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Land Rover Defender Gets a Modern Makeover with Electric Powertrain

ECD Automotive Design, the world’s largest Land Rover restoration company, has once again left a mark on the restoration and modification industry with its latest project, the electrifying Project Ghost. Renowned for its custom builds that span from vintage Defenders to classic Jaguar E-Types, ECD has pushed the envelope with its new electric Defender 110.

The head-turning matte gray Land Rover Defender 110 boasts an EV drivetrain, making it a unique blend of classic design and modern technology. While not the first electric Defender, ECD’s creation features a 450-horsepower motor and a 100kWh battery pack, offering ample power for cruising through city streets. However, the range remains unspecified in the press release.

ECD’s CEO and co-founder, Scott Wallace, emphasizes the importance of tailoring each custom Defender to the client’s specific needs. The company delves deep into details such as the build’s location, intended use, and the primary driver’s size to create a Defender that clients will adore.

For Project Ghost, ECD accommodated the client’s taller stature by reducing the size and height of the seat box, allowing the seat to sit lower and move further back than in the original Defender. This customization provides enhanced comfort for taller drivers.

The revamped Defender 110 sits on 16-inch matte black Wolf Steel wheels, complementing the other black exterior accents such as the roll cage, steering guard, and vents. Inside, modern black leather Corbeau Trailcat reclining seats feature a bold scarlet red vertical diamond single stitch on the seatbacks. The versatile interior accommodates up to seven passengers, with three Land Rover 60/40 seats in the middle and two forward-facing jump seats in the back.

Project Ghost’s Puma dashboard, wrapped in black leather, has switched the traditional panel and center console positions for improved driver convenience and is adorned with ECD electric gauges. Other custom touches include a black MOMO Prototipo steering wheel and metal billet buttons on the radio panel. For entertainment during nighttime city cruises, the vintage Defender is equipped with an Alpine Halo touchscreen, JL Audio speakers, and a JBL Active subwoofer. The audio system supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, Sirius XM, and traditional radio stations. Additional luxury updates include three USB ports, WiFi, and a backup camera.

ECD Automotive Design’s Project Ghost expertly marries classic Land Rover Defender aesthetics with modern electric powertrain technology, creating an exhilarating and unique driving experience for those who appreciate both the old and the new.



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Upcoming Land Rover Defender SVX Spotted

Although Land Rover has now firmly established their revived Defender lineup to include the Defender 90, 110, and 130 models, the company isn’t one to rest on their laurels. Recent spy shots have been unearthed of a new Defender that will serve as the high-performance variant. This is currently, tentatively, referred to as the Defender SVX or Defender SR, and here’s what we know about this new Defender so far from these photos.

As the performance version of the Defender, it’s believed that this new SVX will be powered by a BMW V8 motor, likely the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged motor found in BMW’s X5 and X6 M Competition SUVs. In this trim, the motor put out 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque for BMW, which should provide a good ballpark estimate of the output of this upcoming SVX. A frequent comment when the new Defenders were rolled out was that they were just a little under-powered for the size of the vehicle, so these new V8s should prove to be the fix for anyone who was bothered by the original engine choices. With this much power on tap, the SVX is sure to deliver an exhilarating driving experience both on and off the road.

Cosmetically, the SVX mule keeps most of the current “Defender” styling, including the headlights, safari-style windows, and full-size spare tire mounted to the tailgate of the four-door body. The test mule here is based on a Defender 110 size platform. While this mule sports camo, we can see some mild changes to the body panels intended to give this SUV a sportier look to complement its performance. Most notably, we can see a larger grille opening for a more aggressive look, as well as a skid plate which pairs well with the All Terrain tires; the increased airflow up front is likely intended to facilitate airflow over the intercoolers for the turbochargers and improve cooling. Also, a sporty dual exhaust system exits on the passenger side and provides another visual cue to the high-performance V8 that will be lurking under the hood when it hits dealer lots. Through the camouflage, you can also make out some wider, sportier fender flares than those on the standard 90, 110, and 130 models.

