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Land Rover just unveiled its long-awaited new Defender SUV. Take a closer look at this redesigned legend
Land Rover just unveiled its long-awaited new Defender SUV. Take a closer look at this redesigned legend
Sep 11, 2019, 01:55 IST
The all-new Land Rover Defender debuted at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
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The Defender has set a formidable ruggedness standard for over seven decades. The outgoing model dated to the early 1980s, but had been put out to pasture in 2016.
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A typical Defender adventure included some partially submerged time.
While the outgoing Defender, with its boxy styling, proclaimed a utilitarian mission, the redesigned Defender arguably projects a slightly less no-nonsense demeanor.
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The Defender will ultimately be available in both two- and four-door configurations: the 110 is the long wheelbase version, while the 90 is shorter.
The new Defender might lose some cred with the purists because it won't be a made-in-England machine. Manufacturing will be handled in the Slovak Republic.
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Fears should be put to rest by JLR's extensive torture-testing of the new Defender.
The SUV has negotiated everything from rocky, roadless terrain ...
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... To Germany's famed Nurburgring race track.
A Defender isn't a Defender if it isn't up to the challenge of adventures in rough country.
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The SUBV needs to be able to rock-crawl with its four-wheel-drive system ...
... Manage extreme inclines ...
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... ford rivers ...
... and get down and dirty and wet and muddy. The Defender can deal with water almost three feet deep, and it can tow more than 8,000 pounds. Its Terrain Response 2 tech can be customized by the driver, depending on conditions.
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That said, the Defender has also been designed for less demanding duty.
Two powertrains will be offered to US buyers. The P300 turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 296 horsepower and promises a 0-60 mph time of just under eight seconds, while the P400 is a mild hybrid six-cylinder making 395 hp, with a sub-six-second 0-60mph time. Both engines are yoked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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While on-road, drivers and passengers will benefit from "emergency braking, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, cruise control and speed-limiter functions, driver condition monitor, and front and rear parking aids," the company said. Safety first!
Unlike some of the hardtail SUVs of old, the Defender's D7x engineering, as explained by Jaguar Land Rover, makes use of a lightweight, stiff aluminum monocoque assembly and four-wheel independent suspension, versus a body-on-frame steel construction with rear leaf-springs.
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The interiors combine versatility and durability with premium appointments for the upscale trims, including leather upholstery and wood details. A non-leather premium wool upholstery treatment is also an option.
The Defender will be a connected expedition vehicle. An available Online Pack provides "unlimited data for music streaming, weather updates and calendar information via the infotainment screen," the automaker said. Wi-Fi will also be an option, via subscription.
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The Defender 110 starts at $49,900 and goes on sales next spring. The Defender 90 follows later in 2019. The most expensive configuration of the 110 is the X edition with the inline six engine, priced at about $81,000.
The world has been waiting three years for its new Defender, and Land Rover has delivered with style and purpose.