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Luxury automaker <keyword id="6354362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jaguar-land-rover" source="Orion">Jaguar Land Rover</keyword> on Thursday reported record <keyword id="6357824" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sales" source="Orion">sales</keyword> at 3,582 units for nine months ended December 31, 2023. The company said its sales rose 93 per cent year-on-year as compared to the April-December period of the last fiscal. <br /><br /> <keyword id="91410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="range-rover" source="Orion">Range Rover</keyword> and <keyword id="77523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defender" source="Orion">Defender</keyword> continue to lead with a year-on-year (YoY) rise of 250 per cent, contributing to over 75 per cent of the current <keyword id="240614" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="order-book" source="Orion">order book</keyword>, the automaker said. <br /><br /> In the October-December quarter, the company reported a 74 per cent YoY growth, achieving retail sales of 1,226 units, it added. <br /><br /> The newly launched Range Rover Velar witnessed a YoY sales growth of 183 per cent in the quarter, JLR said. <br /><br /> "Over the past nine months, JLR's progress in India has been characterised by consistent and substantial growth. Each quarter has shown an impressive year-on-year surge of nearly 100 per cent," JLR India Managing Director Rajan Amba said. <br /><br /> The burgeoning order bank and continuous order intake signal a robust demand, underscoring promising future prospects, he added. <br /><br /> "...the eagerly awaited Range Rover BEV has generated significant interest among clients across the country, and with our upcoming launches this quarter, we are poised to sustain our remarkable growth trajectory in India," Amba said. <br /><br /> The company's order book at the end of the third quarter remained strong with a YoY growth of 92 per cent, it stated. <br /><br /> The current total order book covers more than eight months of sales and is seeing a consistent increase month-on-month, it added.

JLR reports best-ever sales at 3,582 units in April-December period

<keyword id="19906967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Motors" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Motors" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Motors">Tata Motors</keyword> on Friday reported over three-fold jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 17,528.59 crore in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2024, riding with all its three auto businesses delivering a strong performance, specially the British arm <keyword id="20059278" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaguar-Land-Rover" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Jaguar Land Rover" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Jaguar Land Rover">Jaguar Land Rover</keyword>. The company had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,496.04 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal, Tata Motors said in a regulatory filing. <br /><br /> Total consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,19,986.31 crore, as compared to Rs 1,05,932.35 crore in the year-ago period. <br /><br /> In <keyword id="20028449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Q4" source="keywords">Q4</keyword> FY24, Tata Motors said all three auto businesses delivered strong performance. <br /><br /> The company's British arm Jaguar Land Rover had "another record-breaking quarter in Q4 FY24. <br /><br /> Revenue for the quarter was 7.9 billion pounds, up 11 per cent versus Q4 FY23", Tata Motors said. <br /><br /> JLR's Profit After Tax (PAT) in Q4 was 1.4 billion pounds as against a profit of 259 million pounds in the same quarter a year ago, it added. <br /><br /> The Board of Directors have recommended a final dividend of Rs 3 per ordinary share and Rs 3.10 per 'A' ordinary share and a special dividend of Rs 3 per ordinary share and Rs 3.10 per 'A' ordinary share subject to approval by the shareholders. <br /><br /> For the fiscal ended March 31, 2024, consolidated net profit was at Rs 31,806.75 crore as compared to Rs 2,689.87 crore in the previous fiscal, the company said. <br /><br /> In FY24, total consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 4,37,927.77 crore as compared to Rs 3,45,966.97 crore in FY23. <br /><br /> <keyword id="20430970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata-motors-group" source="keywords">Tata Motors Group</keyword> Chief Financial Officer, PB Balaji said in FY24 the Tata Motors Group delivered its highest-ever revenues, profits, and free cash flows. <br /><br /> "The India business is now debt-free, and we are on track to become net automotive debt-free on a consolidated basis in FY25. The businesses are executing well on their distinct strategies and therefore, we are confident of sustaining this strong performance in the coming years," he added. <br /><br /> JLR's revenues for FY24 were 29 billion pounds, its highest-ever full-year revenue and up 27 per cent compared to the prior year, while PAT for FY24 was 2.6 billion pounds. <br /><br /> "We have delivered a record financial performance for the company, generating free cash flow of 2.3 billion pound, enabling us to reduce net debt to 0.7 billion pound," JLR Chief Executive Officer Adrian Mardell said. <br /><br /> The foundation of this performance was the sustained global demand for JLR's modern luxury vehicles, led by Range Rover and Defender brands, underpinned by a consistent focus on operational improvement, he added. <br /><br /> Tata Commercial Vehicles' Q4 FY24 revenue was at Rs 21,600 crore, while FY24 revenue was Rs 78,800 crore. <br /><br /> In Q4 FY24, domestic wholesale commercial vehicles (CV) volumes were 1,04,600 units, lower 7 per cent year-on-year on account of increased pre-buy in Q4 FY23 due to BS6 Phase II transition, the company said. <br /><br /> Tata Motors Ltd Executive Director Girish Wagh said the Indian CV industry grew by a modest 2 per cent in volumes during FY24, impacted by a high base effect of FY23, elections held across five states and the announcement of general elections. <br /><br /> "Our sharp focus on profitable growth resulted in the CV business recording its highest-ever revenues of Rs 78,800 crore and profits of Rs 6,100 crore in FY24. Going forward, we will intensify our efforts to grow market share, profitably and consistently, in every business segment by delivering more value to customers with innovative products, smarter services and holistic mobility solutions," he added. <br /><br /> Tata Passenger Vehicles clocked revenue of Rs 14,400 crore in Q4 while for the full year FY24 it was at Rs 52,400 crore. <br /><br /> In Q4, Passenger Vehicle (PV) volumes were at 1,55,600 units, up 14.8 per cent from the year-ago period, supported by new SUV facelifts and multiple power trains, the company said. <br /><br /> "Passenger vehicle sales in India set a record in FY24 with over 4.2 million units sold, driven by SUVs (50 per cent of overall sales) and emission-friendly powertrains. Tata Motors recorded its third consecutive year of highest sales volumes with 6 per cent growth in wholesales and 10 per cent in retail sales over FY23," Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Managing Director Shailesh Chandra said. <br /><br /> The company sold 73,800 EVs during the year, marking a 48 per cent increase as compared to FY23 and crossed a milestone of 1.5 lakh cumulative EV production, he added.<br /><br /><b>SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-market-up-8-5g-smartphones-account-for-over-70-of-shipments/articleshow/110002512.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-market-up-8-5g-smartphones-account-for-over-70-of-shipments/articleshow/110002512.cms" target="_blank">Indian smartphone market up 8%, 5G smartphones account for over 70% of shipments</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/ipl-decoded-highest-individual-scores-in-ipl-2024-so-far-from-stoinis-to-kohli/slidelist/110008351.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/ipl-decoded-highest-individual-scores-in-ipl-2024-so-far-from-stoinis-to-kohli/slidelist/110008351.cms" target="_blank">IPL Decoded: Highest individual scores in IPL 2024 so far, from Stoinis to Kohli</a></b><b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-and-samsung-dominate-the-top-selling-smartphones-in-q1-2024/slidelist/109977094.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-and-samsung-dominate-the-top-selling-smartphones-in-q1-2024/slidelist/109977094.cms" target="_blank">Apple and Samsung dominate the top-selling smartphones in Q1 2024</a></b><br />

