I am a big fan of the Defender, the most practical and long-lived model of Land Rover. But now it’s about to be replaced as the carmaker is presently researching the market for a suitable replacement with an eye on the failure of the three-wheelbase model to meet the 2013 rules.

A spokesman for the company said that there is a great enthusiasm inside Land Rover for a successor to the Defender although it is essential to its feasibility to discover exactly who the buyers would be.

The sales of Defender annually reached between 20,000 and 24,000 units in the past, but to compensate for the development cost for a replacement, the new model must hit sales numbers reaching 40,000 cars. Another solution would be to utilize the current Discovery’s T5 chassis/suspension likely to be shelved for the succeeding generation of Discovery and Range Rover Sport models due to weight-cutting measures. Although the chassis already comes in two wheelbase lengths, research must determine that equipping the Defender with the T5 would be economical to manufacture and still comes with the present model’s outstanding load-carrying capabilities. Although they company does not have the solution at present, it intends to find one soon. It might just be the perfect replacement for my ’85 desert stone colored Land Rover 90, the Defender predecessor.

Sourc: 4wheelsnews.com

Tags: Defender, Land Rover, Land Rover Defender, SUV, 4x4

Land Rover is introducing a new armoured version of its multi award-winning Discovery 4x4 vehicle.

The new Discovery Armoured combines Land Rover’s legendary all-terrain capability with discreet, state-of-the-art protection, whilst providing highly versatile and comfortable transportation for five people and a generous 500kg payload.

Benefiting from Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, including the Range Rover Armoured, the Discovery Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians. “The broad range of capabilities provided by the new Discovery Armoured make it the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations,” says John C Wright, Land Rover’s manager, Government and Direct Sales. “The Discovery has been carefully engineered to help enable occupants to travel across challenging terrains with confidence.”

Ballistic armour
Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides B6 level ballistic and blast protection in acc. with European standard EN1522 level FB6. Standard specification includes run-flat tyres, bullet resistant glazing and under-floor shielding. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation. Detailed engineering changes were made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintained optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour. Modifications include uprated springs and dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and upgraded front and rear brake callipers.

All-terrain capability
Like the standard Discovery, the armoured version comes equipped with the latest 4x4 technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain capability. This includes Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response™ system, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle's performance to suit virtually any surface from tarmac to the off-road challenges of mud, grass, snow or sand. An advanced 2.7-litre V6 common-rail diesel engine provides effortless and refined power delivery, and is complemented by a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle features independent air suspension at all four corners, for a supple, level ride. The Discovery Armoured offers a commanding elevated driving position, with a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is also significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload.

Comprehensive support
Land Rover provides armoured vehicle customers with a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase, including a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty. A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full driver training programme; a dedicated technician can also provide a number of scheduled visits each year, to assist with vehicle familiarisation and servicing.
 
Source: Defense Professionals

Tags: Discovery, Land Rover, Land Rover Discovery, SUV, Armoured, 4x4