Will the Land Rover DC100 spell the end for the legendary Defender?

Posted by Tim Skelton on 4 May 2012

With the new Land Rover DC100 confirmed for launch in 2015, there are a few questions that are currently begging for answers:

Is the Land Rover Defender busy dying?

Is this the end of a legend, the end of an icon in Africa?

Although the technology currently in use is some 26 years old, the concept for its replacement, the DC100 (see image), seems to be very controversial. The new replacement may very well be a fantastic vehicle, arguably better than its predecessor, but there is no chance that it will be the same vehicle.

Here are some facts about the DC100:

  • The car has been confirmed for launch in 2015, and although official details are still scarce, the Land Rover design team – led by Gerry McGovern – has aimed for what it calls ‘a functional and purposeful design’ that celebrates the practicality of the original.
  • Trademark Defender styling cues such as the door mirrors and floating roof are set to go hand-in-hand with off-road extras such as a winch, sump guards and heavy-duty tow hooks.
  • Headlights inspired by the Range Rover Evoque add a dash of upmarket style, as do the raised bonnet line and aggressive alloys.
  • In profile, the block-like shape is combined with sharp creases in the body.
  • Angular glass all-round creates a rugged, wedge-like shape.
  • Under the skin, the DC100 is expected to feature an updated version of the heavy-duty platform from the Discovery 4.
  • It also offers an enhanced Terrain Response System, as well as an advanced traction control set-up.
  • Power is likely to come from a range of new four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all developed in-house at Land Rover.

No details on interior design have been released, but the latest satellite navigation and communication systems are expected to feature. This will be a world apart from the agricultural design of the current model. A few weeks ago, they reported on the huge responsibility Land Rover felt in replacing the Defender, with boss Colin Green telling Auto Express: “If we get it wrong, we are messing up one of the industry’s biggest icons.” Design chief McGovern explained: “This isn’t a production-ready concept, but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.”

Leave us a comment below and let me know what you think of the DC 100!

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