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.
To certain off-roading enthusiasts, the new-gen Land Rover Defender doesn’t exist. And it is them who are being targeted by Bowler, among other companies, with all sorts of overlanding conversions based on the previous iterations of the iconic off-roader.
The latest is called the 100th Edition, and it is a celebratory model that salutes Bowler’s 100th build of the Defender 90 Road Car Conversion. A bespoke creation, it builds on the 90 Hard Top variant, just like the original Defender Challenge vehicles, and it is also a tribute to its heritage.
Bowler describes it as “a must-have for any collector or Defender enthusiast,’ stating that it features some exclusive touches all around. It has additional stuff inside and out, and some upgrades beneath the skin, all of which are meant to further emphasize its special nature, while also making it more potent on arduous tracks.
Bowler’s new 100th Edition Defender 90 sports new bumpers, sills, rear steps, and steering guard in Corris Gray, signature headlamp surrounds, rollover protection, spare wheel mounted internally, stainless steel fixings, half bulk-head delete, an exclusive graphics package, and logos. It rides on 18-inch lightweight alloys that were wrapped in 285/60 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. Turning night into day at the push of a button are the extra lights mounted up front.
Land Rover’s in-house 4×4 specialists say that they gave it additional soundproofing on the inside, for a quieter and more relaxed drive. The overlander has leather on the upper parts of the dashboard, MOMO steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, and a new gearshift lever. The OEM front seats were replaced by the Recaro SVX 60th Anniversary ones, the headliner is bedecked by Alcantara, and there is a new Alpine infotainment system on deck, complete with a reversing camera.
In addition to these upgrades, Bowler has also taken care of other aspects of their exclusive Defender 90 100th Edition. Here, they mention the new suspension, and a Stage 2 engine upgrade, complete with an intercooler, for more power. The potent 4×4 also comes with a performance exhaust system with mudflap kit, uprated brakes, and it has smoked side lights and repeaters, and LED headlamps to further set it apart from the regular versions of the three-door truck.
The 100th Edition Defender 90 is up for grabs at Bowler, and the off-roading specialist is asking £78,000 (equal to $92,290) for it in the United Kingdom, excluding tax. By comparison, a brand-new Defender 90 Hard Top can be yours from £51,365 ($60,775) locally, and the more practical Defender 110 Hard Top starts at £57,290 ($67,785). For the normal Defender 90, 110, and 130, you are looking at a minimum of £61,940 ($73,285), £64,035 ($75,765), and £75,620 ($89,475) respectively.
Land Rover’s Defender has long been a go-to option for off-roading enthusiasts in the UK, and now the brand has returned with a modern take on the classic Defender, blending vintage styling with modern features. The latest generation offers plenty of comfort and practicality, with a host of off-roading equipment and advanced tech features.
Design
The 2023 Land Rover Defender is available in both two- and four-door body styles. The SUV’s style is rugged and purposeful, with a “safari-chic” interior design. The model features a signature style that pays tribute to the Defenders of the past while also featuring modern touches. The Defender 130 variant, with an extended body to accommodate a third row of seats, is new to the lineup for 2023.
Engine & Performance
The Defender comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle also features four-wheel drive and locking differentials, making it ideal for navigating tough terrain. The Defender is also available with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a 48-volt hybrid system. The V-8 engine is the most powerful option, capable of reaching 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Yes, you read that correctly, this house on wheels can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Interior
The Defender’s cabin offers a blend of premium and utilitarian features, with design cues from the rest of the Land Rover lineup. Exposed rivets in the door panels give the interior a rugged appearance, and the dashboard is also structural, with a magnesium beam running the full width.
The infotainment display is mounted on the dashboard, while a trapezoidal extension provides a place for climate control and driving mode switches. Cargo space is limited in the 90 and 110 models, but the rear seats can be folded for more storage space.
More
The Defender’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine, with the four-cylinder engine providing the most efficient option. Land Rover offers several accessory packages, and there are plenty of personalization options available for those who want to make the Defender their own.
Conclusion
The 2023 Land Rover Defender offers an expert blend of modern features and vintage styling, bringing the Defender’s rich heritage into the 21st century. The Defender’s off-roading capabilities and superior on-road driving behavior make it a top choice for anyone looking for a rugged and reliable SUV. With plenty of personalization options and the addition of the Defender 130 variant, the Defender is sure to be a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
The original Land Rover was a runaway success and instigated companies from all over the world to create ‘inspired’ versions of the SUVs
The original Land Rover is one of the most recognized off-road vehicles. Its roots can be traced back to 1948 when the original version was developed as a light military transport vehicle. Eventually, civilian versions were built and the rest is history. The original Series I, II, and III models, eventually, led to the Land Rover Defender, which in 2019 transitioned into a more sophisticated, hi-tech offering on the SUV market. This left a void in fans of the original Defender, which was more rugged and eager to get down and dirty. Over the years, however, there have been numerous attempts to copy both the original Defender and its predecessors, and these 10 came moderately close.
