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Behind The HYPE: How the Land Rover Defender Became King of Customizable SUVs

This all-terrain icon has been a favorite amongst adventure seekers and luxury car connoisseurs.

The latest Behind the HYPE episode explores the history and lasting appeal of the Land Rover Defender, from its early manufacturing start in the late 1940s after World War 2 all the way through the model’s luxury status symbol today.

The Land Rover Defender is no doubt one of the most sought-after all-terrain vehicles amongst thrill ride seekers and luxury car fans alike. Big celebrity names such as Justin Bieber and Idris Elba are renowned for getting snapped by paparazzi driving their Defenders. It’s no secret that this SUV icon has serious car culture clout, too. For one, big fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton have utilized the ride in some of their stylized fashion shoots and ad campaigns. Appearances alongside these house-hold clothing brands have solidified the Land Rover as an aspirational car status symbol. In streetwear, Los Angeles imprint UNDEFEATED and Galpin motors created not one but two custom Defenders — a blue 110 series inspired by camping and a green surf-focused 90 P400. Elsewhere, toy brands like Lego and Hot Wheels have released their own renditions. The latter created designs mirroring the SUVs that appeared in the famous Fast and Furious film.

The Defender’s rugged city-to-country vibe is what makes it a lasting classic. The car has deep roots in outdoor, all-terrain driving which is at the core of its brand identity. More importantly, the British Army, Navy and Air Force have produced military versions of the model but has now since been retired for service. Consequently, as seen from heavy military and outdoor use, the Defender has been constantly customized by its most creative cult followers. While some prefer the ride’s stripped-down analog look of 90s models, others celebrate the Defender by engineering their own functional to futuristic renditions. Even vintage editions are snapped up at high prices because of their minimal styles, allowing for easier modifications.

In retrospect, today’s newer models start at a base price of $51,700 USD and can run up to $112,200 USD for the V8 Carpathian. Modified versions can even go higher in the six-figure range — UK-based custom workshop Arkonik released a few priced at approximately $240,000 USD which were designed by Bugatti alum Etienne Salomé.

Ultimately, The Land Rover Defender has seen a heavy evolution from its utilitarian British roots to a now global luxury lifestyle vehicle. Its design as a performance SUV is still unmatched and many changes under the hood and in looks have garnered it a wider cult-following. Many see the Land Rover Defender as the highest standard in all-terrain driving, while others will continue to hype over its appeal for customizations and timeless vintage style.

Watch our Behind The HYPE: Land Rover episode above and in case you missed it, see how the Rolls-Royce Phantom became today’s ultimate luxury car.

Article Credit: Felson Sajonas
Full Articles: https://hypebeast.com/2022/5/behind-the-hype-land-rover-defender



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Chelsea Truck Company restyles new Land Rover Defender

Both 90 and 110 specifications can be selected with Wide Body design package, priced from £109,999

The Land Rover Defender has been given a new styling package by the Chelsea Truck Company, with changes inspired by its founder, Afzal Kahn.

The customisation, called the Chelsea Truck Company Defender Wide Body, is available on both the three-door 90 and five-door 110 models, with prices starting from £109,999. 

Each model features carbo nfibre front and rear wings, a vented grille mask, mud flaps, a three-piece front bumper spoiler, black side steps, polished lettering and black headlight surrounds. 

The pack also includes a Chelsea Truck Company wheel cover and four stainless-steel performance exhaust pipes. 

The firm claims the additional design features “compliment the classic streamlined design of the original vehicle”. 

The larger Defender 110 features Volcanic Rock Satin exterior paint and Burnt Orange quilted seats, while the 90 sports a Satin Black exterior paint and a red leather interior.  

Other parts of the interior on both models are also upholstered with quilted leather, such as the door armrest and central storage box.

Each Defender Wide Body sits on a set 23in Type 57 RS-forged Kahn wheels. 

Drivers can choose either a petrol or diesel engine and specify optional factory extras, including rear tinted privacy glass, a 360deg camera, a panoramic sunroof, climate control and heated seats. 

The 110 starts at £109,999, while the 90 is priced from £114,999. Kahn says the retail value of the 110 is around £50,000 higher than the original list price, with the 90 coming in at £35,000 higher. 

Kahn, who founded his eponymous car design and accessory firm in 1998, created the Chelsea Truck Company in 2013.

Article Credit: Jack Warrick
Full Article: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/chelsea-truck-company-restyles-new-land-rover-defender



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New Land Rover Defender 130’s Extra-Long Body Revealed In Patent Filings

The three-row SUV has been teased around Europe, but now we get a good, clean look at the largest new Defender without any camouflage hiding its features.

We knew it was coming for some time, but all we had on the new Land Rover Defender 130 were some camouflaged test models captured in Europe. Now, thanks to the U.S. Patent Office, it appears we have a much more clear vision of the extra-long, three-row Defender SUV that soon will join the two-door 90 and four-door, two-row 110 in the lineup.

