Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



There seem to be plenty of reports swirling in regards to Land Rover lately. According to Autocar, not only is the British automaker going back to the drawing board for the design of its next-generation Defender, but the outlet is also saying that the Freelander name could be dropped.

While the article doesn't say why, its source indicates that current plans for the next Defender have been scrapped, yet there is a still a replacement in the works. The existing Defender will end production in 2015, but this replacement vehicle will not be ready by then. We imagine that the styling of the replacement won't echo that of the DC100 Concept shown above, and that the news would affect the planned Defender-based Tata SUV as well as the proposed Land Rover factory in India.

As for the Freelander, it sounds like the next generation of this SUV will be out by next year, but it will not be wearing the Freelander name. Instead, Land Rover will include it as a smaller version of the Discovery. Here in the States, these two vehicles are named LR2 (Freelander) and LR4 (Discovery).

Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>land roverLand Rover DC100land rover defenderland rover discoveryland rover freelanderland rover lr2land rover lr4Wed, 22 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578607/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/20578607/article-detail.xml 20578607 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-dc100-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-dc100-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover Defender LXV special edition celebrates 65 years of going anywhere]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Land Rover held a 65th birthday party for itself at Packington Estate, on the grounds where its contributions to the world of off-roading were tested from the very first model in 1948 all the way through the 1970s. If you weren't there, you missed getting a piece of the birthday cake delivered by a Lynx military helicopter, but you can still get a piece of the anniversary action in the Land Rover LXV Defender SE - LXV being the ancient Roman way of writing "65."

Starting with a Defender specced with the 2.2-liter diesel and six-speed manual, the birthday-boy special edition adds a Santorini Black or Fuji White exterior hue, a Corris Grey roof and interior accents, 16-inch Sawtooth wheels, leather seats and unique badging. Pricing hasn't been announced, probably because it's rude to talk about the cost of a gift on someone's birthday.

For now you can read the press release below and see the celebrant in the high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading Land Rover Defender LXV special edition celebrates 65 years of going anywhere

Land Rover Defender LXV special edition celebrates 65 years of going anywhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryland roverland rover anniversaryland rover defenderland rover lvx defender seFri, 03 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557131/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/20557131/article-detail.xml 20557131 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-lxv-defender-se_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-lxv-defender-se.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover Defender will return to U.S. in next generation [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/land-rover-defender-will-return-to-u-s-in-next-generation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/land-rover-defender-will-return-to-u-s-in-next-generation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/land-rover-defender-will-return-to-u-s-in-next-generation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Land Rover DC100 'Defender' concept on the road

Good news, Defender fans: Word has it Land Rover will bring the rugged SUV to the U.S. market once the next-generation bows. According to TheCarConnection.com, Jaguar Land Rover North America CEO Andy Goss confirmed the next Defender will be a global product, and that it will be specifically engineered to meet U.S. crash safety and emissions standards. The news came during the 2012 Paris Motor Show, where JLR officials also made it clear the brand intends to bolster its Land Rover offerings in the North American market. As of right now, the vast majority of Land Rover Sales in the States can be attributed to the high-end Range Rover line.

That mix may change somewhat as Land Rover refreshes some models and replaces others. Expect to see both the LR4 and the Defender receive serious overhauls in the near future.

Even so, it will be some time before he next-generation Defender bows, and whether or not it looks anything like the DC100 concept above remains to be seen. From what we've heard, the new bruiser won't bow until 2017 at the earliest. In the interim, U.S. buyers will just have to continue to look wistfully across the pond.

UPDATE: Since this report went live, Land Rover has commented to us that its "intention is for the next generation Defender to be engineered in a way that would allow it to come to the U.S.," but that there are still many obstacles to face before that happens and its reintroduction to this market confirmed.