Tata Motors Q4 consolidated net profit jumps over 3-fold at ₹17,528.59 crore

<keyword id="45218" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jlr" source="Orion">JLR</keyword> India on Monday said it has recorded its best ever first quarter sales in the country in April-June 2023. The company said its retail sales rose 102 per cent to 1,048 units in the June quarter as compared with the same period last year. <br /><br />The performance was enabled by a phenomenal growth of 209 per cent in <keyword id="91410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="range-rover" source="Orion">Range Rover</keyword>, Range Rover Sport and Defender sales, JLR India said in a statement. <br /><br />The three models continue to see sustained demand, contributing 78 per cent of the current order book, it added. <br /><br />"This performance is testament to the exceptional equity of the JLR brands and our class-leading collection of modern luxury vehicles. Backed by the growing demand among our discerning clients, our order book remains strong and growing, and we are excited and confident of our India story ahead," JLR India Managing Director Rajan Amba stated. <br /><br />JLR said its pre-owned business grew 137 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal. <br /><br />The company stated that it has an impressive line-up of product initiatives scheduled for the year, starting with the enhanced Range Rover Velar - bookings for which commenced recently.<br /><br /><b>SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank">Netweb Technologies IPO allotment – how to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank">Ola S1 Air to hit Indian roads soon – price, features and everything you need to know</a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-z-flip-5-galaxy-watch-series-6-and-more-set-to-launch-july-end/articleshow/101538049.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Galaxy Watch Series 6 and more set to launch July-end</a></b><br />

JLR India reports highest ever first quarter sales

Jaguar Land Rover India on Thursday said it has launched its iconic SUV Defender in the country with price starting at Rs 73.98 lakh (ex-showroom). The latest version of the model comes with a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and would be available in two body styles in the country. <br /><br />The price of new Defender 90 (three-door) starts from Rs 73.98 lakh, while Defender 110 (five-door) is tagged at Rs 79.94 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). <br /><br />Deliveries of Defender 110 have begun, while that of 90 will commence from the first quarter of FY22. <br /><br />"So far, under Land Rover, we had the Discovery product pillar and Range Rover product pillar available in India. With this launch, the third product pillar, Defender, is now available," JLR India President and Managing Director Rohit Suri said. <br /><br />This, in many ways, completes the Land Rover brand story, he added. <br /><br />The new Defender will make its place in the hearts of many people with a curious mind, love for authentic adventures, passion for travel and who dare and wish to go above and beyond in life, Suri noted. <br /><br />Such individuals transcend barriers of age, gender, profession, with their free-spirited nature and fearlessness, just like the new Defender, he said. <br /><br />It would be sold through the company's 27 dealerships across the country and the customers would be able to choose from 170 individual accessories and four distinct accessory packs, the company said. <br /><br />For off-roading, Defender has an impressive maximum approach angle of 38 degrees and a capability of water wading through a depth of 900 mm. <br /><br />It also delivers a maximum towing capacity of 3,720 kg coupled with a roof load capacity of 168 kg. <br /><br />The model also comes with next-generation electronic vehicle architecture supporting SOTA (Software-Over-The-Air). It allows customers to receive updates without visiting the retailer. <br /><br />The infotainment in the model includes a 25.4 cm touchscreen with navigation features<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/infosys-share-price-hits-fresh-52-week-high-after-highest-ever-deal-wins-of-over-3-billion/articleshow/78673575.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"> Infosys share price hits fresh 52-week high after highest-ever deal wins of over $3 billion</a></strong><b><br /> <br /> <strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/likhitha-infrastructure-lists-at-8-premium-over-the-issue-price/articleshow/78674174.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Likhitha Infrastructure lists at 8% premium over the issue price</a></strong><br /> <br /> </b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/economy/news/world-bank-president-says-covid-19-pandemic-is-causing-the-one-of-the-deepest-recessions-since-great-depression/articleshow/78673669.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"><strong>World Bank President says COVID-19 pandemic is causing the one of the deepest recessions since Great Depression</strong></a><br />

