Jump to content

New Defender


Recommended Posts

The factory is being built in Slovakia.

I had the opportunity to discuss with a few people involved in the project and although they were careful not to say anything precise, one told me I should expect to be positively surprised.

Wait and see...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, Ed Poore said:

Simple - heavier right foot to clear the obstacle. Similar power and torque figures to a 3.6TDV8 and 200kg lighter 'depending on configuration'.

No no no no its just too long !

The best place for anything that long is in a canal.

😆

Mo

  • Haha 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is interesting to read that "For the ‘Mk 2’ LRV, Supacat have taken the rolling chassis and automotive systems from the Land Rover Discovery and adapted them for specialist military applications." 

Spec are "permanent 4WD with centre diff. lock Differentials Options including : Front and rear air locking Suspension and axles Front and rear fully independent double wishbone".

I wonder what land rover could do with the Discovery rolling chassis if Supacat have done this?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It would be nice to steer this thread towards some actual positive forward-looking discussion of what land Rover might actually really do with the new Defender.

The Supacat thing certainly shows the sort of thing that's possible, and the D3/D4 platform is incredibly capable even if (in its more luxurious form) it adds a lot of complexity. BUT -  strip out some of the gizmos, put it on coil springs and you've got a sturdy high-articulation independent modern 4WD platform.

The TATA Sumo looks fugly/cheap but I doubt LR would sell anything like that, certainly they'd give it a trip through the styling department before putting the green oval on it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, FridgeFreezer said:

put it on coil springs

You'd lose quite a bit of it's flexibility then.

In my opinion one of the most significant benefits of using the air bags is Land Rover's cross-linking of the bags - in short you the benefits of fully independent suspension when on-road and then the benefits of a live axle when off road.

Longer version for those that aren't aware (based of my L322 but I'm sure the Disco is the same setup):

Basically when 'Special Programs' are off on the valves between bags on the front and rear axles are closed. This means when you hit a pothole (for example) only the wheel that hits it is affected. If you have a live axle then some 'shock' is transmitted through the axle to the other wheel. I've experienced this in the Defender when you hit big pot holes whilst cornering the front can jump sideways. With independent suspension it doesn't happen (drove over the same pothole in Waterlooville in both Defender and TDV8).

When you activate the terrain response (maybe only in some modes not all) a valve opens between the air bags on each axle. This means that when one wheel gets pushed up, by say a rock, the air flows to the other bag pushing it down just as a live axle would. If you didn't have this valve then the air bag on the rock would compress and all you'd likely do is lose ground clearance as the middle of the vehicle stays flat.

It also has obvious benefits that you can adjust the ride height for on-road stability. E.g. the TDV8 will hunker down ~1" if I remember correctly if you go over 100mph and stay above 80mph afterwards. Reduces some drag but also makes the vehicle more planted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By using our website you agree to our Cookie Policy