Land Rover is considering what a 21st century version of the classic Defender SUV would look like. Our first preview of such a vehicle is with the Frankfurt concept that reinterprets the original Defender.
The Land Rover concept appears to retain some of the hallmarks of the beloved Defender 90 (i.e. boxy profile, stubby wheelbase, exposed spare tire) while simultaneously incorporating cues (i.e. fender vents, flared wheel wheels, large wheels, etc.) that are increasingly ingrained into modern Land Rover design DNA.
"Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world," Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's director of design, said in a prepared release. "It is a car that inspires people world wide. This isn't a production-ready concept, but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century."
Expect to see a new Defender around the world in 2015. Officials say they hope to use this concept to engage with customers on what features should be included in the actual production vehicle.
One decision that must be made is whether the Defender will return to North America. While previous reports suggested the all-new design could be engineered to meet NHTSA and FMVSS standards, Land Rover's official stance is there is "no current decision on whether or not the next-generation Defender will come to North American markets."
People ask me questions fairly infrequently, but when they do, these are the questions I’m frequently asked.
What do you do?
I’m an associate Web editor at Automobile Magazine. Which, in a nutshell, means I write about cars and car news primarily for our lovely Web site.
Are you a car guy?
How could I not have been? A disturbing number of my relatives have worked in the auto industry, and I spent my formative years as a child grinning in the back seat of my dad’s 1965 Mustang. I’d also note I’m more of a “wheeled machine” guy, as I also have an alarming affinity for things like trucks, trains, and buses. Don’t ask.
Does every 9-5 shift involve driving exotic supercars in the French Riviera?
I wish.
How can I get your job?
Timing is everything. By luck, an internship opening at AutoWeek opened while while I was finishing my collegiate coursework; I then worked at freelancing news items for Winding Road. A similar position opened up at Automobile just as I graduated, and I’ve been here ever since.
What’s your dream car?
Honestly, this changes with the weather.
Seriously, what cars do you like?
For reasons beyond my understanding, I have a soft spot for Francomobiles, especially the Citroen ID/DS, 2CV, the Renault 4 (not 4CV), and anything designed and constructed by Gabrielle Voisin. Also, I’m in the process of convincing my wife that a vintage Mercedes-Benz Unimog or a Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer is both a sound investment and a practical family vehicle. Wish me luck with that.
What’s the best car you’ve driven?
Oh, dear. I’ve had some fun with some really fun machines during my time at Automobile, including (but not limited to) the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, a Porsche Cayman R, a Bentley Continental GT, and an Aston Martin DBS. I also once managed to miraculously cram my hulking frame into the confines of a Lotus Exige.
I’ll never forget my brief time behind the wheel of a giant International semi truck (let alone trying to shift the 18-speed gearbox), but the most memorable vehicle piloted during my employment? That honor has to go to a mint-condition Peugeot 205 Turbo 16.
Read More