- The DC100 provides clues about the new Defender, due in 2015.
- It was designed to stimulate debate about the model's future direction.
- This will be the most significant update since the 1948 original.
- The new Defender is likely to come to the U.S.
GAYDON, England — Land Rover has released two photos of the Defender concept it will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. The two-door DC100 offers a clue as to how the replacement for the iconic Defender will look when it goes on sale in 2015. "This concept is designed to stimulate debate," a Land Rover spokesperson told us. "We are committed to a Defender replacement, but this concept will help us to understand what direction it must take."
One of the key questions the company must answer is whether the new Defender is a simple off-road tool for the developing world in the spirit of the original Land Rover, or whether it's a fashion-conscious toy for the affluent. The recent decision to distinguish the more utilitarian Land Rover family from the more opulent Range Rover lineup could be a clue to the Defender's likely path. According to Global Brand Director John Edwards, "the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market."
This will be the most significant Defender update since the original Land Rover was launched in 1948. The two-door, which has a short wheelbase and an exaggerated "wheel at each corner" stance, is being billed as a true concept in contrast to the sister Jaguar C-X16, which is a production concept. DC100 is an idea, not the finished article. Gerry McGovern, director of design, reckons the concept is, "the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century."
Land Rover has promised to reveal more details of the concept's drivetrain in Frankfurt, but it has confirmed that this will be a global car. Although U.S. officials say that no decision has been made, every indication points to U.S. sales as Land Rover targets a new customer base. The company sold 20,185 Defenders last year, a figure it hopes to increase significantly with the launch of the new model.
Inside Line says: Let's hope the DC100 points the way to a proper off-roader that's true to the spirit of the original Land Rover.
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jrhoglund1 says:
02:58 PM, 09/14/2011
how much will it cost ?
lolxd says:
09:22 AM, 09/09/2011
One thing's for sure, this thing will be LIGHTER than the previous Defender.
Front end looks like a Mitsubishi Pajero/Shogun
rover46 says:
04:25 PM, 09/07/2011
It does look like a Kia!!! I will buy one if it is an evolution of the prior Defenders, preferably a 4 door with a removable top. I really hope that there is more sport infused into Land Rover and less luxury, saving that for Range Rover. I currently have a LR3 and can't bring myself to think about a LR4 because of the Range Roverification! I also don't want a expensive, cartoon looking (FJ Cruiser), "Lifestyle" vehicle. Isn't the Evoque that?
cortezcortez says:
11:07 AM, 09/06/2011
Terrible. This thing is an insult to the Defender 90 and all Defender owners. I don't care how well it does off-road or what "improvements" have been made. It looks like a Kia and consequently looks like s***. Hopefully, Land Rover will receive enough flack to leave the Defender the way it is.
trmckin says:
01:09 PM, 09/01/2011
are the panels on the top removable??? if not.. fail. same for the FJ redux. Jeep can't be the only company to have this market figured out by now..
500rwhp says:
09:18 PM, 08/31/2011
Looks like a Kia. Fail
j5kuilema says:
10:49 AM, 08/31/2011
86 the lo-pro tires and over size wheels for some proper off-roading attire and this could be a potential replacement. Let the richies have Range Rover, keep Land Rover simple and capable... even if not exactly affordable... even old Defenders are still fetching over $30k.
k55 says:
10:41 AM, 08/31/2011
WOW this is COOL ...............and I dont even like SUV's.
LRchris says:
09:52 AM, 08/31/2011
This need to compete with the Jeep Wrangler and start under $30K. Finally!!
britanniarulz says:
08:13 AM, 08/31/2011
Reminds me of the Skoda Yeti! Not good... not the image a future Defender should have... IMO...