RE: Driven: Prindiville Land Rover Defender
Discussion
BLUETHUNDER said:
t could never tackle the American pick-up market.1.Its not big enough. It has very little room to carry anything.2.It cant tow the kind of loads they are used to towing over there. It could probably be pitched at the mid size market. But not the full size.
A 130 HC is the right sort of size and has fairly capable tow and loading ratings. That said to be viable in the US it would need to be dirt cheap if it was to remain so agricultural or a lot more plush and comfy if it was to demand premium money. It also needs some proper powerplants and a drivetrain to support it. Something Landies have been lacking since the 1960's.JimexPL said:
Professionally trimming the dashboard and door panels in stitched leather will not come cheap. Nor will lining the roof lining in alcantara.
Of course it's not what most Land Rover owners will want, but along with the material cost of the Recaro seats, wheels, tyres, engine upgrade, suspension and brakes there it's understandable where the £50k+ price comes from.
Under 10k.Of course it's not what most Land Rover owners will want, but along with the material cost of the Recaro seats, wheels, tyres, engine upgrade, suspension and brakes there it's understandable where the £50k+ price comes from.
And it's still crap, none of the mods really suitable for the car. Momo steering wheel in a Defender seems really wrong.
Also can't help feeling the 'article' reads a lot like one of those ads designed to look like an actual newspaper page.
There's a certain satisfaction in taking a vehicle like a Defender and improving it, though I think I'd rather do it myself and a bit differently. There's certainly plenty of scope and it's an easy vehicle to improve on. It's great that there are companies out there that will take a compromised vehicle like the Defender and make it handle better, more civilised and a great deal faster (if that's what you're in to).
It's a limited market but they'll be building them to order so good luck to them, I reckon they'll sell a few.
It's a limited market but they'll be building them to order so good luck to them, I reckon they'll sell a few.
300bhp/ton said:
It would need a lot more than just a PTO to enter the American pickup market. It could be done, but they need a clean sheet re-design like Jeep did with the Wrangler in 2005.
THIS says it's still a niche vehicle rather than a legitimate competitor for a 'normal' SUV.Cars like the Defender and Wrangler series are the type of thing you either 'get' or don't.
I think this looks great! It's a shame they stopped selling the Defender over here when the V8 went. I don't know about the rest of the U.S., but in the wealthy areas around Washington, D.C., they are still very popular. The people that own them tend to hold on to them for a long time. I love them and will make a point to own one someday when I can afford it.
I love the fact that people are out there modifying Defenders whether it is the bespoke guys like Twisted or a bloke in his shed. My wife has had two now from Twisted, one diesel and one with a V8. They make for something different from a RRS or Discovery. Yes its pricey to go down the bespoke route but you do get something different. She's been approached by so many people to ask about her cars and I've parked various more performance orientated cars next to her (M3, Exige, R8) and without fail she gets the comments (very disheartening!!). Defenders are one of those cars that is an icon and attracts so much love from pretty much everyone. It will be a sad day when it is retired. I do like the suggestion above of an LS7 engine in a lightened SWB - that would be something!!!!
bobberz said:
I think this looks great! It's a shame they stopped selling the Defender over here when the V8 went. I don't know about the rest of the U.S., but in the wealthy areas around Washington, D.C., they are still very popular. The people that own them tend to hold on to them for a long time. I love them and will make a point to own one someday when I can afford it.
I love Landy's, been around them all my life and owned many. But a TJ Wrangler is easily as good and far superior in many ways and a JK Wrangler just makes a mockery of a Defender.
If you want one for the niche appeal in the US or because you have a HUGE amount of $$$$ to throw at one, then they can be a good basis and do have fairly good stock ability. But there's no real reason to get one in the US other than wanting something different.
tommy vercetti said:
Garlick said:
Well I will buck the trend and say that I love this car. Much want.
Same
According to the LR website a 90 Hard Top has an on the road price of £22,350. Of which you are going to junk (sell) the standard wheels, tyres, suspension, seats and some interior parts. Let's say you can muster up a couple of hundred quid back by selling these items.
Now, can you honestly say you can see £30,000 worth of upgrades?
aston addict said:
Sod the old tech diesel lump.
Actually, the "old tech" diesel lump is pretty high tech now. It's the same PSA 2.4 from the Transit, or more recently the PSA 2.2 as seen in Mondeos, 407s, C5s, Nissans, and many others. It's just tuned down to stop the half shafts snapping (or to work on low quality fuels, you decide).300bhp/ton said:
It wasn't the V8 that they stopped selling them, it's because they didn't meet US safety standards, even with the factory fitted roll cage.
Side impact standard and air-bags I believe. These could be engineered into the current defender300bhp/ton said:
I love Landy's, been around them all my life and owned many. But a TJ Wrangler is easily as good and far superior in many ways and a JK Wrangler just makes a mockery of a Defender.
In terms of utility no.. in terms of comfort and refinement yes
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