10 ARO 24 Series
Romanian manufacturer, ARO, was one of the companies that came up with its own interpretation of the British Land Rover. The 24 Series was actually a whole lineup, comprising off-road, commercial, and military vehicles. Like the “Landy”, the ARO 24 came in a variety of shapes and sizes, including two and four-door convertibles, two and four-door pickups, four and five-door SUVs, and more. Powering the Romanian utility vehicle were a variety of petrol and diesel engines with 67 to 207 horsepower and 108 to 236 pound-feet (147 to 320 Nm). The ARO 24 was produced from 1969 to 2006 with production being outsourced to Portugal and Spain in 1975 and 1980, respectively.
9 Santana PS-10
Spanish company, Santana Motors has been manufacturing various, utilitarian SUVs under license since the 1960s. This includes the company’s own versions of the Land Rover series. While much of what the company produced was identical to the British original, the Santana PS-10 was one of the first models that stood out. The PS-10 was, really, a Land Rover Defender 110 with a new front fascia that featured quad-headlamps and some minor, mechanical improvements. The engine was an Iveco-derived, 2.8-liter inline-four diesel with 106 to 125 horsepower. In 1990, Land Rover and Santana terminated relations.
8 Force Gurkha
Indian manufacturer, Force Motors also has its own interpretation of the utilitarian Brit. The Force Gurkha debuted in 2008 and since, has had four generations. The Series-four Gurkha came out in 2021 and is currently in production. Throughout all its generations, the Force Gurkha has been offered with a diesel engine only. It is, in fact, the tried-and-tested, Mercedes OM616, 2.6-liter, diesel engine, which produces up to 90 horsepower in later versions. On the outside, the Gurkha is heavily inspired by the classic Defender and G-Wagon while inside it is just as utilitarian and basic as Land Rover’s rugged SUV.
7 Iveco Massif
Between 2007 and 2011, the Land Rover Defender had an Italian-Spanish rival. The boxy off-roader was actually built by Santana Motors, in Linares, Spain. The Iveco Massif is the successor to the Santana PS-10 and, essentially, a revised version of it. The Massif comes as a full-size, three-row SUV and a pick-up guise. Power is derived from a 3.0-liter Multijet, inline-four diesel engine shared with the Iveco Daily van. It packs 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet (350 Nm). A six-speed manual is the only transmission option.
6 Morattab Series IV
Another Land Rover Defender clone comes from Tehran-based manufacturer, Morattab Khodro. After 1994, Morattab Khodro bought the entirety of Santana’s production line, but even as early as 1979, the company made clones of the boxy Land Rover models. The Morattab Series IV can, easily, be mistaken for a 1990s Defender and even comes in the same body styles, including a four-door pick-up and a two-door SUV, to name a few. While the aesthetic differences were very subtle, the suspension and powertrain was different. The Tehran model came with a Nissan-derived, 1.8-liter, inline-four.
5 Austin Gipsy
In 1958, another British company introduced a basic, utilitarian off-roader. Like the Land Rover series, the Gipsy was meant to be both a military and civilian offering. It succeeded the Austin Champ, which in turn, was inspired by the Jeep Willys. The Gypsy was produced over a 10-year period, but never really managed to be the Land Rover Competitor the company had hoped for. Power came from either an Austin A70 petrol engine or a diesel. Both engines displaced 2.2 liters and produced 55 and 62 horsepower, respectively. Austin’s off-roader was available in 90-inch and 111-inch wheelbases.
4 Ineos Grenadier
It is safe to say, the Ineos Grenadier picks up the torch where the old-school Land Rover Defender left. With the new Defender trading rugged looks for flashy aesthetics, a British company, Ineos, decided to continue giving fans an old-school, rugged, off-roader. Production started in October 2022 in Hambach, France, despite the original plans being to produce the 4X4 in Wales, England. The Grenadier is the best fan-service ever, as it comes with solid beam axles, front and rear, steel-ladder frame, and permanent four-wheel drive. Power comes from BMW’s B58 petrol and B57 turbodiesel inline-six engines.
