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Captivating Fusion: The Bold SUV That Blends Defender and Range Rover Influences

In the world of automotive design, inspiration can come from unexpected sources, and the BAIC Stone 01 is a perfect example of this creative evolution. Set to make its debut on the Chinese market later this year, the Stone 01 is turning heads for its unmistakable blend of Land Rover Defender and Range Rover influences. As we delve into the intriguing details of this electrified SUV, it becomes evident that it’s not just about imitation – it’s about forging a unique identity.

At first glance, the Stone 01 immediately draws comparisons to the iconic Land Rover Defender. The dimensions of the SUV place it squarely between the Defender 110 and 130, emphasizing its commanding presence on the road. The generous wheelbase of 3,010 mm promises a spacious interior, setting the stage for the comfortable and functional three-row seating configurations that will be available – a nod to practicality that both Land Rover and Range Rover have long championed.

The Stone 01 wears its inspiration proudly, adopting the proportions, design elements, and styling cues that are synonymous with the Defender. From the robust wheel arches to the distinctive side gills, the lineage is undeniable. The straight character line along the body reinforces the Defender’s rugged aesthetic, while the strategic use of black pillars and roof adds an air of sophistication, harkening back to the luxury lineage of the Range Rover brand.

While the exterior is a harmonious blend of Land Rover design DNA, the front end introduces an intriguing twist with Y-shaped headlights reminiscent of the Range Rover lineup. This dynamic fusion of styling cues from two distinct British marques results in a unique and captivating face that sets the Stone 01 apart from mere imitation.

Under the hood, innovation continues to be the driving force. The Stone 01 boasts a plug-in hybrid powertrain that marries a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with dual electric motors. This synergistic setup not only prioritizes efficiency but also delivers a satisfying power output. The petrol engine, acting as a generator, teams up with the front and rear electric motors, generating 201 hp and 268 hp respectively. This combination ensures not only capable off-road performance but also a smooth and responsive on-road driving experience.

While exterior and performance details are captivating, the interior of the Stone 01 remains a tantalizing secret. Even without visuals, the promise of six-seater and seven-seater configurations implies versatility, ideal for families or adventure enthusiasts. The presence of lidar sensors further hints at the inclusion of advanced driver-assistance systems, cementing the Stone 01’s commitment to safety and modern driving technologies.

Behind the scenes, the story of the Stone 01’s inception adds depth to its narrative. Originating as a project by Rox Motor under the name Luo Ke, financial hurdles led to a partnership with BAIC, resulting in the creation of the Stone brand. This collaborative effort adds an element of resilience and determination to the SUV’s story, reflecting the commitment of both parties to bring a remarkable vehicle to market.

As anticipation mounts for its impending release, the Stone 01 exemplifies the convergence of automotive heritage and innovation. While it pays homage to iconic British designs, it refuses to be a mere imitation. Instead, it asserts itself as a unique contender in the SUV landscape, offering a blend of style, performance, and modern technology that’s sure to capture the imagination of both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. As the year draws to a close, all eyes will be on China as BAIC’s Stone 01 emerges, fusing the spirit of the past with the promise of the future.



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2023 Land Rover Defender 80

If you want a vehicle from Land Rover’s most daring SUV line, consider the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80; it’s more affordable and sportier.

With this model, you can use “military-inspired” and “cute” in the same sentence because that’s what it is. The defender 80 is the brand’s smallest offering to date, but its modest size does not prevent it from providing a more practical package in the Land Rover Defender line.

 The Defender 80 is the Land Rover’s revitalized classic piece; it keeps its fresh feel with a few infotainment upgrades and a simplified lineup.

The Features

The Defender 80 is an adventurous model thanks to numerous off-road technology aspects like the off-road driving modes and air suspension that adjust ground clearance.

The new Pivi Pro infotainment system from Land Rover is standard, with a 10-inch touchscreen display. The system is the newest in Jaguar-Land Rover technology for managing and controlling over-the-air software updates.

Optional options include Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and in-dash navigation.

Additional standard features include lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind spots. Additionally, innovative technologies are available as alternatives.

Adaptive cruise control, a standard autonomous braking system for emergencies with pedestrian detection, and lane detection warning with lane-keeping assist are among the key driver-help features.

These elements are meant to increase both the driver’s and the passenger’s safety.

Engine and Performance

The engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ingenium four-cylinder made by Land Rover. It has 246 horsepower. The base model comes with a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine that can make about 160 hp.

This type of engine is good enough for the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 can go up to 135 miles per hour, and it can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5 seconds, which is pretty amazing.

Since it is a small SUV, it has good gas mileage. It gets 21 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 miles per gallon in the city, for a combined average of 20 miles per gallon. For a luxury off-roader, this is a great mileage record.

