Interesting article on new Defender from MSN Autos

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I think we are missing the point, sadly Land Rover is a luxury car maker now, but beyond that they are a a car company. In order to survive they have to push tin in as large a number as possible.

I have been driving Landies for over 20 years, let's face it a defender was a lipstick makeover of a series with slightly (debatable) better suspension. It still has the same cabin and all its limitations for interior as my series motors.

Land owners have been praying for improvements to the whole vehicle for decades.

I still visit the main dealer as my 8 year old td5 is still on extended warranty which in my case has paid for itself. Indeed it is shortly going back in for some warranty work. So I see all the bring machines but there are the occasional defenders there keeping up appearances.

However it does need replacing for the modern world we live in. I for one have experienced a major head on in a defender and would not recommend it to anyone.

Personally I think the LWB looks rather interesting. And if it does look like that then with luck in three years time I may actually put my name down for one.

I personally think it will look at home amongst the current brood of s1 80, s3 88, 300tdi D1 and the TD5 110
 
Change to 2007 for Defender.

The TD5 was the last whole traditional Land Rover despite having an ECU

Yep, that's why I have a 2005 TD5 110, don't like the interior or the engine of the Puma, how they managed it I don't know, but it's even more cramped than a TD5, I did however like the ZF 6 speed gearbox which was a nice change from the R380.
 
Yep, that's why I have a 2005 TD5 110, don't like the interior or the engine of the Puma, how they managed it I don't know, but it's even more cramped than a TD5, I did however like the ZF 6 speed gearbox which was a nice change from the R380.
Apparently they have a heater that works though. Thank God for heated seats in my xs
 
I reckon Landrover should be trying to come up with a decent double cab pickup to compete with Hilux, Navara, Ranger, Amorak etc.. one of them would sell well with an LR badge on it..
 
I don't think anyone including ludites like me would defend (sic) the current or even recent Defenders they are a poor design, built badly from poor quality parts.
There is no doubt it needs replacing with a more modern vehicle, however, there is no reason Land Rover can't stick to the basics that have made the series and coil sprung's such a success. ---

Ladder chassis, to allow for coach built(!) specials like ambulances, fire engines and even glider winches.
Modular construction, to allow hard tops to be converted to pick ups or station wagons etc easily.
Largely bolt together construction of major body sections.
Simple hose down interior but with luxury(!) options.
Minimal standard equipment but a large options list.
Minimal reliance on electronics but with options.

Not really a lot different in concept to the current vehicle just made properly using modern construction methods and materials.
 
I reckon Landrover should be trying to come up with a decent double cab pickup to compete with Hilux, Navara, Ranger, Amorak etc.. one of them would sell well with an LR badge on it..
I think that's definitely an area of the market they're lacking in.

I don't think anyone including ludites like me would defend (sic) the current or even recent Defenders they are a poor design, built badly from poor quality parts.
There is no doubt it needs replacing with a more modern vehicle, however, there is no reason Land Rover can't stick to the basics that have made the series and coil sprung's such a success. ---

Ladder chassis, to allow for coach built(!) specials like ambulances, fire engines and even glider winches.
Modular construction, to allow hard tops to be converted to pick ups or station wagons etc easily.
Largely bolt together construction of major body sections.
Simple hose down interior but with luxury(!) options.
Minimal standard equipment but a large options list.
Minimal reliance on electronics but with options.

Not really a lot different in concept to the current vehicle just made properly using modern construction methods and materials.

Problem with that though is that it's not as simple to build a vehicle with a ladder chassis and modular construction using modern construction methods e.g. Machines and robots etc... Which is why it's still done by hand. This makes it expensive, time consuming and non-economical.
 
This is what I'm expecting the new Defender to look like.

little-tikes-grand-coupe-auto_zpskyhddedp.jpg
 
Yes it's a bendyfender.. farmers want comfort, reliability and style these days.. :D

Most farmer I know have new Range Rovers and Navaras, can only think of one around here that has a Defender, all say the same thing Marshalls suck ass and Minden were strokers too.

Ahh I see, got a Disco now havent you, gone all posh with your lardy-da seats and a steering wheel not offset 3 inches to the right, ####ing snob!
 
Yes it's a bendyfender.. farmers want comfort, reliability and style these days.. :D

Yes, which is why most will have another car as well! ;):D

Often, nowadays, a Freelander! :eek:

Seriously, though, a landy is useful on the farm, and there are some things that few other vehicles can do. I can go places most Jap etc will not, and tow stuff they wont. Bodywork is resistant to farm wear and tear.
There are many landies, ancient and modern, working on farms all over the world. And will be for a long time.

The original landrovers were agricultural vehicles as much as cars, the progression towards more road performance and comfort has if anything made them less useful on the farm. :(
 
Most farmer I know have new Range Rovers and Navaras, can only think of one around here that has a Defender, all say the same thing Marshalls suck ass and Minden were strokers too.

Ahh I see, got a Disco now havent you, gone all posh with your lardy-da seats and a steering wheel not offset 3 inches to the right, ####ing snob!
Agree about Marshalls, I bought a nearly new P38 out of their showroom once.. spent more time driving their courtesy cars.. :rolleyes:

Disco's at Wicken waiting for Ollie to do a cambelt and some other bits.. midlife crisis car still awaiting funds.. ;)
 
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