.html#

CategoriesNews
By

Manhart Performance for Land Rover Defender

Manhart Performance has been in the business of car tuning and modifying luxury cars for over 30 years. The German-based company got its start back in 1980-s when it began modifying BMWs. Today, Manhart is one of the most trusted names in the automotive tuning industry, with a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Over the years, Manhart has built up a impressive portfolio of tuned cars, including some of the most iconic BMWs ever made. In recent years, the company has turned its attention to otherluxury brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. No matter what kind of car you have, Manhart can help you take it to the next level.

Manhart is best known for its engine modifications. The company’s team of expert engineers can increase your car’s power and torque without sacrificing reliability. That means you’ll be able to enjoy your tuned car for years to come without having to worry about constant repairs or breakdowns. In addition to engine mods, Manhart also offers suspension upgrades, brakes, wheels, and exterior styling options to give your car that extra bit of flair.

MANHART is also known for its ability to develop and produce high-quality performance products that optimize weight. Their product portfolio includes carbon fiber parts, exhaust systems, and wheel/tyre combinations. They also offer unique projects that include visual enhancements both inside and out.

According to MANHART Performance’s philosophy, individuals who don’t want to settle for the normal should be able to find what they’re looking for in an extraordinary vehicle. Their goal is to create vehicles that display their power openly. Although performance potential and understatement may seem like opposites at first, they can be combined to create a unique experience for the driver.

They, of course, offer aftermarket parts for the Land Rover Defender as well. Parts such as wheelsets, headlining, custom tailpipes, and floormats are all available to make your Defender even more unique.



CategoriesNews
By

Land Rover Defender 90, V8 Edition – The Last of a Dying Breed?

The completely new L663-generation Land Rover Defenders hit the global market in 2019, reviving a legendary model that hadn’t been offered for sale in the United States in well over 20 years. All three new variants – the 90, 110, and 130 – have been powered by very respectable four- or six-cylinder engines… until now. Enter the new V8 Defender 90, an SUV with two doors and eight cylinders that’s hitting the market for the first time in the year 2022. Yes, you read all of that correctly.

Anyone who’s turned on the news over the past two years has noticed a massive move towards electric vehicles and hybrids. Lamborghini will likely never make another V12 motor again with the end of production of the Aventador, and Ferrari (Ferrari!) has announced that they will be releasing an all-electric vehicle in 2025. For car enthusiasts, this is a lot of bad news that is pretending very hard, to be good news. The displacement wars are definitely over, the horsepower wars are probably nearly over, and for many, the fun seems to be over entirely. So then, why is Land Rover cramming their V8 into a brand-new model? Could it be possible that in this day and age, Land Rover is actually having a bit of fun?

The Numbers Game

Two doors on a 90-inch wheelbase, and a total vehicle length of only 170 inches. A 5.0-liter supercharged V8 making a staggering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. All of this is good to push the pint-sized Defender to 60 miles an hour in a shade under 5 seconds (around .8 seconds quicker than the six-cylinder). At first glance, all of this seems wholly illogical. As we’ve discussed above, the internal combustion engine seems to have one foot in the grave at this point, and it’s well known that two-door SUVs don’t do well when it comes to sales figures in the United States. None of these figures add up to one incredibly practical vehicle; the rear seats can be a little tough to access with only one set of doors, and with those rear seats up, cargo space is extremely limited. Some speculate that cramming this monster engine into a vehicle with such a short wheelbase may result in a squirrely ride under hard acceleration, but those who’d nitpick this vehicle’s shortcomings are missing the point a little. Climb inside the cabin and let the tour begin.

Glass Cockpit

Once inside, you’ll likely notice one major detail first: windows are absolutely everywhere. Huge, panoramic glass flanks the rear passengers, and above those are the smaller “safari windows” that have been a mainstay on Land Rovers for decades. A massive sunroof spans almost the entirety of the roof, and all of this glass helps to open up the cabin and reduce any feelings of claustrophobia that can sometimes accompany vehicles with this seating arrangement. The gauge cluster is all-electronic as well and adjustable on the fly, and the rearview mirror doubles as a backup camera. This new Defender 90 model also offers a 12” center screen, which runs Land Rover’s stellar in-house infotainment system. The result of all of this is a sleek, modern, and spacious feel inside what would otherwise be a very small cabin by today’s standards. Available Alcantara accents throughout also help to lend a sporty flair to the upholstery; other than these details, the interior remains similar to the rest of the Defenders

The Heart of the Matter.

Of course, outside of the Defender 90’s quirky and unmistakable styling, the real big talking point is the V8 motor. It’s not a new from-scratch motor, but can currently be found in several time-tested variations of the Range Rover. According to the official EPA rating, it’ll return a very optimistic 16 combined miles-per-gallon, which is right on par with other eight-cylinder offerings. There have been some other upgrades done to the platform to make the sheer horsepower and driveability mesh a little better. These include the addition of a limited-slip differential, as well as electronically-controlled dampers and throttle mapping. These tweaks don’t turn it into a Porsche, of course, but they do help keep the rubber on the road.

It’s important to note that the V8 isn’t exclusive to the 90; for those seeking a Defender with a bit less whimsy than what we’re discussing here, this same motor is also available in the new four-door Defender 110.

The Final Word

It’s a wonderful thing for us that Land Rover has decided to put all the time, energy, and resources into creating such an objectively insane vehicle focused squarely on motoring enthusiasts rather than corporate bean-counters and economy-minding bureaucrats. It’s also one of the few SUVs you can order today where any perceived impracticality in design can be pretty much written off as insignificant; in fact, these impracticalities might be the very point of a vehicle so focused on creating a specific and intentional driving experience. It’s not likely that this will be a big seller for Land Rover, but this is also a Defender that won’t be forgotten on the secondary market and is likely to retain its value for the specific kind of buyer.

All of these things go to show that Land Rover is paying attention to their fans, and not losing sight of what made the Defender such an iconic and beloved marque for decades – the sheer fun factor. With electrification coming to every corner of the auto industry, this very well could be the last two-door, V8 powered SUV that we ever see offered for sale.

While you can option this out with 20-inch wheels and All-Terrain tires, it would be great to see another trim level closer to the Ford Bronco’s Sasquatch package; even bigger tires, more options for recovery points on the front bumper, and perhaps even a winch included with the whole thing. Does this sound like too much to ask for? Probably, but a year ago, a two-door Land Rover Defender with a V8 in it would have sounded like too much, too.