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Customer feedback will determine the final details but for now the DC100 concept vehicle shows how Land Rover interprets the next Defender, due in 2015.
Earlier this month we brought you news that Land Rover is set to replace its iconic Defender in 2015, but not before showing off a concept vehicle at they year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Now Land Rover has released pictures of that concept vehicle (called the DC100) but it's not an exact indication of what the next Defender will look like. In Land Rover's words, it "investigates the potential future direction of the Defender."
Although the company has since confirmed its intention to launch the next Defender in 2015, it also plans to seek feedback on the concept from potential customers before finalising the design details of the new vehicle.
Clearly, replacing the Defender is not something that Land Rover takes lightly, design director Gerry McGovern explaining it like this: :"Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn't a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century."
Global Brand Director John Edwards added that the company is determined to keep the new Defender "true to its heritage" while also meeting the requirements of changing global markets. To get this right, they're going to have to make it every bit as strong and capable off-road as the current model, while also meeting modern comfort and safety demands.
No other details on the concept have been released at this stage, Land Rover clearly keeping a few surprises for the actual unveiling of the vehicle, which takes place on 13 September.
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Clinton, wrote
Might be better with a proper defender's front and real off - road wheels. I'm disappointed , it just doesn't look purposeful or practical. We want what we had with a little more room inside , airbags , ABS and maybe a better topspeed so we can get to the bush safer and quicker.Don't kill the legend.The Discovery now looks more the part than this does , keep it square.
Ahmed kiss, wrote
Hangmann, wrote
It looks similar to the 1st Freelander. Mechanically, the Defender tradition is simple 4x4 (engine, gearbox, transmission, solid axles, steel coil springs & disc brakes). No independent suspension, air bellow suspension, fragile electronics etc.
Lock, wrote
Jis, but it's ugly thing Pajero in the front, Landy in the middle and Jeep at the back Guess they have a target market that they designed for!
nas, wrote
Bruce, wrote
Sies-thank goodness my defender just keeps on going - was considering to upgrade at some time - not keen at all.
Louis Klapprott, wrote
colinwp, wrote
Eish.... those wheels won't survive "pavement crawling" never mind actual 4x4 offroad stuff - so as a concept,think again!
Anonymous, wrote
I love it. The first time I viewed it from the side I saw some Defenderism in it. It looks like it can take a roofrack. Can a SFA handle like a IFS on tar? No? Well, I will take the looks, crumple zone technology and proper brakes with a quiet comfortable cabin. I still hope they keep the SFA though. That bit should not be changed.
Anonymous, wrote
george galbraith, wrote
I like the initial idea. An idea for the headlights would be to develop the automatic lateral swivelling concept (available elsewhere) for corners, to also provide for an easy vertically ranging mechanism for off-road slow operation etc. If you are going to change then make it worthwhile. Another is height adjustable seats & longer reach (for langats like me). Rugged & simple
landy lover, wrote
Why not just remodel the top half of the existing defender so you can sit nicely without opening the door. we really dont need another FJ
Willem, wrote
You have got to be joking? If Jeep can get it right with the Wrangler, why does Land Rover have to throw the baby out with the bathwater? If it stays this way, there's going to be a Cruiser in my driveway when the time comes to replace my current Defender. Indeed, why bother, just bin the Defender and stick to the Rangie, Disco and Evoque.
Anonymous, wrote
Christian, wrote
I truely hope that this is not the new Defender as it looks more like a Nancyfied FreeLander
Rui, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
What is that??? It looks like a combination of a Mini and a jeep?? The only part that looks antything like Land-Rover is the front, it looks like that cut the front off of a FreeLander and stuck it in place. Very ugly and uapealing. What happened to good old rugged 4x4's ????
Anonymous, wrote
Landrover is on the brink of losing a special identity. If this is their idea of the future, I rather stay in the past
Anonymous, wrote
Its time for change for the Defender. Its does'nt look bad at all, just the front maybe.
Tebza, wrote
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