Even with its trim, the Defender 80 has a great look and is very good off-road, thanks to its strong four-wheel drive.

It also shows departure angles, a break-over, a large number of kind approaches, and ground clearance. When driving around town, stopping is easy because the brakes are easy to use.

The Exterior Styling

Although it had a new redesign, the Defender 80 still closely mimics the approach of the Defender’s exterior styling. The shape and front face are quite similar, except that it is smaller in dimensions than the Defender 90.

The exterior is styled to have a boxy appearance with reduced proportions and four doors. It appears cool, although the front end may look soft from most angles.

The Defender 80 is set to ride on all-terrain tires and has optional 20-inch axles, which, surprisingly, do not transfer the noise from the road vibrations to the interior compartment.

The standard wheels are 18 inches. These large, heavy wheels help to keep the Defender 80 firm when going over road imperfections and bumps.

There are average-sized mirrors and large windows, which enhance outward visibility. The surround-view camera, which turns 360 degrees, aids in parking the vehicle when going off-road, providing you with a comprehensive view of whatever obstacle you seem to be approaching.

The Interior

The interior compartment of the Defender 80 has enough space to accommodate four adults, with adequate room for luggage and gear at the back.

The second row is massive, and the tall roof gives the vehicle a roomy feel. There is a lot of leg, head, and shoulder room. However, the steering column can cause some obstruction to some drivers’ knees, especially tall drivers and those with long legs, when they try to get in.

This vehicle has more than eight airbags as standard equipment. The driver’s seat also comes with an extensive range of adjustments.

The upholstery is designed to allow easy cleanup and maintenance, being stain-resistant, and some models have carpet-less interiors.

For the most sophisticated and expensive models, the interior compartment is well-wrapped with leather upholstery and other luxurious features that make it even more sophisticated.

Some of these luxury items, like adjustable ambient interior lighting, ventilated and heated seats, and dual-zone climate control, help to improve the comfort state of the high-end Defender 80 models.

The Price

The base price will start around $30,000, with its trim levels having higher prices than this. You can expect a price above $50,000 to own a complete vehicle package of the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80.

There is no complimentary maintenance scheduled.

The limited warranty is 50,000 miles or four years, and the powertrain warranty also covers up to 50,000 miles or four years.

Pros

  • Easy maintenance
  • High technology safety
  • Strong off-road capabilities
  • Stain-resistant upholstery
  • A host of customizable options
  • Impressive off-road features
  • Smooth ride for an SUV off-road-oriented
  • A nice suspension configuration
  • Vintage style

Cons

  • The price of optional features can be high
  • The rear hatch is heavy, and it opens toward the limit.
  • Poor fuel economy
  • The third row is rather too small

Conclusion

Even though the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 is known for its real, impressive off-road ability, it doesn’t forget about comfort on the road.

The Defender 80 is a modern Land Rover with luxury features that make it easy to live in a big city. And when going outside to explore, it’s hard to find a better way to do it in grand style with another vehicle.

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Here’s Why The Land Rover Defender 90 V-8 Is The Craziest SUV Currently On Sale!

The Defender 90 is an irrational and comical engineering exercise that should be cherished in the safety concerned and rational market of today

In this day and age, ICE cars usually aren’t all that quirky or insane. The days of irrational engines in arguably unsafe cars are over, and most new vehicles take the sensible route. However, Land Rover engineers have decided to spice up the car market with a Defender V-8. In this case, the V-8 is available both in the four-door 110 models but also in the tiny two-door 90. With 520 horsepower, this engine in a vehicle roughly as long as a Toyota Yaris is pure insanity. We wouldn’t classify it as unsafe, but it certainly is a bit unsettled. So, to honor the braveness and humor of Land Rover engineers, here are the quirks and pure craziness of the Defender 90 V-8.

What Sets The Land Rover Defender V-8 Apart From The Other Defenders?

As we mentioned above, the V-8 engine is available both in the 110 and 90. While both vehicles are insane, the 90 is even more so. For example, Jeep offers a V-8 in the Wrangler, but it is only available in the four-door as it would have been too much for the two-door. Granted, the base of the Wrangler isn’t as stable and predictable on road as the Defender; however, the engine in the Defender makes more horsepower. From the outside, the V-8 Defenders are relatively easy to distinguish. They feature a quad exhaust system, V-8 badging, big 22-inch wheels, and 15-inch brakes. The colors available are only white, black, or grey. There is also a special edition that comes in a Carpathian grey finish which basically is a mat paint job. While the cosmetic changes are relatively subtle, the difference in performance isn’t. The 110 V-8 Defender will hit 60 mph from rest in 5.2 seconds while the two-door 90 will do the same stint in just 4.9. The difference in time is obviously due to the lighter weight of the smaller two-door. It must be said that when the V-8 is at full noise the short wheelbase and tall dimensions of the 90 certainly make for handling characteristics that aren’t very confidence inspiring. The car tends to wander, but this just adds to the character.