Land Rover Defender will return to U.S. in next generation [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc100dc100 conceptdefenderland roverland rover defenderTue, 02 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20339294/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/02/land-rover-defender-will-return-to-u-s-in-next-generation/20339294/article-detail.xml 20339294 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/land-rover-defender-dc100-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/land-rover-defender-dc100-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lego Land Rover Defender 110 is plasticized perfection [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/lego-land-rover-defender-110-is-plasticized-perfection-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/lego-land-rover-defender-110-is-plasticized-perfection-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/lego-land-rover-defender-110-is-plasticized-perfection-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lego Land Rover Defender 110

It's official. You really can build anything from Lego blocks. Behold a fully-functional 1:8.5 scale version of a Land Rover Defender 110. This radio-controlled machine features a five-speed transmission with reverse, a two-speed transfer case that offers both four-wheel and two-wheel drive modes and functional disc brakes on all four corners. It's cool. We'll wait while you pick your jaw up off the floor. The machine was also built with fully functional steering that uses the same number of turns-to-lock as the real deal. All told, there are nearly 2,800 parts in the build, including seven motors.

There's a full solid-axle suspension underneath with long-travel springs. Top speed is around 2.5 mph. What's more, the whole body can be removed with just four pins to see the workings underneath.

If that's not cool enough, the machine has been picked up over at Lego CUUSOO. If it gets 10,000 votes, Lego will produce a kit based off of this creation. That's right - this masterwork isn't a kit - an independent Lego maniac by the name of Sheepo came up with it. Head over to the site for more information, and be sure to scroll down to check out a video of the machine.

Continue reading Lego Land Rover Defender 110 is plasticized perfection [w/video]

Lego Land Rover Defender 110 is plasticized perfection [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderdefender 110land roverland rover defenderland rover defender 110legolego defenderlego land roverlego land rover defender 110videoFri, 18 May 2012 12:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239173/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/lego-land-rover-defender-110-is-plasticized-perfection-w-video/20239173/article-detail.xml 20239173 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-lego-defender-110-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-lego-defender-110-628.jpg <![CDATA[Vilner adds wood paneling to Land Rover Defender]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/22/vilner-adds-wood-paneling-to-land-rover-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/22/vilner-adds-wood-paneling-to-land-rover-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/22/vilner-adds-wood-paneling-to-land-rover-defender/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vilner Land Rover Defender Wood

Bulgarian tuner Vilner has some kind of Luxo-Ray that fires munitions packed with at least two tons of quilted leather and Alcantara, then aims it at just about everything as soon as it can be reloaded. The latest target is the Land Rover Defender Wood, making this the second time in a year that the Defender has come into Vilner's sights.

Last time they only hit it with one barrel and left the floorboards and cargo area covered in black carpeting. This time they unloaded both barrels, so in addtion to black-and-brown Nappa leather and Alcantara wrapping everything from the sport seats to the third brake light, Vilner's added leather arm rests, wood paneling underfoot and a new treatment for its 600-watt "Ground Zero" sound system that all but eliminates usable cargo space.

Oh, and the whole thing is soundproofed. So that no one can hear you scream at your passengers to remove their dark-soled shoes and not eat, drink or touch anything.

Continue reading Vilner adds wood paneling to Land Rover Defender

Vilner adds wood paneling to Land Rover Defender originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketdefenderland roverland rover defendertunervilnervilner land rover defenderwoodSun, 22 Apr 2012 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/22/vilner-adds-wood-paneling-to-land-rover-defender/20219266/article-detail.xml 20219266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/02vilnerdefender2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/02vilnerdefender2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Prindiville smooths out the Land Rover Defender's rough edges]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/18/prindiville-smooths-out-the-land-rover-defenders-rough-edges/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/18/prindiville-smooths-out-the-land-rover-defenders-rough-edges/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/18/prindiville-smooths-out-the-land-rover-defenders-rough-edges/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Land Rover Defender Limited Edition by Prindiville Design

Among the most capable SUVs, some are luxurious and some are decidedly spartan. The Land Rover Defender stands firmly in the latter category, but that won't stop some tuners from sprucing it up.

Prindiville Design, based near Silverstone, recently unveiled its own take on the Lamborghini Aventador, and has now turned its attention to the Defender.

Teaming up with specialist Alive Tuning, output from the 2.4-liter turbodiesel has increased from 122 horsepower to 190 and from 265 lb-ft of torque to 339 for a 10-second sprint to 60. 18-inch five-spoke alloys and upgraded six-pot brakes are complemented by a selection of matte or metallic paint finishes, titanium exhaust, the usual assortment of trim enhancements, plus parking sensors and cameras fore and aft.

