Modernised Defenders (Twisted, etc)

[Jacobyte]

Landie noob here, be kind to me please.

I'm looking for a comfy yet fun towcar to replace the RS6 (as it's not type-approved for towing so it must go ).

I quite fancy the occasional bit of green laning (in fact I live down one so the RS6 gets extremely mucky), but my wife wouldn't be able to live with a standard Defender. I'm not at all into the status symbol 4x4s (X5, Cayenne, etc).

When looking around, I stumbled upon a "Twisted" Defender, which looks like it might fit the bill. What other firms provide a similar product?

Are these "tweaked" Defenders simply a normal Defender with bits stuck on, or are the chassis, interior and running gear genuinely upgraded to create a result that is less agricultural and truly more user-friendly?

Or should I just get a reliable old Landcruiser?

[camel_landy]

I love my Defender but frankly, for your requirements, I'd look at a Disco 3 or 4 (or even a Range Rover Sport).

M

[clived]

Auto makes a big difference to the ease of driving a Defender. So if you want a factory car, start with a Defender 50th and then get the interior blinged a little. Has the other advantage of a nice V8 burble

[vpr]

I've just taken delivery of a new 110 Twisted.

You have to get the whole Defender thing to understand the concept.

People say to me you can get an all singing and dancing Disco for that or even a Range Rover.......No thanks not for me

Twisted is great, mine having major sound proofing and nice alcantara and leather trim and fully sorted suspenders plus a load more if your budget goes the way.

It's still a tractor to drive, it always will be but I love it.

[Elise18S]

On my Euromillions list is a twisted defender (retro look with white wheels) that I will then drive to JE engineering and get them to fit a supercharged v8 engine.

[edc]

Challenger 4x4 in Aldershot can turn a Defender into comfort spec for you. They normally do this sort of thing in reverse though! They have serviced our RRs but a couple of years back I made a similar enquiry and they could source the car and do all the mod work.

[vpr]

Elise18S said:

On my Euromillions list is a twisted defender (retro look with white wheels) that I will then drive to JE engineering and get them to fit a supercharged v8 engine.

A V8 is the answer....it would be awesome if only for the sound.

One day, I know Twisted are developing them right now using an LS6 lump

[anonymous-user]

Jacobyte said:

Are these "tweaked" Defenders simply a normal Defender with bits stuck on, or are the chassis, interior and running gear genuinely upgraded to create a result that is less agricultural and truly more user-friendly?

Or should I just get a reliable old Landcruiser?

Mostly, not really and no.

[300bhp/ton]

Jacobyte said:

Landie noob here, be kind to me please.

I'm looking for a comfy yet fun towcar to replace the RS6 (as it's not type-approved for towing so it must go ).

I quite fancy the occasional bit of green laning (in fact I live down one so the RS6 gets extremely mucky), but my wife wouldn't be able to live with a standard Defender. I'm not at all into the status symbol 4x4s (X5, Cayenne, etc).

When looking around, I stumbled upon a "Twisted" Defender, which looks like it might fit the bill. What other firms provide a similar product?

Are these "tweaked" Defenders simply a normal Defender with bits stuck on, or are the chassis, interior and running gear genuinely upgraded to create a result that is less agricultural and truly more user-friendly?

Or should I just get a reliable old Landcruiser?

Honestly think this is a no based on what you've said.

Personally I like Defenders and particulary how they drive. But none of these jazzed up ones actually change the fundamentals of what they are. So ignore anyone saying get an auto or V8 one, as regardless it will still be a Defender.

If you want a rugged 4x4 but with a more comfy cabin and better NVH, then Land Rover did build such a vehicle. It was called Discovery. Although a classic RR is pretty similar too. These basically are a Defender but with a bigger more comfy body and interior - exactly what you are asking for.

A rebuilt classic RR would be a brilliant tow vehicle.

Evidently a newer Disco 3/4 or RRS are candidates, but they sort of lose that rugged 4x4 feel and appeal.

Depending on towing weight you might want to consider a lwb Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Very much a Defender style vehicle but better in every way. And will feel more modern to drive.