The Defender V-8 Keeps Some Of Its Off-Road Abilities

The new Defender follows the old vehicle’s path by being off-road capable. Sure, it may approach off-roading differently, but there is no denying that clever electronics can keep the new vehicle going when the terrain gets tough. The V-8 variant keeps all those clever electronics but due to the increased power it needs bigger brakes that make fitting a smaller wheel more difficult. So, the V-8 comes standard with 22-inch wheels. If you wish, you can pay extra and have 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires that will improve puncture resistance and grip, but the 20-inch wheel is still way too big. Why is that? Well, when off-roading we tend to air down our tires to increase grip. If a car has a large wheel, it means that the tire’s sidewall is smaller which hinders our ability to air down safely. So, if off-roading is something you want to do, the V-8 isn’t the best option. However, it is worth noting that the increase in power has led to Land Rover engineers equipping the V8 models with beefier rear control arms. This leads to a stronger base for off-roading.

The Land Rover Defender V-8 Remains Comfortable And Usable

The V-8 Defender 90 and 110 remain comfortable and usable. They may have ample amounts of power and performance, but their basic functions as useable SUVs remain unchanged (except for the appalling 15mpg). Other than some Alcantara on the seats and steering wheel, the interior remains mostly the same and mostly unchanged. The infotainment system uses the same software, the new screen (larger in dimensions than the one in the previous model Defenders) is easy to read, all driving modes are there with the addition of a dynamic option, and the air suspension ensures the vehicle rides nicely. The most surprising fact, however, is the space the 90 offers in the second-row seats. A tall adult can seat back there comfortably and will benefit from a huge side window and alpine windows on the roof. The airiness and glass in the cabin of the 90 remind us of older SUVs. Also, rear passengers get dual-zone climate control, charging ports, armrests, and cup holders. The 90 may be shorter and less practical than the 110, but it certainly remains comfortable. The only small issue is getting in the second row as the opening space could have been a bit larger. As you would expect, the roomy second row comes at the price of boot space. There isn’t much space for cargo back there, but the second-row seats can be folded down to increase storage space.

The V-8 Land Rover Defender Is Bound To Be A Future Classic

As car guys, we tend to have the “superpower” of knowing a classic car before it becomes classic. However, we also have the superpower of always spending our money on car parts; therefore, we never have the money to invest in what we believe is a future classic. In any case, the V-8 Defender is certainly one of these future classics – especially the two-door 90. Why is this the case? Well, the 90 is a car, unlike any other car on the current market. It is quirky, unique, relatively rare, and filled with character. In today’s safety-concerned world, the Defender 90 V-8 is a fun exercise that infuses humor in a market filled with electricity, small turbo engines, and crumple zones. Sure, the Defender 90 also uses a structurally rigid and safe construction, but the decision to strap such a powerful engine in a car this short and tall is comical. The Defender 90 V8 is a car no one needs but everyone wants. Buying one is no rational decision, but one made with the heart. At the end of the day, the heart wants, what the heart wants.


Article Credits: Theodoros Georgiou
Full Articles: https://www.topspeed.com/why-the-v8-defender-90-is-the-most-insane-suv/

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Land Rover Defender 2023- the full guide

Land Rover Defender 2023 is a top-notch off-road SUV with a very high-performance rating among car experts. When it comes to SUVs, few cars can match the Land Rover Defender. The 2023 model is remarkably built to give drivers optimum comfort while preserving its reputation in quality performance. From its engine to the vehicle’s exterior oozes quality and gives you a boost in confidence.
As you will find in this article, the Land Rover Defender 2023 can be dependable and the best deal on the market. Read on to find out more.

About Land Rover Defender 2023

The Land Rover Defender has topped many charts with previous models for the best SUV of the year. A reputation they seek to maintain with their latest release. A few changes were made to revitalize your Land Rover experience with new infotainment updates and other cool interior features.
When comparing the Land Rover Defender to other SUV dynamics on pavement, it comes out top. The Defender also leads the pack regarding body control and compliant suspension.

Where previous models fail to establish a firm grip on the top spot, this model compensates adequately. It comes with a huge 11.4-inch touchscreen, among other new additions. With maximum comfort, you can carry 5 passengers at a time. When it comes to the exterior, the Defender is really hot and enticing. you will get to see why as you read on.

The only fault in the Land Rover Defender 2023 model is the fuel economy, which can be attributed to its V8 engine capacity. Other than that, the Defender is way ahead of the rest.

Performance and Economy


The Land Rover Defender 2023 model comes with three different engines distinguished with an alphanumeric code. The first is P300, and the second is P400, then the last is P525. These three engine types work with an eight-speed automatic transmission to the four wheels.