JLR launches iconic Land Rover Defender in India at ₹73.98 lakh

<ul><li>  Production at the new gigafactory is due to start in 2026.</li><li><keyword id="6354362" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jaguar-land-rover" source="Orion">Jaguar Land Rover</keyword> will be the anchor customer of the new gigafactory.</li><li>The new gigafactory with an initial output of 40GWh will be one of the largest in Europe.</li></ul><br />The UK government on Wednesday announced that the <keyword id="6355725" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tata-group" source="Orion">Tata Group</keyword> is to invest over 4 billion pounds in setting up a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant, or gigafactory, in Britain which will create thousands of jobs across the supply chain. British Prime Minister <keyword id="221875" type="General" weightage="70" keywordseo="rishi-sunak" source="Orion">Rishi Sunak</keyword> hailed it as an "incredibly proud" moment for the country's automotive industry and described it as a testament to the strength of the UK car manufacturing industry and its skilled workers. <br /><br /><keyword id="42747" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="tata-motors" source="Orion">Tata Motors</keyword> owns UK-based luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which will be the anchor customer of the new gigafactory with an initial output of 40GWh - making it one of the largest in Europe. <br /><br />Production at the new gigafactory is due to start in 2026 and is pitched as a key driver behind Sunak's priority to grow the UK economy. <br /><br />"Tata Group's multi-billion-pound investment in a new battery factory in the UK is a testament to the strength of our car manufacturing industry and its skilled workers," said Sunak. <br /><br />"With the global transition to zero-emission vehicles well underway, this will help grow our economy by driving forward our lead in battery technology whilst creating as many as 4,000 jobs, and thousands more in the supply chain," he said. <br /><br />"We can be incredibly proud that Britain has been chosen as home to Tata Group's first gigafactory outside India, securing our place as one of the most attractive places to build electric vehicles," the British prime minister said. <br /><br />As one of the largest-ever investments in the UK auto industry, the new factory will create up to 4,000 highly skilled jobs as well as thousands of further jobs in the wider supply chain for battery materials and critical raw minerals. <br /><br />The gigafactory will secure UK-produced batteries for JLR as well as other manufacturers in the UK and Europe. The location of the new gigafactory is expected to be in Somerset, south west England. <br /><br />"Our multi-billion-pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to the country, helping to power the automotive sector's transition to electric mobility, anchored by our own business, JLR," said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of parent company Tata Sons. <br /><br />"With this strategic investment, the Tata Group further strengthens its commitment to the UK, alongside our many companies operating here across technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive," Chandrasekaran said. <br /><br />The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said details of the government's incentives and support provided to the Tata Group as part of the agreement will be published in due course as part of regular transparency data. <br /><br />However, reports in the lead-up to the announcement had indicated subsidies in the form of grants, energy subsidies and other training and research funding would be part of the agreed package. <br /><br />"Today's multibillion-pound investment demonstrates that this government has got the right plan when it comes to the automotive sector," noted UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. <br /><br />"We are backing the UK car industry to help grow our economy as we transition to electric vehicles, and this latest investment will secure thousands of highly-skilled jobs across the country," Badenoch said. <br /><br />The investment of over 4 billion pounds is seen as a historic moment for the UK's growing electric vehicles (EV) industry, with JLR's suite of <keyword id="91410" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="range-rover" source="Orion">Range Rover</keyword>, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands as the key customers. <br /><br />The Tata investment is described as crucial to boosting the UK's battery manufacturing capacity needed to support the electric vehicle industry in the long term and the new plant will cover almost half of the battery production that the Faraday Institution estimates the country will need by 2030. <br /><br />"This is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and one that will drive growth in our economy, creating thousands of jobs and powering our transition to electric cars," said UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. <br /><br />"Tata Group's gigafactory builds on the strength of our manufacturing industry and shows we're on the right track, backing the sectors that will underpin our future prosperity for decades to come," he said. <br /><br />DBT said the government is committed to making the UK one of the best places in the world for automotive investment, as evidenced by the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), the British Industry Supercharger supporting industry energy needs, and the strong programme of support for research and development. <br /><br />"This new gigafactory puts us firmly in the fast lane to becoming the capital of Europe's electric car market, and makes crystal clear how they see the UK as the place to be for their future growth," added UK Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps. <br /><br />"With thousands of jobs on-site and in the supply chain, this new factory will be the cornerstone of our automotive industry, backing manufacturers to develop and expand, and customers to make the switch from petrol and diesel," he said.