With all of that said, this test mule looks close to production, and it seems reasonable to expect an official announcement of the SVX (or whatever name Land Rover finally lands on for this car) later on in 2023. This performance variant of the Defender will likely see a sticker price of over $100,000, and it seems like Land Rover isn’t going to stop here. Also rumored to be in development is a pickup version of the Defender (sure to give the Jeep Gladiator a run for its money), as well as what appears to be a more street-focused SVX based on the smaller Defender 90 chassis, complete with a wide body kit. As the Defender lineup grows in size, we’re also sure to see an increase in OEM or dealership options for each model to truly make this a one-size-fits-all adventure SUV, and this new V8-powered Defender SVX is looking to be just the ticket for those who feel the need for speed both off the pavement and on it.

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One-of-500 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 30th Anniversary Is Up for Grabs for $92k

Right now, if you want a Land Rover Defender in America, the absolute ‘cheapest’ is the four-door 110 with the gasoline P300 (296 hp) two-liter, starting from an MSRP of $53,500.

Then you can rock an ‘S’ version, SE, X-Dynamic SE, P400 (395 hp, MHEV inline-six) ‘X’ grade, switch to the V8, and even treat yourself to the V8 Carpathian Edition, getting up to no less than $118,400 when starting the configuration. But, aside from the Carpathian, none of them is all too collectible.

As opposed to the pricey 75th Limited Edition Defender 90 and 110, or the North American-exclusive 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 30th Anniversary Edition. The latter, designed to celebrate the iconic nameplate’s three decades of local market presence, was only offered with a strictly limited production of just 500 examples, all sold for the 2023 model year like the proverbial collectible hotcakes. So, how do you come in possession of one?

Well, easy, as New York-based Motorcar Classics says it has yet another collector-grade vehicle up for grabs, this time a British SUV that was remade in North American drabs. And what do you know, if it isn’t precisely the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 S 30th anniversary edition ‘smiling’ for the studio photoshoot?

The dealership notes this Fuji White Defender 110 S with an Ebony interior has just 68 miles on the odometer, which equates to a mere 109 km, making it of the fabled “as new” variety. Powered by the entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 296 hp, this posh British SUV is also hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission to make even 4×4 driving as effortless as possible.

Naturally, we are also dealing with a one-owner 30th anniversary example, and additional options include the Cold Climate Package (heated everything: windscreen, washer jets, steering wheel, etc.), the Off-Road Package (electronic active differential, domestic plug sockets, off-road tires), the Towing Package, the Air Suspension Package, and even a Black Exterior Package to provide a sensible tuxedo-style contrasting look.

As for pricing, the quotation stands at $91,900 but one can also hit the “make an offer” button on the dealership’s online portal if that’s not good for you.

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Article Credits: Aurel Niculescu
Full Articles: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/one-of-500-2023-land-rover-defender-110-30th-anniversary-is-up-for-grabs-for-92k-205020.html



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Five Great Aftermarket Parts for Your New Land Rover Defender

Although the storied marque of the Land Rover Defender vehicles dates back almost 80 years, the latest and fully-revamped generation (L663) was only released recently in 2020. The Defender has always been equipped for serious adventure, and with the newest iteration, Land Rover made great strides to keep that spirit alive and allow for the maximum amount of customization that a potential owner would want to employ. By swapping accessories around, an owner can tailor their Defender to be the ultimate around-town family hauler, or gear it up for some more remote expeditions.

No matter which flavor of the new Defender you might own (90, 110, 130), each vehicle is offered from the factory with four accessory packs: Explorer, Adventure, Country, and Urban. These each contain a unique combination of factory accessories tailored to how an owner primarily expects to use their Defender. These include roof racks, bumpers, external panniers mounted to the C-pillars, and more. Perhaps you’ve chosen the Urban pack and would like to add a roof rack. Or, perhaps you’re kitted out with the Adventure pack and would like a few refinements and creature comforts to employ around town. We’ll take you through the five best aftermarket parts and accessories for any new Land Rover Defender.