[300bhp/ton]

edc said:

Challenger 4x4 in Aldershot can turn a Defender into comfort spec for you. They normally do this sort of thing in reverse though! They have serviced our RRs but a couple of years back I made a similar enquiry and they could source the car and do all the mod work.

No matter what they do it'll not really alter it being a utility truck. This is based on how the suspension works and how the body is physically attached to the chassis. Fitting bucket seats and a stupid stereo is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

[edc]

300bhp/ton said:

No matter what they do it'll not really alter it being a utility truck. This is based on how the suspension works and how the body is physically attached to the chassis. Fitting bucket seats and a stupid stereo is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

I know. Its mainly sound deadening that makes it more modern car like.

[camel_landy]

edc said:

300bhp/ton said:

No matter what they do it'll not really alter it being a utility truck. This is based on how the suspension works and how the body is physically attached to the chassis. Fitting bucket seats and a stupid stereo is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

I know. Its mainly sound deadening that makes it more modern car like.

Not even close...

You can't change the rules of physics in that the Defender is a live axle, which gives it a massive 'un-sprung mass'. Comparing to a modern, independently spring setup is like comparing chalk to cheese!

M

[edc]

camel_landy said:

edc said:

300bhp/ton said:

No matter what they do it'll not really alter it being a utility truck. This is based on how the suspension works and how the body is physically attached to the chassis. Fitting bucket seats and a stupid stereo is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

I know. Its mainly sound deadening that makes it more modern car like.

Not even close...

You can't change the rules of physics in that the Defender is a live axle, which gives it a massive 'un-sprung mass'. Comparing to a modern, independently spring setup is like comparing chalk to cheese!

M

I know that. I never attempted to compare suspension etc. I am just trying to relay some of the things that this outfit does to make a Defender a bit more road friendly for people who kind of want one but probably really don't want one if you know what I mean.

[Jacobyte]

Thanks all I'll check out some Discos, although whilst they don't do it for me emotionally I'll give 'em a try.

vpr, that 110 looks great fun, it's still tempting. I might take a look at the chaps in Aldershot as I'm quite local.

[Ayahuasca]

What's this thing about Defenders being uncomfortable?

I have a Defender as my daily driver and Mrs A has a Landcruiser.

The Defender is perfectly comfy, thank you.

The Landcruiser feels like a big soft squishy girls' car.

[Ayahuasca]

Discoveries are OK, but they are not a proper Land Rover!






Actually my Defender is a puma one, so has some Discovery bits, electric windows, aircon and power steering, but it still looks and goes like a proper Land Rover and that's the main thing!

Edited by Ayahuasca on Thursday 28th February 01:35

[anonymous-user]

300bhp/ton said:

...nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

Mine's already got both of those :-)

[vpr]

Driving like a tractor is the appeal for me....I like quirky things.

If I want to go fast or smooth or quiet I'll take something else.

[300bhp/ton]

Jacobyte said:

Thanks all I'll check out some Discos, although whilst they don't do it for me emotionally I'll give 'em a try.

vpr, that 110 looks great fun, it's still tempting. I might take a look at the chaps in Aldershot as I'm quite local.

Seriously take a look/drive of a nice classic Range Rover. They share pretty much the same basic suspension design as a Defender and even the chassis is of very similar basic design and concept.

Axles are pretty much the same thing, as is the steering and even the gearboxes (manual ones) are the same.

Basically it's a 100" 'Defender' style rolling chassis (Defender 90 is 92.9") but has more spacious and comfortable interior. The body tub is also located on rubber locating donuts, unlike a Defender that is metal to metal locating.

With the budget of a new/newish Defender you could have one hell of a lovely classic Range Rover.

[jdw1234]

vpr said:

I've just taken delivery of a new 110 Twisted.

You have to get the whole Defender thing to understand the concept.

People say to me you can get an all singing and dancing Disco for that or even a Range Rover.......No thanks not for me

Twisted is great, mine having major sound proofing and nice alcantara and leather trim and fully sorted suspenders plus a load more if your budget goes the way.

It's still a tractor to drive, it always will be but I love it.

Sooo cool.