The interior, meanwhile, gets upgraded Italian leather, Cobra buckets, Alcantara carpeting, a new entertainment system, and a custom center console, all made to the buyer's specifications. 25 examples will be offered at $81,500 apiece. Scope out the press release after the jump for the full skinny.

Continue reading Prindiville smooths out the Land Rover Defender's rough edges

Prindiville smooths out the Land Rover Defender's rough edges originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alive tuningdefenderland roverland rover defenderland rover defender limited editionprindivilleprindiville designSat, 18 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172632/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/18/prindiville-smooths-out-the-land-rover-defenders-rough-edges/20172632/article-detail.xml 20172632 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/150212prind_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/150212prind.jpg <![CDATA[Blaser outfits special edition Land Rover Defender for hunting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Blaser Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender may be nearing the end of its line, but over the course of its lifetime it has become the go-to vehicle for any number of off-road applications. They're used on safaris and expeditions, by military forces and humanitarian organizations. And yes, they're used by hunters. That's why German firearms manufacturer Blaser has outfitted this special edition Defender for just such a market.

The Blaser edition Defender includes roof rack, underbody skid plates, trailer hitch, power winch, spotlight, snorkel intake, custom-embroidered leather seats and more. It's decked out in what's called Keswich Green, but to us looks more like Panzer green, and packs a 2.2-liter turbodiesel four with 122 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque on tap. But the party piece is the custom armory built into the back that can carry as many as five hunting rifles plus ammunition. Only 60 examples will be made available exclusively in Germany, each carrying a €49,500 ($64,400) price tag.

Blaser outfits special edition Land Rover Defender for hunting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blaserdefenderland roverland rover defenderland rover defender blaser editionFri, 27 Jan 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/20155544/article-detail.xml 20155544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/defender-blaser-edition-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/defender-blaser-edition-1.jpg <![CDATA[Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Land Rover DC100 concept - LA show update

When Tata's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover began to appear inevitable, the question "Would you buy a Jaguar made in India?" was oft repeated. Yet it looks like Land Rover will be the first of the two brands to try to benefit from this kind of Anglo-Indian synergy: a report in Autocar states that the 2015 Land Rover Defender will be built at Tata's plant in Pune, India.

The Defender is a truly old school body-on-frame SUV that sells in small numbers compared to the rest of the Land Rover line. But it has benefitted from technology, some regulatory gymnastics and exemptions and, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, a warm place in people's hearts. If it's going to be around, though, LR would like to move more of them. Building the next generation model in Pune - with final assembly of some examples in England, a reverse of what's done now with products like the knockdown Freelander 2 (read: LR2) - could give the Defender's bottom line the boost it needs, as well as close proximity to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

It is expected that the next Tata Aria SUV will be close enough in dimensions and manufacturing to share the same facility with the the 2015 Defender. They will remain two distinct vehicles - the Defender will likely go on the T5 ladder chassis that underpins the Discovery/LR4 and Range Rover Sport, and is predicted to have the general features of the DC100 concept. The current Defender is slated to remain on sale until 2017, and will likely be built in Solihull, England until then.

Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 land rover defenderdc100dc100 conceptdefenderland roverland rover defenderpunepune indiatatatata motorsThu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/20157089/article-detail.xml 20157089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/landroverdefenderpune_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/landroverdefenderpune.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover bringing updated DC100 Defender concept to LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/land-rover-bringing-updated-dc100-defender-concept-to-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/land-rover-bringing-updated-dc100-defender-concept-to-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/land-rover-bringing-updated-dc100-defender-concept-to-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Land Rover DC100 Sport

We were all surprised when we arrived in Frankfurt a couple of months ago to find Land Rover there with not one, but two distinct versions of the DC100 concept: one hardtop and one open-air model. But when the LA Auto Show opens later this month, Land Rover is set to unveil a third version.

We don't know how the LA show car will differ from the two we've already seen, or what body-style it will carry. But together with the assertion attributed to the company's brand director that the next-generation Defender should appeal to "Californian surfer dude", it is a strong indication that the production DC100 will be offered in North America.

That's not who Land Rover will primarily target with the new model, however: the company aims to use the DC100 to get back in touch with its roots, marketing it to relief organizations and wilderness expeditions in the Third World.