Low-Profile Voyager Offroad Roof Rack

The Voyager Offroad Overland Roof Rack is a beautiful and functional full-length roof rack, constructed of bent and welded tubing. Obviously, this provides a plethora of opportunities to mount cargo shells, kayaks, bicycles, or anything else you might want to transport, but its low profile and sleek design will help keep your Defender looking great around town, too. This low-profile model is two inches lower than the standard height, which is also a benefit for garage-kept vehicles. What’s more, these are fully compatible with Defenders equipped with sunroofs. This roof rack takes advantage of the Land Rover-provided mounting points and there’s no drilling required to mount, so you can take off the rack at a later date if you ever wish to. Combine this with the Land Rover Deployable Roof Ladder for easy access to anything stowed on your roof. This is a good option for those who may not have ordered their Defender with a roof rack from the factory.

Land Rover Quilted Loadspace Liner

Anyone who has had to take their four-legged friend in a car will understand the potential for disaster that can arise when transporting your most precious cargo; from pet hair everywhere to the aftermath of an upset tummy, it can result in a real mess inside your nice, new Land Rover. Thankfully, a great solution to this problem is available in the Quilted Loadspace Liner, another official Land Rover accessory. A svelte and padded fabric protects the cargo area, rear seats, and comes with a detachable bumper protector. Designed to be durable and easy to clean, this accessory is something to take a closer look at if you regularly travel with your dogs or other animals. Being that this liner is precisely fitted to conform to the interior, it should be noted that this is currently only available for the Defender 110 model as of press time. If this is relevant to your interest, Land Rover also makes a few more pet-focused accessories as well, such as a portable pet ramp.

WeatherTech Floor Mats

It might be a little cliché, but one of the first modifications many new owners of any vehicle make is to replace the factory floor mats with a set of iconic, custom-molded WeatherTech mats. Laser cut from a durable rubberized material to match the exact layout of the Defender, these floor mats make it easy to keep the interior of your car looking great. When it’s time to clean up, simply remove them, spray with a hose, and let them dry. WeatherTech incorporates lips and channels in order to keep any water or mud contained to the mats. These are available for the front and rear seats, and there’s even a custom fitted trunk liner available. WeatherTech has been around for decades; these are quality items that are made in the United States, and won’t let you down under the harshest of conditions.

Land Rover Side-Mounted Gear Carrier

Add a bit of visual flair and practicality with these OEM Land Rover accessories. Mounted to the exterior sides of the vehicle, it provides a little extra space for things you might not want to bring inside the cabin, such as beach towels or pet supplies. It’s lockable and waterproof as well, so you have nothing to worry about while you’re out and about. You can have one on each side for the most amount of storage, or you could have Gear Carrier on one side of the car, combined with the aforementioned Roof Ladder; this is part of the beauty of the new Defenders. Since these are manufacturer accessories, you can anticipate the same high level of fit and finish in these gear carriers that you are used to, and they’re designed to seamlessly blend in with the exterior styling of the vehicle.

ARB Touring Awning with Light

Add a bit of overlanding flair to your Defender with a high-quality retractable awning from ARB. Known for making bomb-proof Land Rover accessories for decades, ARB’s awning provides you with portable shade and shelter. Useful for a day at the beach or a camping trip in the forest, this awning is easy to set up and built tough to handle high winds or heavy precipitation. Once you get a taste of how handy they are, you won’t want to go anywhere without your portable awning.

Conclusion

As you can see, the new Defenders were designed keeping a strong eye on customization and personalization to suit each owner’s tastes. While a fine selection of accessories are available from the manufacturer when the car is ordered, a robust secondary market also provides a great service to those looking for a wider array of parts. As this platform ages gracefully, more accessories and creative solutions will continue to hit the market, and if we had to take a guess, this could be the most personalized Land Rover ever at the end of the day. Ultimately, no matter if you’re seeking the refinement and luxury that Land Rover is known for, or planning a trip to the Arctic Circle, the Land Rover Defender can get you there – however you want.