Rishi Sunak hails Tata Group's multi-billion EV investment in UK

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Classic <keyword id="44719" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Land-Rover">Land Rover</keyword> Defenders are quite rare and have gained a cult following in the US.</li><li>The 2020 <keyword id="3058000" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Land-Rover-Defender">Land Rover Defender</keyword> is the first new <keyword id="77523" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Defender">Defender</keyword> to be sold here from the factory since 1997.</li><li>Base MSRP of the Defender is $46,100. After options, my loaner came to $72,780 MSRP.</li></ul><p>Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since a new Land Rover Defender arrived on US shores. </p><p>But for the first time since 1997, we finally get a fully federalized, fully road-legal Defender straight from Land Rover itself. You no longer have to wait for the <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/25988/top-10-cars-from-1994-you-can-finally-import-under-americas-25-year-law">25-year import rule</a> to expire or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/twisted-na-v8-90-review-defender-land-rover-cost-custom-2020-12">hit up</a> a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/land-rover-defender-twisted-automotive-na-90-110-custom-price-2020-12">customization shop</a> to get your hands on a Defender, and that in itself is a relief.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_45" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424338" hostid="261"></div>The 2020 Defender still retains the original's boxy shape, but much of what made a Defender a Defender has been smoothed and ironed out to befit a brand that no longer uses military surplus to build cars. You'll notice a sleeker face and larger dimensions. Electronic seats. A heated steering wheel. Fancy air suspension <em>mon Dieu</em>.<p>From the driver's seat, the only way you'd be able to tell you were driving a Defender is by reading the name stamped across the steering wheel. But I'll let you in on a little secret: The original Defender is bad! I've driven it. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_6" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424340" hostid="261"></div>The new one? It's good.<h2><strong>The 2020 Defender 110: Out with the old</strong></h2><p>The Defender legacy <a href="https://www.automobilemag.com/news/land-rover-defender-history-buying-tips/">began in 1983</a> with the Defender 90 and Defender 110, their numbers a reference to the size of their wheelbases - or the length of the space between the centers of a vehicle's front and rear wheels. </p><div type="image" title="1995 Land Rover Defender 90." height="1973" width="2252" msid="80424341" hostid="261"></div>Defenders didn't come to the US until 1993 and left just as abruptly in 1997 because they couldn't meet our safety standards. (Specifically, they lacked airbags and side-impact door protection.) As a result, the trucks were little-known and rare, becoming a kind of a hidden gem for fans and enthusiasts. <p>Regardless of US regulations, though, Defender production kept right up until 2016. Following that came the current Defender for the 2020 model year, finally available to buyers in the US.  </p><h2><strong>Details and safety ratings: A straight-six smooth as silk</strong></h2><p>The 2020 Defender starts at $46,100 and comes with two engine options. My loaner, a Defender 110 SE, started at $62,250 and landed at $72,780 with options and fees.</p><p>The first engine option is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, good for a claimed 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The second, which is what my loaner came with, is a mild-hybrid, turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter straight-six, good for a claimed 395 horsepower and 406 pound- feet of torque. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_19" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424342" hostid="261"></div>Both engines are hooked up to a slick eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. There's also permanent four-wheel drive and locking differentials, making the Defender as legit as any serious off-roader.<p>Length of the 110 comes to 16.5 feet, width comes to 6.6 feet, and height comes to 6.5 feet. Wheelbase is 119 inches - nine inches longer than that of the original Defender 110. Ground clearance comes to a towering 11.5 inches. Total curb weight comes to 5,035 pounds. The Defender's estimated fuel economy comes to 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_26" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424344" hostid="261"></div>And while the new 110 won't offer rear bench seats <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=original+land+rover+defender+110+rear+bench+seat&amp;tbm=isch&amp;ved=2ahUKEwizkJG51JTuAhUZgVkKHeVmBrQQ2-cCegQIABAA&amp;oq=original+land+rover+defender+110+rear+bench+seat&amp;gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1Dg_gFY3IMCYIKFAmgAcAB4AIABR4gBtgKSAQE1mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&amp;sclient=img&amp;ei=Bq38X7P1DZmC5gLlzZmgCw&amp;bih=1304&amp;biw=1270&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS911US914&amp;safe=off#imgrc=RNVLfflL-j0N3M1US914&amp;safe=off#imgrc=RNVLfflL-j0N3M">like the old one famously did</a>, <a href="https://www.motor1.com/features/369806/2020-land-rover-defender-official-jump-seat/">you can option it with a three-person bench seat in the front</a>, which is quite rad. Excitingly, the two-door 2020 Defender 90 will also be available here for the 2021 model year.<h2><strong>What stands out: Driving on stilts</strong></h2><p>Surpassing the original Defender - a rough, utilitarian thing - is a low bar, but it's a bar nonetheless. To the surprise of no one, the new Defender passes it with flying colors, although it's a bit like saying Usain Bolt runs faster than I do. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_61" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424346" hostid="261"></div>Immediately, you'll notice a crispness to the way the 110 drives, one that seems at odds with its 5,000-pound curb weight. The throttle response is immediate, agile, and light. There's good low-end power, lending to the truck's smooth power delivery. This is certainly due to the help of that mild hybrid system. <p>As an added bonus, acceleration is accompanied by a throaty straight-six exhaust rasp, a delightful reminder of the old BMW straight-six engines. Steering feel is also vastly improved over the original truck's. It feels responsive and modern.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_62" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424347" hostid="261"></div>Because of the Defender's tall stance, you, in turn, sit tall as well. I felt like I was a half- to a whole head taller than everyone else on the road. People driving Honda Pilots only came up to my chest. I was practically sitting on the roofs of Toyota Camrys.<p>It was a great vantage point from which to observe the road, because hardly anything blocked my view - though, of course, I did become a big obstacle for everyone else to see around. You win some and you lose some, folks.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender. OEM_1" height="1875" width="2500" msid="80424349" hostid="261"></div>But driving the Defender over low traction surfaces - in this case ice and snow - is where it really shines. There, you get a sense of absolute tankiness, a sense of powerful unstoppability. It was ice and snow I'd eye nervously if I was in my C-Class sedan, but the Defender marched right over it like it was a minor puddle after a spring shower. <p>For me personally, these feelings were validated when I happened upon my friend who'd gotten his Porsche Boxster stuck in a snowdrift because it didn't have enough ground clearance. (He dug it out eventually, don't worry.)</p><h2><strong>What falls short: Busy screen</strong></h2><p>I didn't love the feel of the plastics in the Defender. They just didn't respond to my touch with the solidity that I'd expect from a truck that starts at more than $60,000 in the 110 SE trim I was testing, although I will say that the door handles and parts of the dash were wrapped in a cool wetsuit-like polyurethane material that seems like it would be very easy to clean if it got dirty.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_42" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424350" hostid="261"></div>My first impression of the infotainment system was one of being overwhelmed. There were so many menu items, all presented on one menu. The navigation, phone connection, and music were conveniently located off to the side, but the system also presented seat and climate options alongside its valet mode, eco data, wade sensing, and vehicle dimensions. These, I felt, could have been tucked into some other menu folder to reduce clutter.