Land Rover bringing updated DC100 Defender concept to LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc100defenderjlrland rover dc100land rover defenderland rover defender conceptThu, 03 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095471/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/03/land-rover-bringing-updated-dc100-defender-concept-to-la/20095471/article-detail.xml 20095471 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01lr-dc100-sportiaa11_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01lr-dc100-sportiaa11.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover Defender to soldier on until 2017]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/land-rover-defender-to-soldier-on-until-2017/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/land-rover-defender-to-soldier-on-until-2017/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/land-rover-defender-to-soldier-on-until-2017/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Land Rover Defender X-Tech

Autocar reports that the Land Rover Defender will be around a good bit longer than we thought. The vehicle may stay on dealer lots until at least 2017 thanks in part to a new 2.2-liter diesel engine that can meet more stringent EU6 emissions standards. Originally, a successor to the long-running Defender was expected to show up as soon as 2015. Land Rover also says that there may be a loophole in the emissions legislation that could keep the standard from applying to the globe-crushing SUV until a much later date.

But emissions legislation wasn't the only thing pushing the Defender out the door. With its abrupt, vertical grille, the vehicle couldn't help but fail new pedestrian collision tests. Even so, Land Rover may have found another exemption that may save the Defender from the ire of lawmakers until 2020 on that front. Given the small number of Defender vehicles running around, we can't help but think that's all good news.

Land Rover Defender to soldier on until 2017 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderemissionseu emissions standardsEU6land roverland rover defenderpedestrian collision standardpedestrian safetypedestrian safety standardThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20086425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/20/land-rover-defender-to-soldier-on-until-2017/20086425/article-detail.xml 20086425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/land-rover-defender-x-tech-628_thumbnail.gif http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/land-rover-defender-x-tech-628.gif <![CDATA[All-new Land Rover Defender coming in 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/all-new-land-rover-defender-coming-in-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/all-new-land-rover-defender-coming-in-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/all-new-land-rover-defender-coming-in-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The new Land Rover Defender cometh in 2015, so sayeth - officially - Land Rover. When it released information and photos on the DC100 concept not long ago, the accompanying press release stated "Land Rover confirms its intention to launch a new Defender in 2015." Bringing a spot of sun to Defender lovers everywhere, in two weeks the firm has snipped three years off that delivery time.

We haven't got any more information on what the replacement will really have, but the sampler platter of specs we have so far - mixed-alloy platform, aerospace tech, Terrain-i scanning and so on - does tempt. We'll get the whole lot when it's revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so stay tuned for that... and for 2015. Press blast after the jump.

Continue reading All-new Land Rover Defender coming in 2015

All-new Land Rover Defender coming in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtdc100 conceptfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showland rover dc100Land Rover DC100 Conceptland rover defenderTue, 13 Sep 2011 03:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20038379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/all-new-land-rover-defender-coming-in-2015/20038379/article-detail.xml 20038379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/landroverdefenderannounc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/landroverdefenderannounc.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover DC100 gets rendered out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/land-rover-dc100-gets-rendered-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/land-rover-dc100-gets-rendered-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/land-rover-dc100-gets-rendered-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Land Rover DC120

Yesterday, Land Rover released the first image and details (however few) of the new DC100 concept it's bringing to Frankfurt, and it carries with it the promise of the next-generation Defender - an off-roader so accomplished and so ubiquitous that calling it the Sir Edmund Hillary (or Tenzing Norgay) of automobiles wouldn't even be doing it justice.

Now, LR has dropped a second shot of the DC100, showing us the front end and what she'll look like traversing the old rocky road. But that's not all we've got to go with. Because nature abhors a vacuum, more speculative renderings were bound to pop up, and our friends over at Kilometer magazine have stepped up to fill the void.

The Defender, you see, has long come in different bodystyles, of which the three-door hardtop form taken up by the DC100 is only one. So the KM guys have stretched out the wheelbase, added a couple of doors, even chopped the roof short to leave an open short-bed. Follow the link to check it out, and scope out the second image in the gallery for more.