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The Land Rover Defender

If you’re a car enthusiast, then you know about the Land Rover Defender 90, 110, and 130. These cars were produced from 1983 to 2016 and had a loyal following all over the world. They were known for their durability and off-road capabilities, and many people consider them to be some of the best off-road vehicles ever made.

The Land Rover Defender is a British four-wheel drive off-road vehicle developed in the 1980s from the original Land Rover Series.

The Land Rover Defender was originally conceived as a simple, rugged workhorse that could tackle any terrain. But over time, it has become much more than that. It has become an icon of British engineering and a beloved vehicle all over the world.

The Land Rover Defender is truly one of a kind, and its history is just as unique as the vehicle itself. These vehicles were known for their unrivaled off-road capability and soon became a staple of British culture. Land Rover Defenders can be seen in all corners of the world, from the African savannah to the streets of London.

Their ruggedness had earned them a reputation as being virtually indestructible, and they quickly became a favorite of farmers, explorers, and anyone who needed a reliable and tough vehicle.

The Defender Series


The Land Rover Defender 110 was the first model that was produced. It was a three-door SUV that had a wheelbase of 93 inches. The Defender 110 was the next model that was produced. It was a five-door SUV with a wheelbase of 110 inches The Defender 130 was the last model that was produced. It was a seven-door SUV with a wheelbase of 127 inches, thus originally named the Defender 127.

All three models have a four-wheel drive and a manual transmission. They were all powered by gasoline engines, but diesel engines were also available on some models.

Some noticeable upgrades distinguished the newer Defender 90 and Defender 110 models from the older Series III. The most important of them all is the coil springs upgrade which made it possible for the new models to tackle even rougher terrain. A four-wheel drive with a more powerful engine was also one of the necessary upgrades. The interior had also received a more modernized look.

These two models would form the basis of the Defender lineup for the next decade.

The 110


The Land Rover Defender 110 is a classic car that was manufactured by Land Rover from 1983 until 1997. It was a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts and farmers, and it became known for its durability and reliability.

The Land Rover Defender 110 is a classic car that is still sought after by collectors and drivers who appreciate its unique style and capabilities. If you’re lucky enough to find one for sale, be prepared to pay a premium!

The Defender 90


The Land Rover Defender 90 is a compact off-roader that was introduced in early 1984. It is based on Defender 110, which was first launched a year prior. The Defender 90 is one of the most popular models in the Land Rover range and has been produced in a number of different versions over the years.

The 1984 Defender 90 featured a 2.5-liter diesel engine that produced 68 HP.

The Defender 90 is available in a number of different body styles, including a three-door short-wheelbase version, a five-door long-wheelbase version, and a four-door station wagon. A number of special editions have been produced over the years, including the Heritage Edition, which was launched in 2012 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Land Rover Series.

Even though the Defender series was and still is beloved by the off-road crowd, it was originally marketed as a family vehicle. These older models are still sought after by collectors and drivers who appreciate their unique style and capabilities.

The Defender 130


In 1983 Land Rover introduced another wheelbase to their lineup: the 127-inch wheelbase. Land Rover unveiled the Defender 130, originally named the 110 cab-crew, a stretched version of the Defender 110 with an extra row of seats.

This model was meant to take over the work, which the 110 just couldn’t handle. It was meant to be used by utility companies and the military. The 130 at first suffered from a lack of power due to the smaller sized engines; however, since 1990, it is only available with the two highest power Land Rover engines, the 134 hp (100 kW) 3.5-litre V8 petrol and the 85 hp (63 kW) 2.5-liter turbo diesel.

Conclusion


Throughout the years, the Land Rover Defender has undergone many changes. But one thing has remained constant: its ability to tackle any terrain. The Land Rover Defender is as iconic as it is popular, with a long and rich history that has made it beloved by many.