Bigger Body, Same Wheelbase

As we mentioned in a 2020 article about future Defender models, tthe numbered badging of these new Land Rover SUVs no longer represents the actual wheelbase length. The Defender 110 and upcoming Defender 130 will both ride on the same 119-inch wheelbase, and as you can see neither are named “Defender 119.” However, the 130’s body is going to be longer to accommodate more room behind the second row of seats. This extra length is plainly seen in the patent images, especially once you compare them to images of the 110. Sadly, as we also noted, it won’t get the “troop-style” inward-facing jump seats that were fitted to the cargo walls of the 130 Series II. You can blame modern crash standards for that.

However, the 130 will get a conventional third-row seat much like the Lexus GX and other three-row SUVs get. Expect the seat to fold flat so you can enjoy extra cargo room when you’re not carrying two or three extra children around. We also expect that the engine choices will remain the same from the current Defender 110 as well as boutique versions from Land Rover SV Bespoke. Because, if you’re going to get the 130, why not make it extra special while you’re at it?

When Can We Have It

For now, there hasn’t been any rumblings on a release date for the Defender 130. With this new patent filing, however, we expect some news to come soon on its debut, given how complete the design appears. It’s welcome news, regardless, as one of the few complaints about the Defender—our 2021 SUV of the Year(!)—was the lack of cargo room. The 130 looks to solve that with some room to spare, along with some longer looks.

Article Credit: Justin Banner
Full Article: https://www.motortrend.com/news/land-rover-defender-130-teaser-patent-filing/



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UNDEFEATED and Galpin Unveil Two Custom Land Rover Defenders

Made for camping and surfing.

UNDEFEATED has partnered with Galpin Auto Sports, the infamous car custom garage for Pimp My Ride seasons 5-6, to deliver two unique takes on the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 models.

The “Jaguar Blue” Land Rover Defender 110 is built for camping trips and features a range of amenities and features. A Nomad Kitchen Co. setup slides out from the trunk to reveal a prep table, sink, camping stove, fridge, drawers, and storage compartments. Up top, the roof is equipped with a custom hitch-mounted lockbox, a full-length roof rack, 270-degree awning, and a deployable tent.

Custom “Undefeated 110” and “Galpin Motors” badges are displayed on the rear and ivory “Steelie” Forgiato rims with floating Undefeated logo center caps are fitted with military-style Goodyear tires. Interiors feature a blackout package, parchments leather upholstery with houndstooth accents, and Undefeated logos imprinted on the head cushions. Performance-wise, the 3.0 Turbocharged hybrid engine generates 395 Horsepower with a towing capacity of 8201 pounds.

The “Jaguar Green” Undefeated x Gapin Defender 90 P400 First Edition is built with surfing in mind and incorporates a road shower, retractable awning, hitch-mounted lockbox, and a surfboard rack. Inside, interiors are lined in leather with beach-towel-inspired inserts and feature custom wood compartments and a biometric safe. Custom “Steelie” rims, blackout tints, collaboration badges, and engine specs are consistent with the aforementioned Defender 110.

The special-edition Land Rovers were first revealed at the 2021 LA Auto Show, and the initial response has been deservingly positive. Boasting both distinct retro style and utility, the UNDEFEATED x GALPIN series is sure to be a future classic. Release information for the two special-edition vehicles has yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for more updates.

Article Credit: Aaron Chow
Full Articles: https://blog.dupontregistry.com/the-lifestyle/undefeated-x-galpin-motors-unveils-two-new-adventerous-land-rover-defender-builds/



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Ex-Top Gear Co-Host Says the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Doesn’t Make Much Sense

Even though it does not look as menacing as its iconic predecessor, the new-gen Land Rover Defender has conquered the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and SUV fans. That’s because it drives better than ever, is still relatively comfortable, spacious, and comes packed with the latest driver assistance and technology gear.

As of last year, Land Rover has sprinkled the new Defender family with a high-performance version. Simply called the Defender V8, it is available in the 90 and 110 body styles and doesn’t really stand out next to the lesser models. Sure, you do get bigger wheels, quad exhaust pipes out back, and some discreet V8 badges, but the thing is, when most people buy a sporty high-rider, they want people to notice it, so it definitely does not fit the ‘look at me’ bill.

Another problem, according to Rory Reid, whom you may remember from his relatively short Top Gear days, is that the 90 body style can be a bit of a letdown. Despite having a huge tailgate, or a rear door, depending on how you see it, the trunk space is smaller than that of a Ford Fiesta. Also, having people getting in and out of the rear passenger compartment takes too much time due to the slow-responding controls of the front seats. Sure, you can get rid of this issue by buying the 110 version, but it’s what the journo tested out, so he had to mention them.

Other than that, the V8 sounds great, the gearbox is very responsive, and it is quite comfortable on the road, despite riding on 22-inch wheels. There is a bit of a body roll, and that’s pretty much inexcusable nowadays, but the overall impression is that of a well-sorted SUV, especially with all the tech amenities and rugged interior, as long as you don’t compare it to a Range Rover Sport SVR, with which it shares its engine.

But should you actually spend your hard-earned Benjamins on it, or should you simply choose one of the lesser models instead? This review will probably help you decide, so get ready to take a short break and see what the Defender 90 V8 is all about.

Article Credit: Cristian Gnaticov
Full Articles: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/ex-top-gear-co-host-says-the-2022-land-rover-defender-90-v8-doesn-t-make-much-sense-179140.html#