The P300 is a 2-liter four-turbo engine of 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. The four-door Defender with a P300 engine is said to perform at 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is quite an impressive claim for its size. When it comes to fuel economy, the most efficient is the two-door Defender P300 which is said to do 18/21 mpg for city/highway.
For the P400, it adds a supercharger and a turbo to a 3-liter six-in-line engine of 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. While they claim to have a 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, experts tested, and it took 6.5 seconds. But its fuel efficiency was almost similar to that of the P300 at 17/22 mpg for city/highway.

The P525 is the most powerful option of the Land Rover Defender 2023, with its supercharged V-8 engine. Its output is recorded at 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft, and it boasts of a 0-60 mph in 4,9 seconds. Its fuel economy is quite low at 14/19 mpg for a four-door Defender.

Off-road


When it comes to off-road, the Defender is quite on the average compared to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. The Ford and Jeep have a lower starting price, offer a two-door body style, and a cool additional feature of removable doors and roofs.
Though the Defender cannot match the G-Wagon in class and status, it does provide most of the luxury for half the price. While the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is miles ahead of the rest in terms of a heady blend of luxury and performance. But, it is very expensive, sitting at $130,000.
The Lexus GX is the direct competition of the Defender. It has a good off-road performance but lacks in its driving performance.

Exterior


The Land Rover Defender 2023 was stretched by 13.4 inches to accommodate occupants. Most of the exterior was left unchanged, similar to previous models. The wheelbase and turning circle were unchanged but included a rear overhang to increase cargo space.

Interior


The Defender 2023 comes in a two or four-door format and is 90 and 110, respectively. The 110 has an additional two-seat third row. It also has a streamlined trim line-up and an 11.4-inch touchscreen with wireless charging.

Connectivity and infotainment


The Defender 2023 has some cool infotainment features, and they are listed below;

  • 11.4-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless charging
  • Smartphone compatibility
  • Navigation is all baked in
  • 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Head-up display
  • Meridian sound system with 10 or 14 speakers

Safety


The Land Rover Defender 2023 has a full complement of active safety technology for safety. These technologies are a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and lane-keeping assist. Also, the adaptive cruise control and the automatic high beams are included in the lists of safety technologies.

Pros

  • It has a stellar off-road chop
  • It is a vintage style SUV
  • It has a capable powertrain

Cons

  • It has a minuscule third row
  • It has poor fuel economy
  • It is quite expensive

Price


The Land Rover Defender 2023 is quite expensive, as it has a starting price of $106,260 and $113,500. Carpathian Edition comes at $6,290, a storage pack, and a basic interior protection at $510. For an 11.4-inch touchscreen, $140, and California emissions cost $100. While dark gray wheels with contrast diamond-turned finish $200.

Warranty and maintenance coverage


The Land Rover Defender 2023 has a standard warranty package that covers four years or 50,00 miles, whichever comes first. When compared to this Lexus GX, the Defender falls short. The Lexus GX comes with a six-year powertrain warranty with one year of complimentary maintenance. The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty covers four or 50,000 miles. At the same time, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Conclusion


The Land Rover Defender 2023 is one of the very best SUVs out in the market, with so many cool features.
These features have been discussed in-depth to give you the full picture of what you expect from this new model.
Now, the choice is yours; what will you do with this information?

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Manhart’s Land Rover Defender Goes Hardcore

The new Defender has proved to be quite a hit for Land Rover who is gradually expanding its range with more powerful and off-road capable variants. For current Defender owners who want more from their SUV, Manhart is joining the game with a preview of the upcoming DP 450 tuning package.

Manhart’s Defender might only exist in the virtual world at the moment, but the official renderings look promising. Unlike other tuners like Chelsea Truck Company who tried to make the Defender look sportier, Manhart went the other way, emphasizing the rugged nature of the iconic off-roader.

Setting aside the golden accents on the bodywork contrasting the black shade in typical Manhart flavor, the DP 450 gets a new set of deadlock wheels shod in all-terrain tires and plenty of off-road-focused accessories. Those include a roof-mounted LED bar, a snorkel, a large bull bar, a heavy-duty multi-purpose winch on the metal skid plate, and a roof rack accessible through a ladder. Finally, the ground clearance appears to be increased, hinting at modifications on the stock air suspension.

Manhart didn’t go into specifics but promised an increased power output of 444 hp (331 kW / 450 PS). Mind you, in the Defender P300 the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS), while in the most powerful Defender V8, the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 produces 518 hp (386 kW / 525 PS).

Those who are interested in the aforementioned upgrades can contact Manhart for more information.

Article Credit: Thanos Pappas
Full Articles: https://www.carscoops.com/2022/05/manharts-land-rover-defender-goes-hardcore/