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....

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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