Land Rover Defender, is this the end of a legend?
The questions that currently begs for an answer “Is this the end of a legend, an icon in Africa”? Is the Land Rover Defender busy dying?
Although the technology currently in use is some 26 years old, the concept for its replacement, the DC100, seems to be very controversial. The new replacement very well may be a fantastic vehicle, arguably better than its predecessor, but there is no chance that it will be the same vehicle.
Here are some “facts” about the substitute:
The car has been confirmed for launch in 2015, and although official details are still scarce, the Land Rover design team – led by Gerry McGovern – has aimed for what it calls a “functional and purposeful design” that celebrates the practicality of the original.
Trademark Defender styling cues such as the door mirrors and floating roof are set to go hand-in-hand with off-road extras such as a winch, sump guards and heavy-duty tow hooks. Headlights inspired by the Range Rover Evoque add a dash of upmarket style, as do the raised bonnet line and aggressive alloys.
In profile, the block-like shape is combined with sharp creases in the body. Angular glass all-round creates a rugged, wedge-like shape.
Under the skin, the DC100 is expected to feature an updated version of the heavy-duty platform from the Discovery 4. It also offers an enhanced Terrain Response System, as well as an advanced traction control set-up. Power is likely to come from a range of new four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all developed in-house at Land Rover.
No details on interior design have been released, but the latest satellite navigation and communication systems are expected to feature. This will be a world apart from the agricultural design of the current model.
A few weeks ago, they reported on the huge responsibility Land Rover felt in replacing the Defender, with boss Colin Green telling Auto Express: “If we get it wrong, we are messing up one of the industry’s biggest icons.”
Design chief McGovern explained: “This isn’t a production-ready concept, but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.”
Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think of the DC 100!
DC 100
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To be quite honest I like the look of the DC100 and think it will do very well in its own class. I am in the hospitality industry and have been for 11 years. The Defender 110 and 130 are my vehicles of choice. My concern is what will we replace these vehicles with which provide the most comfortable ride, yes we can still use Toyota and is for sure a reliable work horse but as far as comfort is concerned cannot compare to the ride of our legendary defender. We load these vehicles with 10 guests at the most.. that’s a huge load considering the average human weighs in at 65-75 kg’s. and then we still bash about in the bush.. off road is where our animals sleep and in order for us to view them we need a strong, stable and capable vehicle. this to me is the defender.. the DC100 may very well be adapted for a roof rack, diff guards bull bars and winches but i most certainly do not see any one converting it into a game viewer.. taking an angle grinder to a Toyota land cruiser is harsh enough, taking an angle grinder to DC100 well i will leave it at that..
NO.
This looks like a rugged D4 or Freelander but NOT a replacement for the Defender.
This looks welcome in Sandton not where there is no road to follow.
There will never be a replacement for the iconic Defender, but the DC 100 will probably be a very decent off-road motorcar…just as most other 4×4′s on the market. Long live The Defender!