Land Rover DC100 gets rendered out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc100kilometer magazinekmland roverland rover dc100land rover defenderWed, 31 Aug 2011 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20031220/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/31/land-rover-dc100-gets-rendered-out/20031220/article-detail.xml 20031220 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/land-rover-defender-concept-08_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/land-rover-defender-concept-08.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover previews new Defender with Frankfurt-bound DC100 concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/land-rover-previews-new-defender-with-frankfurt-bound-dc100-conc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/land-rover-previews-new-defender-with-frankfurt-bound-dc100-conc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/land-rover-previews-new-defender-with-frankfurt-bound-dc100-conc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Land Rover DC100 concept

Few vehicles have been on (or off) the road as long as the Land Rover Defender. It's one of those few true icons of the automobile, and replacing it will be no easy task. But that's precisely what Land Rover is gearing up to do.

Capable as the outgoing Defender is, you see, it hardly teeters on the cutting edge of the industry. Which is why JLR is committing to its replacement in 2015. And to give us an idea of what we might expect, the company is preparing to unveil this concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

All we've got to go on with the show truck called the DC100 is the solitary image above and the press release after the jump, which is rather short on details. It seems to borrow a few cues from the FJ Cruiser but with a slightly cleaner, leaner form that looks like it'd be as at home on a California beach as it would on a snowy mountain top.

This is one truck we'll be looking forward to seeing up close and personal - fortunately, it won't be long now.

Continue reading Land Rover previews new Defender with Frankfurt-bound DC100 concept

Land Rover previews new Defender with Frankfurt-bound DC100 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtconceptdc100defenderfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showland roverland rover dc100land rover defenderTue, 30 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20030845/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/30/land-rover-previews-new-defender-with-frankfurt-bound-dc100-conc/20030845/article-detail.xml 20030845 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/weblandroverdc100concept1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/weblandroverdc100concept1.jpg <![CDATA[Vilner luxes out the Land Rover Defender]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/vilner-luxes-out-the-land-rover-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/vilner-luxes-out-the-land-rover-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/vilner-luxes-out-the-land-rover-defender/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/vilner-land-rover-defender/

Even among the most capable of off-roaders, some are luxurious and some are decidedly spartan. One look at the bare-bones interior of a Land Rover Defender and you'll know exactly where it stands. But some will inevitably want their Defender decked out with all the comforts they'd expect of its big brother, the Range Rover, and for them, there's Vilner.
Vilner Land Rover Defender
The Bulgarian customizer (named, for some reason, after a Lithuanian city) has superbly redone the interiors on everything from the Smart ForTwo and Toyota iQ to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Infiniti FX37. And for its latest trick, it has tricked out the most spartan of Land Rovers.

Whether you think it's overkill or just what the doctor ordered, you've got to admit the results are pretty stunning to behold. We'll let them speak for themselves in the high-resolution image gallery, and invite you inside to see for yourself.

Vilner luxes out the Land Rover Defender originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderland roverland rover defendervilnerWed, 24 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024930/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/vilner-luxes-out-the-land-rover-defender/20024930/article-detail.xml 20024930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web10-vilner-lr-defender_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web10-vilner-lr-defender.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover Defender concept expected in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/land-rover-defender-concept-expected-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/land-rover-defender-concept-expected-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/land-rover-defender-concept-expected-in-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

land rover defender

The British are invading Germany. Not with tanks or planes, but with a new Land Rover Defender concept that is set to make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Land Rover reportedly believes its time to make an important decision regarding the future of the Defender, and that means a new model will be developed or the tough SUV will be dropped from the lineup.

Land Rover and Indian-owners Tata understand that the Defender is an iconic member of the family, but they also realize the Defender has come to a cross roads in its life cycle. The current iteration will meet European emissions regulations through 2016, but that doesn't mean the current vehicle will sell the way Land Rover needs it to, as the target sales figure is between 60,000 and 80,000 units annually.

Regardless of their indecision, Land Rover is set to bring a concept version to Frankfurt. Perhaps this move is to gauge media and consumer interest in an all-new Defender. We say bring it Stateside, and let the U.S. car buying public help chip into that annual sales goal.

