We reported the other day that images of the new Defender would be released this week and Financial Times have just released the first image. We know you want to see it, so here it is!
This is the only image we have so far, but it's completely different to the current Defender. To be honest, we can't see any resemblance to the current model. Ok, maybe the air in take on the wing. But the lights, the grill and that terribly low front bumper make it look more like a baby-Discovery than a Defender. It doesn't look very rugged, or appear to carry over the Defenders re-knowned bolt-on-bolt-off construction.
Side view from Land Rover Monthly
This is a preview of the vehicle which is planned for release, according to FT, in 2015. Land Rover's Design Director, Gerry McGovern says that it's not the finished vehicle, but rather, the start of a 4 year journey to design a 'relevant Defender for the 21st-Century'. Likely, that means more electronic safety / terrain aids, a more passenger and pedestrian friendly design and perhaps a more economic, machine built construction. Hopefully, we'll see bigger, more powerful engine options, maybe matching the Discovery / Range Rover line-ups. One of the reasons for phasing the current design out is the engines high-emissions when compared to European Standards.
For those wondering, here's Land Rover's trademark application for the DC100 name (probably a prototype name like the LRX) - Link
However, we've been writing about it for 10 minutes now and it's starting to grow on us quite a bit! Imagine it properly off-road prepped with some chunky off-road tyres, a low profile bumper, snorkel, roof-rack e.t.c
Just for fun, we've given the DC100 a bit more of the old Defender back in it's design. It's a little more sympathetic and in keeping.
Update: We've noted that the US Land Rover Twitter account are really dropping hints in their twitter stream, talking about Defenders e.t.c. This may indicate the new model is going to the US. Surely it has to? The US is a huge market and not selling the current Defender there is a large thorn in Land Rover's side.
The news was broken only a few hours ago but already comments are streaming in on the design.
LRexpedition simply said
@funrover#newdefender oh dear....
@funrover I'd rather have a Jeep than that. It's horrid.
We'll update the post the more we hear about it and as more pictures are released.
Update: For those worried, John Edwards, Global Brand Director at Land Rover has said:
"Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market. We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle. One thing's for sure, it's going to be an exciting journey, and we can't wait to get going,"
Let us know what you think of the DC100.
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 LAND ROVER DC100 DC100 SPORT PRESTIGE PRESS BROCHURE DATA DVD BOOK 2012 $20.00 End Date: Wednesday Jun-12-2013 18:27:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 2012 Land Rover DC100 & DC100 Sport Press Kit Brochure $19.50 End Date: Friday May-24-2013 11:45:32 PDT Buy It Now for only: $19.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 NEW Black leather LAND ROVER LandRover KEYRING KEYCHAIN RANGE ROVER DC100 $8.99 End Date: Tuesday May-21-2013 7:21:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 2011 Land Rover DC 100 Sport Concept Car Vinyl Banner Sign $21.99 End Date: Wednesday Jun-5-2013 19:50:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 2011 Land Rover DC 100 Sport Concept Mousepad Mouse Mat $8.79 End Date: Saturday Jun-1-2013 19:52:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: $8.79 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 2011 Land Rover DC 100 Sport Concept Drinks Coaster Mat Pad 4 Pcs $8.79 End Date: Saturday Jun-1-2013 19:52:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $8.79 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
13 Responses to Land Rover DC100 Revealed!
Pingback: New Land Rover ‘Defender’ revealed | Sometimespace
Pete C says: To me, it looks like the Evoque crossed with the new Mini and/or a Kia Soul. With rims off a Citroen DS3. However, your photoshop image improves things somewhat.
Still, a NO from me.
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It does have a Citroen DS3 feel to it indeed. They’ve gone too modern, too soon and too far from the original design (there’s so little design cues in there it’s not funny). It’s just a baby Freelander.
Excellent news, I’m really pleased to see this. Means better residual values for all us existing Defender owners. 
Jackie says: I hate it, but totally agree with ‘patently’. I wouldn’t be seen dead in it!
manson says: its just not …well ..right..no roof rack rim, so can not take the tree trunks i put on top. soft edges look like all the rest of the toy 4x4s.
Nick says: Looks more like a bigger Skoda Yeti!
Gary says: Terrible ,was expecting something really good as I have a d4 but this looks like crap and not what I was wanting.
Going to buy an Aromrok.
Sam Russell says: Glass surrounds on all pillars? On a Defender? – so stupid i cant believe it even made the prototype!
*Time for a new design chief*!!
Gerry’s so hellbent on selling Freelanders, he actually took one, called it new Defender and expects it to sell.
Dave McKewan says: My God, are these people morons or what? Do they not have a Defender 90 and/or 110 lying around to look at?
This should be easy. You use whatever chasis, running gear and engine package that will shut those stupid frackers in Brussels up and then you bolt the exisitng body work to it.
Brussels can go pound sand and we get the Defender we know and love…..
baz says: Wheres the checker-plate?
No.
No, no, no.
That is all.
Oh… and THIS: http://lucasblack.posterous.com/dear-landroveruk-series-up-to-defenders-are-i