New Defender

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I don't see much resemblance. I always rudely believe that the sale pitch for new land rovers should be "runs and drives, 3 years mot"
 
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The front reminds me of Freelander

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There are similarities there :)

Looks like the Freelander left the factory with tyres more suited to muddy conditions and had better ground clearance!

The Defender's ground clearance can probably be improved in the unlikely event of the air suspension working.

TBH of those 2 pics above, the Defender looks "cute", but the Freelander is more appealing.
 
In a few years, around 5, I will convert my freelander into a defender. Externally but who will know.
Low chances of finding one for spares or repairs it was just released.
 
Very similar headlight shape and nudge bar. Be interesting to see if that's an optional part like it is with the FL1. Ground clearance looks no better which is surprising. I guess we'll see how far the air system jacks the thing up. Looking forward to driving one.
 
Looks more like a Lada Niva to me! Big money too - can't see many farmers replacing their old defenders with one! The commercial version of the three door looks a bit better in my opinion.
 
Looks more like a Lada Niva to me! Big money too - can't see many farmers replacing their old defenders with one! The commercial version of the three door looks a bit better in my opinion.

Is it being marketed in Eastern Europe as a Skoda or something?
 

I used to own a Nivea (said in a whispered voice, lolol).

It was a fairly capable vehicle off tarmac but when the gearbox was removed for a repair (under warranty), on replacement a heavy vibration appeared in the transmission. The vehicle went around various dealerships and eventually back to the importer.

The eventual conclusion was that the monocoque had ‘sprung’ out of alignment with the transmission when the gearbox had been removed.

No one appeared to be able to solve the problem so a compromise was attempted by way of a large rubber doughnut in the drive line (similar to some Discos!) which simply shifted the vibration further up the range.

Isn’t the new Defender monocoque?
 
How odd. But then again it was essentailly designed as a tractor. Maybe they never foresaw one lasting long enough for a drivetrain overhaul and saw it as essential to the overall rigidity.

The new Defender is indeed a monocoque. Have you inadvertantly spotted a potential fault before LR have even released it :eek: I want to say that's unlikely considering how long they have spent developing it. But, where would the Defender heritage come in if it ran faultlessly :D
 
Nor can I. There's no chassis to bolt on strong attachment points for towing and such. Let alone being able to place a jack under any part of the chassis, should it need lifting clear of the ground for tyre changes.

Well, they're claiming this incarnation is so technologically advanced that perhaps one just steps to one side, makes a brew and lets the truck change the wheel for you before texting yer 'ouse to say yer running low on brew bags :D
 
can't see many farmers replacing their old defenders with one!
About 15 years ago I broke down in the middle of nowhere. Luckily it was close to Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station and the owner happen to pass us. He pulled us off the road with his 110 (actually I think it was a 130) UTE and took us up to the farm house. After a cup of coffee and a chat, he then drove us into the nearest town in his Jeep Grand Cherokee (or what ever plush Jeep model it was).

These days, the working truck isn't going to be a Landie. The posh truck might be a RR or Disco I suppose, but I can't see them buying toy Defenders.
 
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