OK, so I'm sure you've seen the pics. Let's discuss this thing.
First, let's all release that sliver of hope we had that they would do what Jeep has done, and somehow twisted the laws of physics and/or the EPA laws, and are still building a vehicle that looks very much like a 1988 Jeep, in 2018. We all knew it would not be a real replacement for our NAS-ROW vehicles, but we all had a bit of hope left.
On the other hand, I think it could be worse. In fact, the worst thing about it, on the surface, is that they seem to have killed off two iconic vehicles to make this one. Even if it is successful (and I believe it will be) they killed the Discovery, and the Defender in order to build this. From a heritage sense, history sense, and even from common sense (when you look at the line-up of vehicles they currently offer) it makes not much sense. I'm not sure how long ago it was, but some months ago it dawned on me that the new Defender would really just be a reworked LR4 with a new name. The other option would be a reworked DC100, but that seemed.... out of place... for now.
Whatever. This is it. As much as we are going to see for a few months at least. So now let's live with it and make observations based on what we see here, not on what could have been.
First, let's all release that sliver of hope we had that they would do what Jeep has done, and somehow twisted the laws of physics and/or the EPA laws, and are still building a vehicle that looks very much like a 1988 Jeep, in 2018. We all knew it would not be a real replacement for our NAS-ROW vehicles, but we all had a bit of hope left.
On the other hand, I think it could be worse. In fact, the worst thing about it, on the surface, is that they seem to have killed off two iconic vehicles to make this one. Even if it is successful (and I believe it will be) they killed the Discovery, and the Defender in order to build this. From a heritage sense, history sense, and even from common sense (when you look at the line-up of vehicles they currently offer) it makes not much sense. I'm not sure how long ago it was, but some months ago it dawned on me that the new Defender would really just be a reworked LR4 with a new name. The other option would be a reworked DC100, but that seemed.... out of place... for now.
Whatever. This is it. As much as we are going to see for a few months at least. So now let's live with it and make observations based on what we see here, not on what could have been.
- In general, it looks like a good vehicle. Has some interesting design cues, etc...
- We know for a fact that the off road abilities of these new vehicles is very good. They are not rock climbers, but what percentage of us do that anyway? This will probably be the best they offer.
- Considering that if the LR4 had diesel in the USA, I would consider it seriously as a certified used replacement for my wife's Mercedes in the next two or three years, this new Defender might actually be something she would look at. I might actually consider one of these for my driveway in the future.
- Take a look at the photo.... LHD, and when you look closely at the driver/passenger positions, do you notice anything? To me, the thing looks huge. And it occurred to me that there is something going on with that leading edge roof line. It looks like an Alucab or Dormobile roof top! I think the real roof line is going to be a staggered slope like the Disco/Defenders had.
- Considering that this is supposed to be made into SWB, some kind of two door version, pick-up version, etc.... things really could get interesting. Imagine this with a proper camper canopy back.
- If this is sold as just another SUV, relying on the badge/name for it's main feature, it will not do so well. But if they have managed to incorporate some slick innovations like you see in vehicles like the Honda Element, various mini-vans, and other vehicles that are meant to be camped in from the factory, I could see this vehicle selling like free Crabby Patties.
- The roof line in the rear seems to have something going on.
- What's up with the hood latches? Real? or just for the test mule?
- What size tires do you think you could put on?