Report: Land Rover’s new Defender to be ready in 2018, to be sold in the US
So the original Land Rover Defender is about to be phased out and there is a replacement on the way. And now, Automobile Magazine claims to have heard about some more details regarding the next Defender.
Due for a reveal sometime in 2018 with the outgoing model ending in December of this year, the new Defender has a lot of weight riding on its shoulders, considering Defender traditionalists are extremely resistant to change. Additionally, because Defender traditionalists are resistant to change, many aren’t settled with the idea that their beloved Defender is coming to an end. But it is inevitable, mainly due to new crash and fuel economy regulations.
But here’s the better news: the new Defender will be available in the United States.
Five different bodystyles will be available with the same availability for a short or long wheelbase. There will also be pickup versions. Though Automobile didn’t hear which versions would specifically come to our shores.
Expect the use of Jaguar-Land Rover’s new line of Ingenium gasoline and diesel engines, mated to either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic. Low-range transfer cases as well as locking differentials will be options.
Otherwise, the new Defender will be all-new from the ground up and should feature all of Land Rover’s modern off-roading tech.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Automobile