9 January 2012

Land Rover Defender concept 100 at New Delhi Auto Expo

Land Rover's Defender Concept 100 and Defender Concept 100 Sport made their Indian debut at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012.

These concepts investigate the potential design direction for a replacement for the iconic Defender.

According to John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Direction, "The Defender has always been at the heart of the Land Rover Brand and single-handedly defines our go-anywhere, can-do spirit. Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithful to its original DNA; tough versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations."

Land Rover intend to introduce the all new Defender in the middle of the decade. These concepts are just the start of the journey, and are intended to showcase the potential breath of capability for the future Defender family. Both have evolved since their unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September and now ride on optimised off-road 20-inch alloy wheels shod with Cooper all-terrain tyres.

The Defender Concept 100 re-invents the essential defender design cues for the 21st century. These include short overhangs, vertical panels, an upright windscreen and strong shoulder line for visibility, and the Defender 'face' with its signature round lamps and prominent grille, incorporating a winch.

Almost two million Defenders have been made and three-quarters of these are still doing regular duty. The Defender Concept 100 nameplate is regionally specific to India. The concepts in all other markets will continue to be referred to as Land Rover DC100 and Land Rover DC100 Sports Concepts.