CategoriesNews
By

Highly-Modified Land Rover Defender 90 Owned by Jenson Button Is Up for Auction

Jenson Button has had a stellar Formula 1 career, having been crowned World Champion in 2019. His fans and the general public are used to seeing him driving racing cars, but in his day-to-day life, Button also drives regular cars, like the Land Rover Defender you see here.

Well, this particular Defender is not actually so “regular,” as it features a slew of modifications that make it strongest and more capable than your ordinary Land Rover. Some of the most notable upgrades include a V8 powertrain, uprated suspension, and a revised interior.

This bespoke example started life as a 1988 Land Rover 90, so it precedes the name “Defender,” which only became official in 1990. According to Collecting Cars, which currently has the vehicle up for sale, the Land Rover received an LS3 V8 upgrade in 2015 and a plethora of other improvements around the same time, most of them performed by Urban Automotive, self-described as “bespoke modifiers of luxury automotive brands.”

The rugged, boxy vehicle is now powered by a 6.2-liter Chevrolet Corvette LS3 V8 crate engine producing 430 hp (436 ps) at 5,900 rpm and 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) of torque at 4,600 rpm. Power is sent back to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

It rides on 18-inch by 9-inch Coastline Defender alloy wheels wrapped in 285/60R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires, which make it look wider without spacers. It also enjoys uprated suspension and brakes.

The interior also benefitted from a series of improvements and is now boasting Recaro bucket seats, folding seats in the back, a Puma-style Defender dashboard, air conditioning, electric windows, a more powerful sound system, and more.

The 1988 Land Rover 90 has received a new coat of Velocity Blue paint, with gloss black accents on the roof, the grille, wing vents, and side protection runners.

Seeing the upgrades this pickup truck has received, it’s no wonder it piqued Jenson Button’s attention, who is said to have owned the vehicle for around three years, though we don’t know the exact period.

This highly-modified Defender is up for auction on Collecting Cars and is offered with 4,085 miles (6,574 km) on the clock, which seems to be the mileage registered since the engine swap.

Article Credits: Ancuta Iosub
Full Articles: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/highly-modified-land-rover-defender-90-owned-by-jenson-button-is-up-for-auction-206607.html



CategoriesNews
By

Land Rover Defender 90, V8 Edition – The Last of a Dying Breed?

The completely new L663-generation Land Rover Defenders hit the global market in 2019, reviving a legendary model that hadn’t been offered for sale in the United States in well over 20 years. All three new variants – the 90, 110, and 130 – have been powered by very respectable four- or six-cylinder engines… until now. Enter the new V8 Defender 90, an SUV with two doors and eight cylinders that’s hitting the market for the first time in the year 2022. Yes, you read all of that correctly.

Anyone who’s turned on the news over the past two years has noticed a massive move towards electric vehicles and hybrids. Lamborghini will likely never make another V12 motor again with the end of production of the Aventador, and Ferrari (Ferrari!) has announced that they will be releasing an all-electric vehicle in 2025. For car enthusiasts, this is a lot of bad news that is pretending very hard, to be good news. The displacement wars are definitely over, the horsepower wars are probably nearly over, and for many, the fun seems to be over entirely. So then, why is Land Rover cramming their V8 into a brand-new model? Could it be possible that in this day and age, Land Rover is actually having a bit of fun?

The Numbers Game

Two doors on a 90-inch wheelbase, and a total vehicle length of only 170 inches. A 5.0-liter supercharged V8 making a staggering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. All of this is good to push the pint-sized Defender to 60 miles an hour in a shade under 5 seconds (around .8 seconds quicker than the six-cylinder). At first glance, all of this seems wholly illogical. As we’ve discussed above, the internal combustion engine seems to have one foot in the grave at this point, and it’s well known that two-door SUVs don’t do well when it comes to sales figures in the United States. None of these figures add up to one incredibly practical vehicle; the rear seats can be a little tough to access with only one set of doors, and with those rear seats up, cargo space is extremely limited. Some speculate that cramming this monster engine into a vehicle with such a short wheelbase may result in a squirrely ride under hard acceleration, but those who’d nitpick this vehicle’s shortcomings are missing the point a little. Climb inside the cabin and let the tour begin.

Glass Cockpit

Once inside, you’ll likely notice one major detail first: windows are absolutely everywhere. Huge, panoramic glass flanks the rear passengers, and above those are the smaller “safari windows” that have been a mainstay on Land Rovers for decades. A massive sunroof spans almost the entirety of the roof, and all of this glass helps to open up the cabin and reduce any feelings of claustrophobia that can sometimes accompany vehicles with this seating arrangement. The gauge cluster is all-electronic as well and adjustable on the fly, and the rearview mirror doubles as a backup camera. This new Defender 90 model also offers a 12” center screen, which runs Land Rover’s stellar in-house infotainment system. The result of all of this is a sleek, modern, and spacious feel inside what would otherwise be a very small cabin by today’s standards. Available Alcantara accents throughout also help to lend a sporty flair to the upholstery; other than these details, the interior remains similar to the rest of the Defenders

The Heart of the Matter.

Of course, outside of the Defender 90’s quirky and unmistakable styling, the real big talking point is the V8 motor. It’s not a new from-scratch motor, but can currently be found in several time-tested variations of the Range Rover. According to the official EPA rating, it’ll return a very optimistic 16 combined miles-per-gallon, which is right on par with other eight-cylinder offerings. There have been some other upgrades done to the platform to make the sheer horsepower and driveability mesh a little better. These include the addition of a limited-slip differential, as well as electronically-controlled dampers and throttle mapping. These tweaks don’t turn it into a Porsche, of course, but they do help keep the rubber on the road.

It’s important to note that the V8 isn’t exclusive to the 90; for those seeking a Defender with a bit less whimsy than what we’re discussing here, this same motor is also available in the new four-door Defender 110.

The Final Word

It’s a wonderful thing for us that Land Rover has decided to put all the time, energy, and resources into creating such an objectively insane vehicle focused squarely on motoring enthusiasts rather than corporate bean-counters and economy-minding bureaucrats. It’s also one of the few SUVs you can order today where any perceived impracticality in design can be pretty much written off as insignificant; in fact, these impracticalities might be the very point of a vehicle so focused on creating a specific and intentional driving experience. It’s not likely that this will be a big seller for Land Rover, but this is also a Defender that won’t be forgotten on the secondary market and is likely to retain its value for the specific kind of buyer.

All of these things go to show that Land Rover is paying attention to their fans, and not losing sight of what made the Defender such an iconic and beloved marque for decades – the sheer fun factor. With electrification coming to every corner of the auto industry, this very well could be the last two-door, V8 powered SUV that we ever see offered for sale.

While you can option this out with 20-inch wheels and All-Terrain tires, it would be great to see another trim level closer to the Ford Bronco’s Sasquatch package; even bigger tires, more options for recovery points on the front bumper, and perhaps even a winch included with the whole thing. Does this sound like too much to ask for? Probably, but a year ago, a two-door Land Rover Defender with a V8 in it would have sounded like too much, too.





CategoriesNews
By

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.

Photo Gallery





CategoriesNews
By

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.