<p>I also got the distinct sense that I was not the correctly shaped person Land Rover had in mind when designing the new Defender. If you've ever sat in an original Defender, you'd know that the cabin is actually quite cramped and narrow. For me, it was nearly perfectly scaled.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender. OEM_6" height="1757" width="2500" msid="80424352" hostid="261"></div>With this new Defender, I felt like Goldilocks sitting in Papa Bear's chair: the seat was too long and kept hitting me in the back of my calves so that my legs were never comfortable in the footwell. (And before you ask, no, there is no adjustment for this part of the seat. I checked.) <p>Even the visibility worked against me. Rear visibility is already quite bad, but even with the seat raised up as high as it would go, I still found the wing mirrors positioned directly in my line of sight, blocking pedestrians crossing intersections. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_55" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424353" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_56" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424354" hostid="261"></div>At least there are a myriad of cameras all over the truck. They make the otherwise impossible task of parking possible.<h2><strong>How the new Defender compares to its competitors: Mid-tier pricing</strong></h2><p>The tacked onto the $62,250 Defender 110 SE Land Rover loaned me included, among other things, the: Driver Assist Pack ($1,020), Cold Climate Pack ($700), Advanced Off-Road Capability Pack ($735), Off-Road Pack ($1,345), a sliding panoramic roof ($1,750), and a black contrast roof ($870). That brought the truck's total MSRP to $72,780. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_52" height="3750" width="2500" msid="80424357" hostid="261"></div>As a four-door, two-row SUV with a $46,100 base price and a penchant for off-roading, the Defender's competitors include the Jeep Wrangler (<a href="https://www.jeep.com/wrangler.html">$28,315</a>) , Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen (<a href="https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/g-class/suv">$131,750</a>), Toyota 4Runner (<a href="https://www.toyota.com/4runner/">$36,590</a>), and the upcoming Ford Bronco (<a href="https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-ford-bronco-pricing-2-door-4-door-official/">$34,695</a>). <p>The Defender certainly isn't the cheapest option, but it isn't the most expensive, either. The quality of the G-Wagen ought to be more upscale and the 4Runner should have better reliability (it <em>is</em> a Toyota, after all), but the Defender has the Jeep Wrangler beat in interior quality.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_49" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424358" hostid="261"></div>It's also got the Wrangler beat in one other thing.<h2><strong>Our impressions: What's in a name?</strong></h2><p>By far, the Wrangler's biggest drawback is its inability to act like a civilized vehicle on the highway. It's loud, unstable, and a handful. Fans call it character. I call it annoying.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_59" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424360" hostid="261"></div>The Defender, on the other hand, shone during high speed cruising. It held to highway speeds just fine. The ride quality at 75 mph was no different than if we were going 25 mph. And because the Defender's cameras provided such a comprehensive 360-degree view of its surroundings, I wasn't terrified of navigating it through tight parking lots.<p>I could easily see myself using it as an everyday SUV. The low-traction stability was just an added bonus. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_63" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424363" hostid="261"></div>Through that lens, the $62,000 price tag makes sense. Though the inside of the Defender's trunk was lined in a rubbery plastic - easy to clean if you put something muddy back there, like a dog - this is still a truck for a luxury buyer. One who might want to get it dirty only sometimes. I also suspect that for those who won't ever take it overlanding, the mere knowledge that it won't get stuck off-road is enough.<p>People liked the original Defender because it was ratty and bad. No creature comforts to speak of. There was an honesty to that. This new Defender is upscale, comfortable, and doesn't punish you for committing the crime of being tall. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_30" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424364" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_32" height="3750" width="2500" msid="80424366" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_31" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424367" hostid="261"></div>Not that Land Rover didn't try and capture some of the old truck's ruggedness, of course. There are fake diamond-plate inserts on the hood and exposed bolts all over the interior that may or may not be functional. The trunk is still accessible via a side-hinged swinging door. With "Defender" stamped all over the place, it sort of felt like the new truck was playing dress-up as the old truck. <p>But a name is just a name. There's no rule saying that the thing the name represents cannot change and take on a new definition. Well, maybe there's a rule if you're a purist. Nevertheless, it seems like Land Rover took a stab at broader appeal here.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_28" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424369" hostid="261"></div>Land Rover makes luxury <keyword id="60427" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="SUVs">SUVs</keyword> now. It can't get away with selling people rickety bits of farming equipment anymore. But in a portfolio of <em>only</em> luxury SUVs, how is it supposed to differentiate yet another luxury SUVs to the public?<p>Easy. Lean on the storied Defender name, which carries a cult following mired in nostalgia. The most powerful kind of cult following.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_24" height="3750" width="2500" msid="80424370" hostid="261"></div>I personally couldn't care less what Land Rover calls the new truck. You shouldn't either. It's objectively nice. But for luxury buyers stuck on the idea and heritage of a Defender - and who also can't square with a lack of amenities - the new Defender is perfect. <p style="text-align: center;">♦♦♦</p><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_40" height="3750" width="2500" msid="80424371" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_57" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424374" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender. OEM_2" height="1875" width="2500" msid="80424379" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_35" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424383" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_20" height="3750" width="2500" msid="80424388" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_39" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424389" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_33" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424390" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_16" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424392" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_1" height="1666" width="2500" msid="80424393" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_13" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424395" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_41" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424399" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_60" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424401" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_38" height="1666" width="2500" msid="80424403" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_29" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424405" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_34" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424407" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_15" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424411" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_18" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424414" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE.KL_9" height="1667" width="2500" msid="80424415" hostid="261"></div>

