New Defender, 2020

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
Before we saw the spy shots, I was leaning in the direction of thinking that the New Defender didn't even exist. I even mentioned it a few times here and there, the idea that the new design has taken way too long, has caused too much disruption in LR corporate, and has been way too secretive. The Defender doesn't even exist.

But then we saw the spy shots. And after analyzing them, like a lot of other people, I noticed that it really looks like an updated LR4. I mentioned that all LR has done is shifted the badges on their cars one space over.... thereby leaving a big blank space where the New Defender ought to be. Once again, even with spy shots, and with LR claiming that it is the New Defender, leaving me to wonder if the Defender even exists.

Well, I'm not so sure, but I'm also not alone in this. And I think LR is committing suicide if they don't follow my conspiracy theory.


The shot of the interior seemed a bit promising, and if you take the interior shots of the new Range Rovers, but just make the dash a bit more upright, you have a pretty good set up for a new generation, modern Defender.

https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims3/GLOB/crop/1056x594+69+0/resize/800x450!/format/jpg/quality/85/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-02/555d2570-309c-11e9-b952-ab618465f5aa
 

BarryO

Well-known member
I saw that video, and I can understand why he thinks that. it sure does look like an LR4 with some taped on bits.. But maybe it's a bit of the stretch to think JLR is playing 3-D chess to such a degree.
 

rocky

NAS-ROW Addict
So take an LR4/D4, give it a traditional Defender like hood and fenders, normal tailgate, adopt the TLC range philosophy simple rubber mat, diesels to fully leathered six cylinder gassers, simpler coil springs (Think the Lr3 had those) to fancy air springs,
 

Red90

Well-known member
So take an LR4/D4, give it a traditional Defender like hood and fenders, normal tailgate, adopt the TLC range philosophy simple rubber mat, diesels to fully leathered six cylinder gassers, simpler coil springs (Think the Lr3 had those) to fancy air springs,

I'm pretty sure that what we are getting is a D5/RRS with a body that looks a little more like a Defender and some more basic trim packages. I'm sure there will be some appeal to the average person as it will be something that is not identical to everything else on the road. This is the sad state of modern car design. You search out the least worst option.
 

4RF RDS

Well-known member
The idea that JLR is messing with all of us with these test mules driving around is kind of consistent with their highly secretive new model reveals. Just look what happened in China with Land Wind.

As to what the final product will be, I predict it will be a common platform, have common electronics and common drive trains. Just the body will look (hopefully) dissimilar from the current white bread Gerry McGovern urban chique which JLR is putting out.
 

xplorutah

Well-known member
I watched Andrew's video. I don't pay attention to modern LR's so hadn't noticed, until he posted up the 6 models in the LR range, I didn't know ALL LR products look the same! Its price points. Have the look at a cheaper price, or more expensive whatever suits your pocketbook, taste and depreciation tolerance.
 

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
Yeah, there are really only two or three types of SUV design these days. Every one of them fit into one of those categories except for a very few outlyers -- which LR has decided the new Defender will no longer be. Which is why it won't be a Defender. The Discovery was always in a sweet spot between an SUV and a Defender. The New Defender will certainly be just a rebadged and updated Disco (LR4).
 

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
That's essentially what the dealer told me a little over a year ago. He actually said something along the lines of "sorry for how the rear end looks" when pointing out the new Discovery, and then blamed it on the EPA regulations. All I could think of was Jeep.
 

rlynch356

Well-known member
well jeep is making this nice new 130 beach runner with a diesel - and solid axles....
I'll keep my old stuff and just go that route.... I have zero expectations for the new Defender CUV.. life-style-mobile...
 
If Land Rover calls it something besides Defender I'm fine with it. Just feel like they are whoring out the brand and the thing will be discontinued by 2023 anyway.
 

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
well jeep is making this nice new 130 beach runner with a diesel - and solid axles....
I'll keep my old stuff and just go that route.... I have zero expectations for the new Defender CUV.. life-style-mobile...

Jeep really is doing it right. I'd probably want one if I couldn't already count 20-30 of them just making a run to the store for milk.
 

WreckITFrank

Technical Excellence Contributor
nothing new, but good stuff here. lot to live up to for the latest mall crawler category.

 

MountainD

Technical Excellence Contributor
I bet every one of us are thinking “what if they actually don’t fuck this up” and come out with a cool truck? Seriously, deep down, you feel it. It’d be awesome.

Vegas odds on that as of this morning were 1,468,532:1. Put a fiver down. Heck,better odds than
Lotto...
 

Adam

Well-known member
Jeep have figured out the model - basic utilitarian body on frame sold in large numbers, make your margin on trim levels - the base Wrangler and Rubicon chassis are no different - price difference is MFGR bolt-ons.

It could be a true path of success for JLR, but who knows.
 
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