American Defender

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Defender+Corvette=650bhp

Electric? Perhaps not for everyone.

Fossil-fuel diehards might well look to the USA, where South Carolina-based tuning company Himalaya is widely respected as one of the finest Land Rover Defender modifiers. Just bring a healthy bank balance.

The company is showing its ultimate Defender, all 484kW/650bhp of it.

The Land Rover Defender 130 Summit Series in all-black proves that “off-roading can still be performed in style and luxury”. It has a black leather-clad interior that’s accented with red stitching all around. Modern amenities such as heated seats, 3D printed bezels to surround the digital gauges, various BlackVue 4K HD cameras with 360° viewing and remote viewing and recording capabilities, a 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay functionality, and a 1000-watt JL Audio DSP amplifier and eight JL Audio speakers positioned inside the cabin all come together to make this a luxurious SUV both on and off-road.

The truck has also been given a healthy boost in power. Instead of tuning the existing unit, Himalaya has inserted a supercharged Corvette LT4 engine and has paired this with an eight-speed auto, sending power to all four wheels. Stopping power comes courtesy of Brembo discs, while a custom four-link adjustable coil-over suspension should help tackle all kinds of terrain.

Himalaya’s newest Summit Series 130 “showcases our strength in restoration and the company’s remarkable feats of engineering down to the smallest detail”. Himalaya says its Summit Series 130 “introduces one of the most sought-after classic truck designs on the planet while still offering powerful performance and complete comfort.”
Prices for commissions range between $250,000 USD and $300,000 USD.

 

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