REVIEW: The new Land Rover Defender turns an iconic nameplate into a smooth and modern off-road SUV

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="3058000" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Land-Rover-Defender">Land Rover Defender</keyword> is a popular off-roading vehicle that's gained a cult-like following over the years.</li><li>Companies like <keyword id="10405640" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted-automotive">Twisted Automotive</keyword> reconstruct <keyword id="77523" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Defender">Defender</keyword>s to be highly customized and luxurious for today's top Defender fans and collectors.</li><li>The <keyword id="10405641" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted-na-v8-90">Twisted NA-V8 90</keyword> is based on a Defender 90 but has a V8 from a Corvette and a starting price of $250,000.</li></ul><p>The road in front of me straightened out, so I thought "What the hell" and floored the gas pedal.</p><p>A banshee-like V8 scream filled the cabin. The steering wheel shuddered in my hand with each violent upshift, the front wheels squirreling for traction as the entire truck leaned back from the force of the acceleration. Not long after, I braked, not wanting to get pulled over.</p><p>The walkie-talkie in the cupholder crackled. "<em>That's</em> what I'm talking about!" the <a href="https://www.twistedautomotive.com/en-US/">Twisted Automotive</a> rep, driving in the lead car I was following, crowed excitedly. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM1" height="1875" width="2500" msid="79647621" hostid="261"></div>I was behind the wheel of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/twisted-na-v8-is-a-land-rover-defender-with-a-corvette-v8-engine-2020-7">Twisted's North America V8 90</a> - or NA-V8 90 - which, to the untrained eye, looks just like a vintage Land Rover Defender 90: a square, two-door truck that wouldn't be out of place on someone's farm. <p>But looks can be deceiving. The NA-V8 90 is <em>so</em> not a run-of-the-mill vintage Defender.</p><h2><strong>What is old is new</strong></h2><p>Explaining the <keyword id="10405642" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted-na-v8">Twisted NA-V8</keyword> 90 is where things get interesting. Think of it as a 25-year-old, brand-new car. I know this sounds oxymoronic. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM12" height="1875" width="2500" msid="79647623" hostid="261"></div>All of the <em>parts</em> are new, see. The body panels and the chassis - before <keyword id="2229550" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted">Twisted</keyword> added extra sub-bracing to protect it from twisting - are brand new, but they're built from the original Land Rover blueprints and specifications.<p>After Land Rover ceased production of the Defender, it sold the rights and tooling to other OEM suppliers so that they could continue making Defender parts. Because of that, companies such as Twisted can source those parts and build new Defenders to their original dimensions. </p><p>So from the outside, NA-V8 90's shape is all original. But that's where the similarities end. </p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM20" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647625" hostid="261"></div>Details and safety ratings: Corvette heart</strong></h2><p>No original Defender ever came with a Chevrolet Corvette's 6.2-liter, naturally aspirated LT1 V8 engine and a General Motors-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. (A five-speed manual transmission is also an option.)</p><p>On top of that, Twisted upgrades and modifies the internals, brakes, suspension, and electronics. It gives its trucks a customized suspension system, big and heavy-duty brakes, heavy-duty differentials, and a switchable exhaust that alternates between Loud and Not Quite As Loud. </p><p>Inside, you get <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/twisted-na-v8-is-a-land-rover-defender-with-a-corvette-v8-engine-2020-7#and-a-whole-suite-of-convenience-features-like-cruise-control-parking-sensors-and-wide-angle-exterior-cameras-13">a whole suite of convenience features</a> like parking sensors, wide-angle exterior cameras, and cruise control. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM26" height="1717" width="2500" msid="79647627" hostid="261"></div>The truck puts down 455 horsepower, but should the customer want it, the supercharged LT4 V8 out of the C7 Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V is also available. That motor offers a claimed 650 horsepower. <p>I drove Twisted's demo vehicle that's based off a Defender 90. It had two front doors and a swing-out style rear door for trunk and second-row access. The second row of seats were sort of like two stadium-mounted jump seats - they were positioned so that you'd be able to look over the driver's shoulder.</p><p>The demo car, according to Twisted, averages 20 mpg. Since the NA-V8 90 is based on a classic Defender, a Twisted rep said it has not been crash-tested because "all crash testing is specific to the OEM." (It should be noted that crash safety has improved greatly in the past 10 years, let alone 25, so driving around in a 1990s-spec Defender with a modern Corvette engine is done at your own risk.)</p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM28" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647631" hostid="261"></div>What stands out: V8 magic</strong></h2><p>Within five minutes of driving the thing, I could already tell the NA-V8 90 is a hoot. I had sort of hoped the demo car would have a manual, but after I got moving, I realized it didn't really matter - that eight-speed automatic is clever enough on its own.</p><p>I attributed much of that to the LT1 V8. Happily, I was informed the demo car was tuned to have a claimed 525 horsepower instead of the standard 455.</p><p>V8s in luxurious grand-tourers are meant to be smooth and quiet. V8s from muscle cars are supposed to be loud, screamy, and violent. Since the demo car had only one exhaust setting - loud - the noise part was taken care of. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_6" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647633" hostid="261"></div>Thanks to the way the engine is tuned, you want to floor the NA-V8 90 everywhere. Feel the wheel twitch in your hands. Scatter flocks of geese. Make children cry. Cackle diabolically. <p>The steering is not <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2020-lotus-evora-gt-review-price-specs-horsepower-sports-car-2020-9">your Lotus-esque, nearly psychic feedback</a>; it's not so tightly tuned that a millimeter of input results in the most microscopic steering response. You won't feel turn-in happen until you've started turning the wheel further from the center position than in a regular car, but you get used to it almost immediately. Then it just becomes a matter of aiming the V8 cannon. </p><p>Part of Twisted's whole appeal is how utterly customizable its products are. The Twisted rep brought along a book of leather trim options to show me, featuring every color on the visual spectrum - or at least most of them. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM30" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647634" hostid="261"></div>The interior of the demo vehicle was fitted pretty much from floor to ceiling in soft quilted leather. The leather itself was black, but the green contrast stitching that matched the exterior paint made me feel like I was driving in "<a href="https://screenrant.com/matrix-green-color-change-netflix-original/">The Matrix</a>."<p>Sitting in the NA-V8 90 makes you feel like you're a head taller than everything else on the road. You see easily over most other cars, and visibility - owing to the fact that the greenhouse is basically box-shaped - is great. </p><p>If the world ended tomorrow, I know which car I'd want by my side.</p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM6" height="3750" width="2500" msid="79647635" hostid="261"></div>What falls short: Narrow</strong></h2><p>A narrow interior, distinctive of the original Defenders, carries over. When driving a tall SUV, I'm accustomed to roomier interiors, so the NA-V8 90 might take some getting used to for some. </p><p>I found the seat adjustments difficult to reach and hit my left elbow on the door a lot when cutting the steering wheel in either direction. The pedals are also rather close together, but I have small feet and this was no issue for me. </p><p>But there's plenty of headroom, so taller customers won't have to worry about driving with their necks bent.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_5" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647637" hostid="261"></div>The narrowness makes sense; the original Defender wasn't meant for wide and sweeping American roads, it was designed for the English countryside. <a href="https://jalopnik.com/driving-in-england-took-years-off-my-life-1787698238">Have you seen what they think is a "two-way street" over there?</a> It's the equivalent of, like, a little, one-way dirt path here. <p>Some might think the NA-V8 90's narrowness is a drawback; I say it's charismatic. I think most cars today are far too wide for their own good. The front row of <a href="https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-lincoln-navigator-is-a-glorious-return-to-amer-1837718657">the new Lincoln Navigator</a> is palatial. I had to really stretch to reach the radio controls.</p><p>A narrow but tall car is a fun new thing to experience. Everything is within reach and you feel like you can place the NA-V8 90 a little more easily around double-parked cars.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_8" height="3750" width="2500" msid="79647639" hostid="261"></div>The rear stadium seats are a fun idea, and for a 5-foot-3 person, they were fine to sit in. But anyone taller might have trouble. Most realistically, the NA-V8 90 is for a two-person household with maybe a big dog.<h2><strong>Against competitors? It ain't no G-Wagen</strong></h2><p>It's clear what the Twisted NA-V8 90 is aimed at: the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen. Rugged, square, with big wheels, big power, and customization options fit for a king, the NA-V8 90 is an alternative to the G-Wagen - which, depending on where you live, might very well be a dime a dozen. </p><p>The NA-V8 90 is certainly priced appropriately. Each one starts at $250,000 and it only goes up from there, depending on how customized you want yours to be. Each one is built to order, Tom Maxwell, Twisted's CEO, told us in a recent call.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_11" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647641" hostid="261"></div>Conversely, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen starts at <a href="https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/build/g-class/suv/g550w4?category=summary">$130,900 for the G 550</a> and <a href="https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/build/g-class/suv/g63w4?category=summary">$156,450 for the AMG G 63</a>. Maxwell said he charges people $250,000 for one of his products because they're buying a process.<p>"I don't want to sell a soulless black [Defender] 110 that nobody has had involvement in," he said. "You're buying a process, stitch colors, leathers, et cetera. It's a custom car built around you."</p><p>Uniqueness, it seems, is the selling point. I suppose if I were to drop a quarter of a million dollars on a car, I certainly wouldn't want it to look like my neighbor's.</p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_7" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647643" hostid="261"></div>Our impressions: Full of personality</strong></h2><p>I've driven a restored vintage Defender before and I didn't much care for it. Once the novelty of <em>Oh, wow! I'm driving a vintage Defender! </em>wore off, the old truck was rattly, slow, uncomfortable, and definitely not worth the mounds of praise heaped upon it. I have, however, seen countless Defender masochists insist that the awfulness is the point.</p><p>Maxwell said his company isn't in the business of restoration or resto-modding; they're about reconstruction. Apart from the identity of the Defender - which is narrow, has iconic boxy looks, and can be off-roaded - the thing is a fresh take on Defender ownership for today's luxury buyer. Thus, the "Defenderisms" that plague the original models - for those who aren't Defender masochists - are absent. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_9" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647644" hostid="261"></div>That does not mean the Twisted is without charm. Unlike a modern car that's easy enough to drive with one finger and rarely has any personality, the NA-V8 90 takes some time to learn and pilot. <p>The thin-spoke steering wheel takes effort to turn. The brakes don't bite immediately but they work really well once you learn to use them. There's a little lean in the suspension if you take a corner quickly, but you don't feel afraid that you'll tip over. Mostly, you're reminded that you're driving a tall SUV. </p><p>The NA-V8 90 isn't one of those SUVs that tries to pretend to be a sports car, despite its Corvette heart. Though, of course, it's faster than any original Defender could ever be. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM4" height="1731" width="2500" msid="79647647" hostid="261"></div>But as for the slower, around-town stuff? It does that perfectly, too. As a commuter, the NA-V8 90 putters along quietly and agreeably, handling roundabouts, sitting in traffic, and waiting at red lights as well as any luxury SUV. Each time that you remember how much power is on tap beneath your right foot is a blessing.<p>As a cohesive package, the Twisted NA-V8 90 is a pretty good one. It certainly feels like a sum of all of its parts. Not one aspect of it feels like it's too modern or incongruent compared to the rest of it. It doesn't drive like a crappy old truck someone pulled out of a bog two months ago. But it doesn't drive like a modern car, either. </p><p>If character is a currency, then the NA-V8 90 is wealthy with it. A contemporary interpretation of a truck that dates back to at least the '90s, it's pleasantly contradicted with a high-quality interior and all of today's creature comforts. And because it lacks old age and general mechanical crotchetiness, it also won't leave you stranded when it arbitrarily refuses to start up one day.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_12" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647653" hostid="261"></div>For the buyer who loves the Defender aesthetic but wants a working car, this ain't a bad solution. Just have your checkbook ready.

