A look at the Re-launch of the Land Rover Defender
Production hasn’t started yet, and it’s estimated that vehicles won’t start hitting the market until 2020. But the car world is already abuzz about the new incarnation of the Land Rover Defender SUV, which is being relaunched after a short production hiatus - and quite a long absence from the United States market.
The original Defender hasn’t been sold in the US in more than 20 years. The rugged 4x4 vehicle was discontinued completely in 2016 after spending almost 70 years as an icon in the world of sport utility vehicles, operated on the world’s toughest terrain, and utilized by celebrities and royalty alike. It went away due to some issues with safety and emissions regulations that Land Rover had to address in the redesign campaign.
Rumor has it that the revamped Defender will be a kind of flagship model for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles. When the SUV hits the US market, it will join a kind of off-roading revolution that’s been growing in recent years. A glut of auto manufacturers have designed all-terrain models, including Jeep’s new Gladiator and Ford’s latest version of the Bronco.
What will this made-over Defender look and feel like now? According to advance peeks, it:
- Retains the overall boxy design of the original
- Follows a fresh blueprint for both exterior and interior
- Withstands temperatures as low as 40 below zero Fahrenheit and as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Performs at altitudes up to 13,000 feet above sea level
As you can see, the new Defender doesn’t mess around. Not surprisingly, it’s being hailed as the best off-roader in Land Rover’s entire off-roading collection. While it’s expected to live up to, if not exceed, its predecessor in terms of durability, it will up the ante on luxury and comfort. Perhaps most importantly, it’s been designed with a much stronger frame to answer the safety concerns of yesteryear.
Land Rover is expected to offer short- and long-wheelbase versions of the New Defender.
If that’s not enough to get the blood pumping for a car enthusiast, we don’t know what is. We know that loyal customers who count on us to buy their Jaguar parts or genuine Land Rover parts online have to be pumped up about the Defender coming back to the US, and we share that excitement. Check back to our blog for updates on this and other auto industry news, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help finding the right parts for your vehicle.
