This, however, does not mean that the current Defender, which traces its roots back original Land Rover Series launched in 1948, will be discontinued.
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Now even Land Rover admits that the time has come for the current Defender to make way for a brand-new model. The first step is the presentation of not one, but two concepts, the DC100 and DC100 Sport at the Frankfurt Motor Show, both of which preview the production version set to launch in 2015.
Project Kahn dreamed up four different variants of the DC100, the first of which simply features a white paint job along with the tuning firm's trademark multispoke alloy wheels finished in black.
But the British automaker, which is now under the control of India's Tata Motors, believes it's time to move on and prepare fans of the vehicle and consumers alike for the next generation of its iconic Defender with the presentation of the DC100 concept that will bow in Frankfurt next month.
Vilner, which is a Bulgarian design studio, said it was approached by a "Russian oligarch" (a.k.a. a business magnate) who wanted to turn the wick up on a short- and long-wheelbase Land Rover Defender by customizing their interiors.
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Finished in a bright white color, the Defender 90 Yachting Edition rolls on 16-inch alloys wrapped around in wider tires measuring 267/75 R16. Complementing the 4x4's looks are new running boards with integrated entrance lights that are activated via the keyless fob or by opening one of the doors, an SVX grille and body-colored headlight covers.
Changes to the Defender's exterior have been kept to a minimum as the only visual hint to the 2007 model is the revised bonnet profile. The Defender will make its first public debut at the 2006
Press Release
More Pulling Power: Defender's new 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine draws on parent company Ford's acknowledged diesel engine expertise, and represents a major step forward in terms of refinement and driveability. Torque output is higher than the outgoing engine right across the usable rev range, and the 360 Nm (265 lb ft) peak is delivered at only 2000 rpm; over 315 Nm (232 lb ft) of torque is available from 1500 rpm to 2700 rpm.
Based on a cast-iron block, the engine features an alloy, 16-valve cylinder head with Denso common rail fuel injection. Not only is combustion noise dramatically reduced, thanks to the excellent control provided by the engine's solenoid-driven fuel injectors, but a new Garrett variable geometry turbocharger also helps ensure throttle response is improved over the outgoing engine. The engine's lubrication and sealing systems have been specially developed to cope with Defender's onerous range of operating angles.
Individual pedal maps specifically matched to the demands of each gear are designed to ensure throttle progression and control is better than ever before; in addition, improved anti-stall characteristics further extend the vehicle's renowned ability to tackle the toughest terrain.
In-Car Entertainment Systems: For the first time, high-mounted tweeters are available in Defender and work in conjunction with the new speaker installation for significantly improved clarity and sound reproduction. An auxiliary/MP3 audio input socket is also available.
New Heating And Ventilation System: Cabin airflow is up almost 50 per cent, with new aluminium plate and fin heat exchangers helping deliver impressive performance. In cold weather, the heater warms the cabin 40 per cent quicker than before and can achieve cabin temperatures a full 12C higher. The air-conditioning system can cool the cabin in half the time of the old unit, and achieve cabin temperatures 7C lower too. The addition of side window demist vents helps maintain visibility whatever the weather.
Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing significantly increased comfort and space over the outgoing model, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Accessed either through the rear door or by folding the second row seats, they can be easily folded and stowed sideways in the loadspace.
Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also available to add a touch of luxury to the new cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions. Upgraded sound insulation, the common rail engine's excellent combustion control and the significantly higher top gear all contribute to a substantial overall improvement in cabin refinement.
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Customer demand for the Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year, including a series of significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation. It starts going on sale next spring and will help ensure that the Defender remains in production until at least 2010.
The extension to the long life of Defender, which has been in production in various models since 1948, will preserve more than 750 jobs at the Solihull factory where it is produced alongside the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery 3. Work is also underway to see if there are opportunities to extend Defender's life beyond 2010.
Annual production of Defender has remained consistent at around 25,000 units in recent years, with much of the demand coming from large contract orders. For example, the Italian energy distribution company, Ente Nazionale Elettricita, recently placed an order for over 900 Defenders.
"With sales growth forecast in 2006, Defender remains a significant contributor to the business as well as an enduring symbol of Land Rover's 4x4 heritage," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "Its simple concept hasn't changed fundamentally over the years, but it remains as relevant as ever.
Defender continues to play a vital role for emergency services, aid workers and farmers around the world. As we grow Land Rover we're not forgetting our core values and our traditional customers."
With a rugged ladder-frame box-section chassis and aluminium bodywork, the Defender is incredibly tough. Its practical advantages include its unmatched combination of off-road supremacy, carrying capacity and towing capability.
The Defender name was introduced in 1990 but the model is a direct descendant of the original Land Rover introduced in 1948. Production of Defender and its predecessors has passed 1.8 million and it is estimated that over two thirds of them are still in use.
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