3 Minerva Land Rover TT
Minerva, named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, is a Belgian company that, initially, started out as a bicycle manufacturer that quickly transitioned into luxury cars. In its final years, before it went defunct, the company produced its own version of the Land Rover series. The Belgian-made Minerva was cheaper, featuring a tin body instead of aluminum. “TT” stood for “Tour Terrain”. The simple 4X4 was used in Belgian colonies after World War 2. Earlier models had an 80-inch wheelbase while some later models had an 86-inch wheelbase and aluminum body, although the bodies are believed to have been interchangeable with the Land Rover. At least some of the models were equipped with a 2.0-liter, OHV, inline-four engine that made 52 horsepower. The company went defunct in 1956.
2 Santana 88 Ligero
One of the first Land Rover-derived models of the Spanish company, Santana, was the Ligero (Light). The bare-bone 4X4 entered production in 1969 and was available in both civilian (88) and military (88M) guise. The military version, in particular, was developed simultaneously with the British Land Rover ½ Ton Lightweight, but the two vehicles had little in common, aside general aesthetics. Two inline-four powertrains were available – a petrol with 81 horsepower and 120 pound-feet (163 Nm) and a diesel with 62 horsepower and 102.5 pound-feet (139 Nm).
1 Trekka 2-10
New Zealand also had its own interpretation of the Land Rover series. Unlike the other entries on the list, the Trekka 2-10 does not feature robust underpinnings. The light utility vehicle is based on the 1959-1971 Skoda Octavia. The Trekka was produced between 1966 and 1973 and featured a boxy design, very similar to classic Land Rovers. It even has a side-mounted spare wheel on the rear fenders. The New Zealand model also came as a van and a ute. Power came from the Skoda Octavia’s 1.1 and 1.2-liter, inline-four engines, which produced up to 47 horsepower. The Trekka was rear-wheel-drive only.
E.C.D. Automotive Design, the world’s largest Land Rover restoration company, has finished yet another fantastic-looking restomod. An older 110 served as the canvas for this build, which is rocking an eight-speed automatic and a supercharged V8 powerplant of General Motors origin.
The coil-sprung Defender was introduced in 1983 as the Land Rover One Ten, followed by the Ninety in 1984, with these numbers spelled in full. The replacement for the Land Rover series would be renamed for the 1991 model year Defender, which came in short-wheelbase 90 and long-wheelbase 110 flavors. North America received the 110 for the 1993 model year, whereas the 90 was offered from 1994 through model year 1997.
Extensively modified to comply with U.S. regulations, the Defender 110 was originally equipped with a Buick 215-based Rover V8 engine, LT-77 five-speed manual transmission, and LT230 transfer case. The subsequent Land Rover Defender 90 that replaced the 110 stateside was canned over airbag and side-impact requirements introduced for 1998.
500 units of the NAS Defender 110 were delivered stateside, plus 25 to Canadian customers, making it the most valuable of North American-spec vehicles. Even after the European 110 became eligible for importation, the NAS Defender 110 continued to be revered by off-road enthusiasts.
“Project Sweet Pea” isn’t a NAS Defender 110, but a 1995 model that was imported under the 25-year rule. A one-off commission finished in Ford Brittany Blue Metallic, the Landy pictured in the gallery features white wing top checkers, wing top air intakes, and side steps. The 16-inch alloy wheels are mounted with BFGoodrich all-terrain rubber boots, as you would expect from an off-road vehicle. Up front, you’ll notice the original grille gone in favor of the Kahn X-Lander from British outfit Project Kahn.
Finished in white and yellow, said grille is complemented by an ARB bull bar that promises extensive front-end protection. It further integrates a remote-controlled winch supplied by Warn. The 2+2+4 interior flaunts Recaro Sportster Cross front seats with custom-embroidered headrests.
The middle-row seats are also featured, whereas the load area boasts four inward-facing jump seats. The Caressa Porcelain leather upholstery benefits from Chatham Navy accents and alligator inserts. The wood grain steering wheel frames Esquire instrumentation, and on-board entertainment comes courtesy of a Kenwood eXcelon head unit connected to Infinity Kappa speakers and a subwoofer. Lacquered teakwood flooring in the cargo area and four mid-section cupholders pretty much seal the deal.
E.C.D. Automotive Design didn’t mention what kind of numbers that LT4 generates at the crankshaft, but we do know that Chevrolet sells an LT4 crate engine with 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet (854 Nm) of torque on deck. Essentially an LT1 with a blower on top, the LT4 produces these figures thanks to an Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger that spins at up to 20,000 revolutions per minute, generating more than 9 pounds of boost.
