Report: Land Rover is unsure on next-generation Defender

Land Rover continues to work on the engineering for the new Defender as well as on production plans, according to a senior source. Land Rover is expected to lessen the variation of commercial body variations and permit military sales to decline.

In March, Land Rover began working on Project Icon, which aims to develop the replacement for the 62-year-old Defender. Funds were approved by Tata Motors for a full engineering and design program, giving the project its slot in Land Rover’s product cycle. Launch date is set in 2014.
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theoptimisticpessimist - 9/2/2010 2:11:24 PM

+2 Boost

If Tata lessen the off-roading ability of the Defender this company is lost. It will become just another nouveau riche grocery getter. Real off roader are becoming harder and hard to find.

tango - 9/2/2010 2:33:14 PM

+1 Boost

The last set of Defenders to hit US shores are still pulling some SERIOUS prices used. We're talking circa 50 grand for a mid-90s model. That says something about how well even the US market rates these vehicles. Carefil thought and planning needs to go into the replacement.

rubenkincaid - 9/2/2010 6:57:29 PM

+1 Boost

It would be great to have the Defender back in the US. I hope they keep the Defender name, and that it looks better than the current Icon renderings. The airbag issues will undoubtedly be straightened out for US import.
And hopefully, it will remain a basic workhorse.

sdcarguy - 9/2/2010 8:46:29 PM

+2 Boost

Why replace it? Its perfect as is.

suspence - 9/2/2010 11:14:01 PM

+1 Boost

I'd gladly stomach the Evoque if a worthy Defender replacement would reach our shores. No Terrain Response, no independent suspension. I daily drive a '95 Classic and a new (or current) Defender would be the only vehicle that could draw me into a LR dealer in the near future. A Defender is a vehicle you keep for the long haul; New Rovers are only as good as their warranties.

r_driver04 - 9/3/2010 4:35:06 PM

+1 Boost

Defender is cash money. A classic 4x4. But how well will it do in shrinking market? Don't get me wrong, I'd own one.

85bmw745i - 9/5/2010 11:16:49 PM

+1 Boost

I love my Discovery II, the last of the real purpose made off roaders from land rover. Sure the new ones are great for being stock but not much can be done as far as suspension mods. I would give my disco II away for a defender like the one above. I do take my disco II off road