Bruntingthorpe proving ground was the scene for a battle that pitched 27 Landies head-to-head in a tussle for the title of 'The World's Fastest Land Rover Defender' last month.
239bhp TD5 handles like a Clio racer...
magazine was not a simple drag race, but included straight line acceleration tests and timed sprints around short circuits.
In spite of a significant power disadvantage against some of the V8 entries, the title went to a TD5 Hardtop with a 239bhp diesel engine - thanks in large part to a set of Porsche Cayenne-spec Michelins, according to the vehicle's owner Charlie Fawcett.
"We are obviously very pleased to have won this event as we were up against some much more powerful opposition, including supercharged V8-powered vehicles," he said. "In the end though, the Michelin tyres really made a difference as we were able use every one of our 239bhp to easily win both of the timed circuit sprints, and the overall title.
so here's a Clio to redress the balance
"At times we had so much grip that the car was cornering on two wheels and our driver said it reminded him of his Clio race car in the way it turned into corners." Perfect for the school run, then Charlie.
The winning Defender was tuned by Charlie's own Thirsk-based tuning outfit Twisted Performance, where the 'World's Fastest' gong will presumably have pride of place.
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