From 1948 to 1983, the world was given one of the most revered 4×4 machines in automotive history – the Land Rover Series I, II and III. From 1983 to 1985, this Land Rover was rebranded to Land Rover 90, 110 and 127. Then 1985 came along with the toughened up Land Rover Defender nameplate.
It’s been 67 years since the British started making the Landie at the Solihull plant, but like all things good, the Defender will come to an end later this year. The all new generation Landie is going to “be more desirable to look at,” borrowing an estimated 70% of the 2011 Land Rover DC100 Concept’s styling cues.
Codenamed L663 and slated to arrive in the US as the 2019 Land Rover Defender.
The new-generation off-roader will be offered in multiple guises from a no-frills off-road-capable machine to a luxury proposition. According to a news report we should be expecting at least five body styles. A two-door short-wheelbase with a metal top, a two-door short-wheelbase with a soft top, a four-door long-wheelbase with a metal top, a two-door short-wheelbase pickup, and a four-door long-wheelbase pickup”.
This all-new Land Rover Defender will use the 2.0-liter Ingenium engines (turbo petrol and turbo diesel) and the 3-liter supercharged V6 pushing out 300bhp.
A 6-speed stick shift and a 9-speed auto will be offered, with both gearboxes slated to be coupled to an optional feature coming in the form of a low-range transfer case and two diff locks. The ladder frame of yesteryear will be swapped for two subframes bolted together with a purportedly aluminum unibody.
The 2018 Land Rover Defender chassis is dubbed the D7u and it is based on the PLA aluminum architecture of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
JLR engineers will retain a live axle setup, further enhancing the new Defender’s capability with a finely tuned Terrain Response system. Air suspension and active body control won’t be offered.
