Another Defender hint?

iconoclast said:

If I were a gambler I'd wager it would be coupled with tow or a stand-alone "heavy duty" package or those two would be one package together. Many people like the air suspension but have no need for locking diff or tow package.

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I wouldn't ascribe to Land Rover any intelligence until I see it with my own eyes.

I've been eyeing the L405 FFRR. It's available with a rear locker, but only in the supercharged v8 variant. The supercharged v8 variant comes with 22" wheels, and, apparently, dealers are telling people that you can't run any smaller. (Purportedly, some have fit 20" wheels, though).

It just doesn't make sense.

I'm guessing there's no chance of getting a base 90 with cloth interior, manual transmission and steel rims in NA.

I like it and would be trading in the ‘15 LR4 for the 90 had I not disliked that V6/ wheel dialed beast so much that I got antsy and have already parted ways with it.

Now, would I trade out my ‘12 LR4 with the 18” wheels on the new Defender... probably not, at least not until it’s been around for a while.

I do really like the 90 version though - overall look is much better than feared.

ryanjl said:

It just doesn't make sense.

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there are more than enough out there with 21" from the factory... the problem is not the rear locker but brake clearance. a 20" may not clear the brakes and if so it is too small of a clearance for factory to be cool with it.

Ok yeah, a spendy tougher Flex and FJ... Not bad, but also not one to run out to the dealership for just yet...
Will have to give them a couple of years to sort out the inevitable teething issues which I’m sure ((our beloved LR)) will definitely have...

The first load will also undoubtedly be biased to the premium spec versions. Perfect for the space in between wrangler and Gwagon.

Also need to see it on the road in the flesh before making my mind up.

Till then I’m more than happy to enjoy my ‘12. As time goes on they really are becoming more special. Last of the old school: V8 brute in a clever and functional suit.

This looks good

The rear is the best angle of this design, in my opinion.

Just a few issues I have with it. Four lights per side? Really?

And how big of a spare can you fit on there without it hitting the rear bumper?

In my heart of hearts, I go back to thinking that this is essentially an LR4 with the upgrades I want. A rear tire carrier. (Presumably) the capability to run a tire larger than 32" without making a ton of modifications. A choice of more fuel-efficient engines. Even better approach and departure angles.

If I think of that and get over the "Faux-Defender" thing, I'm happy.

ryanjl said:

The rear is the best angle of this design, in my opinion.

Just a few issues I have with it. Four lights per side? Really?

And how big of a spare can you fit on there without it hitting the rear bumper?

In my heart of hearts, I go back to thinking that this is essentially an LR4 with the upgrades I want. A rear tire carrier. (Presumably) the capability to run a tire larger than 32" without making a ton of modifications. A choice of more fuel-efficient engines. Even better approach and departure angles.

If I think of that and get over the "Faux-Defender" thing, I'm happy.

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Kind of where I sit. "without it hitting the rear bumper?" or the pull handle to open the door.

Hoping for the bigger tire capability. The front isn't near as bad as I imagined. Like everyone else, it's hard not to
have Flex, FJ, Soul etc but I'm kind of convinced its due to scale or lack of comparison. I'm guessing driving down
the road it'll appear much larger and it will stand on it's own.

But for the love of everything let there be a way to simply add a larger tire.

Oh, and it'll be interesting to see the color choices too. How much of a nod back will they allow?

ryanjl said:

Four lights per side? Really?

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I'm betting the outside sets are the rear fogs...if that's the case it would be, in a word, awesome.

ryanjl said:

The rear is the best angle of this design, in my opinion.

Just a few issues I have with it. Four lights per side? Really?

And how big of a spare can you fit on there without it hitting the rear bumper?

In my heart of hearts, I go back to thinking that this is essentially an LR4 with the upgrades I want. A rear tire carrier. (Presumably) the capability to run a tire larger than 32" without making a ton of modifications. A choice of more fuel-efficient engines. Even better approach and departure angles.

If I think of that and get over the "Faux-Defender" thing, I'm happy.

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Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. If you think of this as lineage to the defender line, it's probably a bit like Spalding from Caddy Shack, so you're going to be disappointed. Clearly, from the pics, this is a bit more upscale than you'd want and is not targeted at those who've dreamed of owning a Defender.

I still need to see it in person, but it looks a little to new edge for me. I expect to see more sightings in valet parking at the W Hotel than I would out on the trail. Feels a bit to beat box for me. i guess I'll see in in LA in November so we shall see.