Land Rover Defender concept expected in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt motor showdefenderfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showland roverland rover defenderFri, 05 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20009321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/05/land-rover-defender-concept-expected-in-frankfurt/20009321/article-detail.xml 20009321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fire002d2e4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fire002d2e4.jpg <![CDATA[Will Land Rover abandon the Defender?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/will-land-rover-abandon-the-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/will-land-rover-abandon-the-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/will-land-rover-abandon-the-defender/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender may not be sold here in the United States, but its presence in the global automotive marketplace is huge. It's Britain's Wrangler. Much like the Jeep off-roader or even the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, the Defender's core styling and functionality hasn't changed much over the past few decades, and that's just fine with us. However, it looks like the Defender's candle has the potential to burn out soon, according to Auto Express.

Simply put, Land Rover does not have a concrete plan in place regarding what to do with the Defender. In speaking to Auto Express, the automaker's Colin Green said, "If we get it wrong we are messing up one of the industry's biggest icons, and in that sense it's a tremendous responsibility." We imagine this is why General Motors has taken its sweet time in bringing out the C7 Corvette.

Currently, the Defender is set up to meet Euro V emissions through 2016, but after that, it's unclear what will happen to the British stalwart. One option is to fit cleaner engines under the hood to extend the vehicle's life, and the option of a complete redesign is still being kicked around. Auto Express suggests that an all-new Defender could be built on the same platform as the LR4 and Range Rover Sport, but it would increase cost.

Thankfully, Land Rover says that abandoning the Defender program is its least-preferred option.

Will Land Rover abandon the Defender? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderland roverland rover defenderThu, 28 Jul 2011 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/will-land-rover-abandon-the-defender/20003233/article-detail.xml 20003233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fire002d2e4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fire002d2e4.jpg <![CDATA[Axeon unveils an all-electric Land Rover Defender for safaris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/axeon-unveils-electric-land-rover-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/axeon-unveils-electric-land-rover-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/axeon-unveils-electric-land-rover-defender/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Axeon Land Rover Defender 110
Axeon Land Rover Defender 110 - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's the point of going on safari if your truck's rumble and exhaust sully the experience? That's what Axeon and Land Rover have reasoned, teaming up with the solution you see here.

Developed in collaboration with JLR South Africa, this Defender 110 - a long-wheelbase model with an extended pickup bed (fitted with extra seating) instead of an extra set of doors - has had its diesel engine replaced with a lithium-ion battery pack mated to an unspecified motor capable of propelling the Defender over approximately three times the usual "game drive" (read: hunting expedition) on a single charge. All this without emitting a single local gram of carbon and maintaining silent operation that will bring its occupants closer to the game without spooking them off.

The vehicle will be unveiled this month at the INDABA tourism expo in Durban. Follow the jump for the details in the press release.

Continue reading Axeon unveils an all-electric Land Rover Defender for safaris

Axeon unveils an all-electric Land Rover Defender for safaris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axeondefenderelectric land roverjaguar land rover south africaland roverland rover defenderland rover defender 110south africaWed, 11 May 2011 10:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/11/axeon-unveils-electric-land-rover-defender/19937003/article-detail.xml 19937003 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-axeon-defender1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-axeon-defender1.jpg <![CDATA[Fuoriserie Torino takes the Land Rover Defender on picnic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/fuoriserie-torino-takes-the-land-rover-defender-on-picnic/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/fuoriserie-torino-takes-the-land-rover-defender-on-picnic/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/fuoriserie-torino-takes-the-land-rover-defender-on-picnic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Land Rover Defender Vineyard
Land Rover Defender Vineyard edition by Fuoriserie Torino - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are any number of remote locales you'd expect to see a Land Rover Defender. Crossing the desert. Traversing a battlefield. Climbing a mountain. Strolling through a vineyard? Okay, sure... why not. But this particular Defender isn't just taking the weekend off. This is where it belongs. Or at least that's what Italian customizer Fuoriserie Torino would have you believe.

Now we've seen plenty a Land Rover with teak panels. Like Startech's Defender Yachting Edition, or Land Rover's own Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition. But those put the nautical-themed veneers on the inside. Fuoriserie puts 'em on the outside where you'd expect to find diamond-plated aluminum brush guards. Of course that's not the extent of it: it has also slathered the machine with a pseudo-camouflage paint scheme of purple leaves. You know, in case someone was to bomb the vineyard from the sky.