REVIEW: The $250,000 Twisted NA-V8 is a vintage Land Rover Defender that looks and drives like modern luxury

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-plans-send-humans-to-moon-celebrates-lunar-probe-success-2023-8">India</a> is the first to ever land near <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-scientist-microbial-life-hiding-on-moon-south-pole-2023-6">the moon's south pole</a> and it succeeded without breaking the bank.</li><li>The Chandrayaan-3 moon mission cost far less than <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attempt-land-moon-ends-in-disaster-luna-25-2023-8">Russia's moon mission</a> or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-viper-moon-rover-landing-spot-lunar-south-pole-2021-9">NASA's planned rover</a>.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-india-attempt-first-ever-moon-landing-2023-8">India's first moon landing</a>, which touched down near the lunar south pole on August 23, was both historic and budget-friendly.</p><p>At about $74 million, India's moon mission was less than half the cost of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-luna-25-crash-land-on-moon-2023-8">Russia's south-pole lander</a> ($200 million), which misfired its engines and crashed on August 20, as well as the estimated budget of NASA's planned VIPER rover to the lunar south pole ($433.5 million).</p><p>The Indian mission, called Chandrayaan-3, which is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-moon-landings-on-lunar-south-pole-crashed-2023-8">the first spacecraft to ever touch down near the moon's south pole</a>, was also cheaper than the Hollywood space blockbusters "Gravity" ($100 million), "The Martian" ($108 million), and "Interstellar" ($165 million).</p><div type="image" title="A 3D reconstitution of the India moon lander is seen descending on the moon." height="1279" width="1705" msid="103032863" hostid="261"></div><p>"Good for India," <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-for-elon-musk-spacex-workplace-culture-twitter-jim-cantrell-2022-11">SpaceX CEO Elon Musk</a> wrote, commenting on the mission's low price tag in a <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1693951114595422475?s=20">post</a> on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.</p><p>Asked how they managed to keep costs so low, S. Somanath, the director of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), told reporters with a laugh: "I won't disclose such secrets. We don't want everyone else to become so cost-effective," according to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/08/23/science/india-moon-landing-chandrayaan-3#:~:text=It%20made%20India%20the%20first,Hollywood%20space%20film%20%E2%80%9CGravity.%E2%80%9D">New York Times</a>.</p><div type="image" title="S. Somanath mustached man smiles surrounded by reporters with microphones in his face" height="1500" width="2000" msid="103032866" hostid="261"></div><p>Unlike <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-helping-private-companies-build-business-moon-make-lunar-billions-2023-6">NASA</a>, which is required to publish detailed budget proposals, India has shared very little information about its budgeting. So, it's unclear what went into the $74 million cost estimate.</p><p>That's also a conversion from Indian currency, rupees, so the comparison isn't apples to apples.</p><p>Still, the small price tag can be partially explained by the small size and scope of the mission, and the fact that it was a redo of an earlier flight.</p><h2>Small spacecraft, small costs</h2><div type="image" title="white rocket with two boosters on its sides launches through clouds with flames shooting out of boosters" height="1500" width="1999" msid="103032869" hostid="261"></div><p>India's main strategy for being frugal on the moon seems to be that it kept the spacecraft small.</p><p>Weighing in at just 1,752 kilograms, according to <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3_Details.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ISRO</a>, Chandrayaan-3 was likely relatively cheap to launch.</p><p>"Small landers imply smaller launch vehicles, smaller components, less materials," Robert Braun, head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, told Insider. "If the scope of the mission is small, then the cost is likely to be small."</p><p>That's a lesson that ISRO first learned in 2014, when they became the first country to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-india-made-their-mars-orbiter-cheap-2014-9">successfully insert a spacecraft in Mars orbit</a> on the first try.</p><p>By keeping the payload light, adapting technologies ISRO had used before, and keeping workers' salaries lean, <a href="https://www.wired.com/2017/03/these-scientists-sent-a-rocket-to-mars-for-less-than-it-cost-to-make-the-martian/#:~:text=No%20space%20organization%20had%20succeeded,The%20Martian%E2%80%9D%20was%20%24108%20million." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wired </a>reported, the agency managed to keep the receipt for the Mars mission to $74 million. (Same as Chandrayaan-3. Weird coincidence!)</p><div type="image" title="two men in harnets and clean suits talk in front of a gold foil covered spacecraft in a large cleanroom" height="1498" width="1998" msid="103032871" hostid="261"></div><p>This is markedly different from how NASA's Mars orbiter, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-mars-maven-enters-orbit-2014-9">MAVEN</a>, operated. </p><p>India "kept it small," Andrew Coates, a physics professor who has worked on European and NASA Mars missions, told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29341850" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a> in 2014. "The payload weighs only about 15 kg. Compare that with the complexity in the payload in MAVEN and that will explain a lot about the cost."</p><p>The proof of concept may lie in comparing the programs' receipts. The MAVEN mission cost NASA $582.5 million, <a href="https://www.planetary.org/space-policy/maven-cost#:~:text=The%20MAVEN%20mission%20cost%20%24582.5,operations%20during%20its%20primary%20mission." target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the Planetary Society.</a></p><p>But Chandrayaan-3 was actually heavier than Russia's failed mission, called Luna-25, which weighed about 1,237 kg by the time it reached lunar orbit, <a href="https://www.russianspaceweb.com/luna-glob-flight.html#0819" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to Anatoly Zak, an English-language reporter covering Russia's space programs.</p><p>That's where India's other strategy may come in to beat out Russia's price tag.</p><h2>Start small and build step by step, to the moon and beyond</h2><div type="image" title="A picture from the Apollo 11 mission shows the Earth seen from the Moon." height="3114" width="4152" msid="103032873" hostid="261"></div><p>This wasn't India's first attempt to land near the moon's south pole. A previous mission, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-india-israel-failed-moon-landings-failed-final-descent-2019-9">Chandrayaan-2, crashed</a> there in 2019.</p><p>The costs of research, development, and testing that went into that first attempt may not be included in the cost of Chandrayaan-3.</p><p>"They've approached their lunar program as a series of missions," Braun said. "That is a way of managing cost."</p><p>India's moon program began with Chandrayaan-1, which sent a spacecraft into lunar orbit and dropped a hard-impact probe to intentionally crash into the lunar surface.</p><p>That's a much easier and cheaper mission to start building new capabilities, then build up to a soft landing and a small rover.</p><p>NASA has taken a similar approach to Mars, and it has "worked very well," Braun said.</p><p>Compare that to Russia's Luna-25 mission. It was the country's first mission to the moon since the 1970s and the fall of the Soviet Union. It aimed to make a soft landing on the south pole of the moon, where nobody had succeeded yet.</p><p>"They went with a pretty hard mission, right out of the gate," Braun said, adding, "I think an incremental approach actually is a great way to pursue space exploration. One step at a time."</p><p><em>Correction: August 28, 2023 — An earlier version of this article misstated Robert Braun's title. He is head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, not head of a Space Exploration Center there. </em><em>This story has been updated. It was originally published on August 24, 2023.</em></p><p><em>Editor's note September 1, 2023: This article has been updated to clarify that India's spacecraft landed in the lunar south pole region, not on the point of the lunar south pole.</em></p>

