| Following on from our chat with Land Rover’s global boss Phil Popham in our last issue comes news that the company revealed some details of the next Defender at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month including pictures of the iconic 4WD. Land Rover has confirmed that production of a new Defender is intended for 2015. Commenting on the Land Rover DC100 concept car, Gerry McGovern, director of design, said: “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. “This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st Century.” John Edwards, Global brand director added: “Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market. “We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalise the details of the new vehicle. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to get going.” It is believed the next Defender will probably be built on either a modified Freelander or shortened Discovery platform there will no longer be a separate chassis but it will retain its low ratio gearbox and legendary off-road ability. In the meantime Land Rover has announced that the current Defender will get a new 2.2-litre diesel engine, bringing new levels of performance and refinement, when the 2012 model arrives here before Christmas. The smaller capacity motor delivers the same power, torque and economy as the outgoing 2.4 litre but makes it the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced. Available in New Zealand in six different models, the Defender is priced from $61,500. The new engine produces the same power (95 kW/3,500rpm and 360Nm/2,000rpm) as the outgoing 2.4-litre engine. CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are consistent at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130. The six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its excellent ratio spread, with a high top gear for cruising, refinement and fuel economy and enhanced low-speed crawl capability with a low first gear, making towing in all conditions easier. New Zealand Defenders are available in an SE trim level inclusive of part leather seats and a leather covered steering wheel. Standard features in station wagon models include air conditioning, CD player with auxiliary input, carpeted floors, low-line cubby, and rear stowage net. |
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