The bottom line? The Vineyard edition Defender appears to have been carried out with exceptional attention to detail, and there's certainly something to be said for originality - which this custom clearly has in spades. But for our money (and you can bet this conversion job cost a pretty penny), we'd sooner take Romeo Ferraris' take on the theme.


Gallery: Land Rover Defender Vineyard by Fuoriserie Torino


[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Fuoriserie Torino takes the Land Rover Defender on picnic originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderfuoriseriefuoriserie torinoland roverland rover defendervineyardThu, 28 Apr 2011 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19919956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/28/fuoriserie-torino-takes-the-land-rover-defender-on-picnic/19919956/article-detail.xml 19919956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-land-rover-defender-vineyard5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-land-rover-defender-vineyard5.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover gearing up for all-new Defender]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/report-land-rover-gearing-up-for-all-new-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/report-land-rover-gearing-up-for-all-new-defender/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/report-land-rover-gearing-up-for-all-new-defender/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Land Rover Defender SVX
Land Rover Defender SVX - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's something deliciously old-school about the Land Rover Defender. The product of continuous development since 1948 and produced in its current form since 1983, the Defender is to SUVs what the Porsche 911 is to sports cars: unapologetically faithful to its original form. But while the iconic Land Rover is still the very embodiment of the go-anywhere vehicle, the company is reportedly preparing to give it a complete overhaul.

Initial reports pertaining to the development of a new vehicle typically come with few details because inside sources remain tight-lipped. In this case, it appears that there are no details to be divulged simply because Land Rover hasn't decided what they'll be yet. At this point, according to British reports, JLR is intensively studying what is needed before it goes ahead with development - which strikes us as a smart course of action when you're dealing with replacing a vehicle as legendary as the Defender.

All we know at this point is that the new Defender is likely to feature a highly adaptable chassis on which will be built a wide variety of body types, from convertibles to wagons to pickups. After Land Rover does finally decide on the way forward, it is expected to unveil a concept sometime in early 2013 before it can begin production in 2015.


Gallery: Land Rover Defender SVX


[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover gearing up for all-new Defender originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenderjlrland roverland rover defenderTue, 26 Apr 2011 17:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19919946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/report-land-rover-gearing-up-for-all-new-defender/19919946/article-detail.xml 19919946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lr-defender-svx01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lr-defender-svx01.jpg <![CDATA[Muscles in Brussels: Land Rover launches Defender X-Tech edition in Belgium]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/muscles-in-brussels-land-rover-launches-defender-x-tech-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/muscles-in-brussels-land-rover-launches-defender-x-tech-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/muscles-in-brussels-land-rover-launches-defender-x-tech-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition
Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Belgians may not be known as much for military prowess as, say, for beer or waffles - at least not since conquering the Congo, anyway - but Brussels is also the seat of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO was established as a united front against the Communist bloc, and still stands as one of the most formidable alliances of nations this side of the Star Wars empire. A perfect place, then, to unveil a paramilitary-type vehicle like the X-Tech Limited Edition.

Easily as tough as any Hummer or Jeep, the X-Tech is based on the Land Rover Defender - one of the most rock-solid rock-crawlers ever devised. It's available in either silver, three-door Defender 90 form or in five-door Defender 110 long wheelbase in olive green, both offset by black roof, wheel arches, interior and new "saw-tooth" alloys. Not a major upgrade on the standard model, but just enough to give it the attitude it deserves.

Unveiled at the Brussels Motorshow, the Defender X-Tech is unfortunately unavailable in the North American market, but you can dream by checking out the gallery below.


Gallery: Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition


[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Muscles in Brussels: Land Rover launches Defender X-Tech edition in Belgium

Muscles in Brussels: Land Rover launches Defender X-Tech edition in Belgium originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumbrusselsbrussels motor showdefenseLand Roverland rover defenderLand Rover Defender 110land rover defender 90Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited EditionThu, 13 Jan 2011 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19798616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/13/muscles-in-brussels-land-rover-launches-defender-x-tech-edition/19798616/article-detail.xml 19798616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/webab-land-rover-defender-x-tech-limited-edition100337056l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/webab-land-rover-defender-x-tech-limited-edition100337056l.jpg -1 2