How India landed on the moon and flew to Mars at a fraction of the cost of NASA and Russia missions

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Range Rover was sold for $165,000 after evidence emerged that it probably belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.</li><li>The SUV's value jumped 302%  after footage emerged linking the vehicle to the Queen.</li></ul><p>A 2004 Range Rover with suspected ties to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has shattered auction records, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-12747703/Queens-Range-Rover-sells-record-price.html">selling for $165,000.</a></p><p class="p1">The savvy seller discovered video footage of HM Queen Elizabeth II behind the wheel of what could be the very same Range Rover,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-12747703/Queens-Range-Rover-sells-record-price.html"> per This is Money</a>. The clip, captured during a 2005 event, showed the monarch navigating the vehicle with her distinctive number plate clearly visible. This discovery set the stage for the SUV's record-breaking auction.</p><p>The auction's outcome was more than double the pre-sale estimate of £60,000, or $75,000 — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.topgear.com/car-news/retro/you-can-now-buy-her-majesty-queen-elizabeths-2004-range-rover">10 times the usual price for a second-hand Range Rover that old.</a></p><p>The eventual sale price of $165,000 at an auction in Birmingham, in the UK, was a record for a 2004 Range Rover. It marks a 302% jump in value in just four months. The SUV was originally purchased in July for £33,002, approximately $41,000.</p><p class="p1">Before the video's discovery,  the only original ownership information was a letter from Jaguar Land Rover, which builds the Ranger Rover, identifying warranty recalls in July 2004 at a Land Rover dealer in London's high-end Mayfair district and one in Aberdeen, Scotland.</p><p class="p1">It was the closest franchised Land Rover dealership to the Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands, where the Royal Family holidays between July and September, the eagle-eyed buyer deduced, per This is Money.</p><div type="image" title="Her Majesty The Queen arrives at Windsor Horse show in her Range Rover to watch her husband, HRH Prince Phillip,  compete in the carriage driving competition on the second day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 13, 2005 in Windsor, England." height="1669" width="2504" msid="105318178" hostid="261" sizebytes="219558"></div><p class="p1">Historics Auctioneers, who originally marketed the car, said in a statement: "The vendor of the Range Rover had invited anyone possessing photographic/video evidence of Her Majesty with the vehicle to get in touch, which Historics notified in its auction catalog description. Regrettably, this was not forthcoming before the July 22 auction and thus the vehicle was sold with probable royal provenance."</p><p class="p1">The 19-year-old Range Rover, presumed to have been a part of the Queen's private fleet and commissioned by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in 2004, is finished in Epsom Green paint with Sand Hide leather interior, per This is Money. The vehicle has covered 109,675 miles and features a comprehensive service history.</p><p class="p1">The Range Rover is unique from its counterparts because of modifications ordered ahead of the late Queen's presumed ownership.</p><p class="p1">These include a unique front grille with covert blue lights, a switch pack to control said lights, front, and rear seat covers, a dog guard for the Queen's corgis, a load space mat, side steps, and mud-flaps. Specifications tailored to Her Majesty's vehicles include dual rear window switches and rear grab handles.</p><p class="p1">In addition, filler in the car's bodywork indicates where royal motifs and communication systems could once have been attached.</p><p class="p1">A 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine powers the vehicle.</p><div type="image" title="2004 Range Rover, recently sold at auction." height="4000" width="6000" msid="105318179" hostid="261" sizebytes="2013292"></div><p class="p1">Rob Hubbard, Managing Director of Iconic Auctioneers, commented on the historic sale: "This sale highlighted once again what makes for a success at auction: the best of the breed, rarity, and celebrity associations." </p><p class="p1">In February, a Land Rover Defender built to an exacting specification requested by The Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen's husband — who died aged 99 in 2021 — sold at auction for a world record figure of £123,750.</p><p class="p1">The Queen died at Balmoral Castle last year. Her <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/queen-car-collection-worth-10-million-2017-5">car collection was estimated to be worth £10 million, or $12.5 million</a>.</p><p class="p1">The Royal Family has a long-standing history with Range Rovers. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/prince-philip-designed-land-rover-hearse-funeral-2021-4">Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, spent 16 years designing his own hearse: a modified Land Rover</a>. The modified SUV carried his coffin in a procession across Windsor Castle during his funeral in 2021.</p>

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