2007 Defender Details announced

[Kev Baldwin]

Only other external difference is new style badge on rear and the traditional front vent flaps have now gone.

LR Press Release

COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO ICONIC DEFENDER FOR 2007

· New 2.4-litre common rail diesel engine for improved driveability, refinement and pulling power

· New six-speed gearbox featuring a wide ratio spread for better off-road and cruising abilities

· New fully-integrated facia improves quality and ergonomics

· New, more comfortable seating with full-size forward-facing third-row seat option

· New high-output heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system

· Unique Defender architecture retained, with 90, 110 and 130 wheelbase versions supporting a wide range of bespoke derivatives

Greater ability both on-road and off-road plus increased comfort, performance and refinement are among the major improvements introduced for the Land Rover Defender for 2007. A new 2.4-litre diesel engine offers increased torque and improved driveability while the new six-speed gearbox provides a lower first gear ratio, for better off-road control, and a high sixth gear for improved cruising refinement. Inside the vehicle, a new facia improves ergonomics, whilst new seating improves comfort for all occupants, from the four-seat Defender 90 to the five-seat 110 and 130 models. A seven-seat Defender 110 is also available.

The latest in a long line of evolutionary updates to a vehicle whose roots date back to 1948 (since when nearly 1.9 million units have been sold), the 2007 model year changes maintain Defender’s relevance while enhancing its functionality, versatility and durability.

Since the current model’s introduction in 2002, Defender has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide. Retail and utility customers, armed forces and NGOs in over 100 countries value Defender’s class-leading blend of towing and load-carrying versatility, alongside the vehicle’s extraordinary strength, robustness and capability. The unique combination of these attributes helps account for the model’s exceptionally high standards of customer loyalty.

Land Rover managing director Phil Popham said: “We’re building on Defender’s success with a package of improvements that will extend its off-road abilities even further, while transforming on-road refinement and comfort. These changes represent a significant vote of confidence in a product which is the foundation of Land Rover’s reputation for off-road excellence; we believe these enhancements will win the hearts and minds of new and existing customers alike.”

MORE PULLING POWER

Defender’s new 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine draws on parent company Ford’s acknowledged diesel engine expertise, and represents a major step forward in terms of refinement and driveability. Torque output is higher than the outgoing engine right across the usable rev range, and the 360 Nm (265 lb ft) peak is delivered at only 2000 rpm; over 315 Nm (232 lb ft) of torque is available from 1500 rpm to 2700 rpm.

Engine peak power output is 122 PS (90 kW), with more than 90 per cent of peak power available from less than 2200 rpm to over 4350 rpm – over 60 per cent of the usable rev range. Naturally, in European markets (with high quality diesel fuels), the new engine is designed to be fully compliant with EU4 emissions legislation. But with Defender’s status as a truly global product, a unique engine tune has also been developed to tolerate variable quality, high-sulphur fuels.

Based on a cast-iron block, the engine features an alloy, 16-valve cylinder head with Denso common rail fuel injection. Not only is combustion noise dramatically reduced, thanks to the excellent control provided by the engine’s solenoid-driven fuel injectors, but a new Garrett variable geometry turbocharger also helps ensure throttle response is improved over the outgoing engine. The engine’s lubrication and sealing systems have been specially developed to cope with Defender’s onerous range of operating angles.

The new GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox provides a much wider ratio spread than before; the lower first gear offers a reduction in crawl speed and combines with the engine’s increased torque output to make towing on-road and off-road even easier. The increased engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration, and has allowed the new sixth gear to be set 20 per cent higher than the outgoing model’s top gear. This helps to improve real-world cruising refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and new transfer box help boost refinement, while reductions in clutch and gear-change loads make day-to-day living with Defender significantly easier.

Individual pedal maps specifically matched to the demands of each gear are designed to ensure throttle progression and control is better than ever before; in addition, improved anti-stall characteristics further extend the vehicle’s renowned ability to tackle the toughest terrain.

Changes to the vehicle exterior have been kept to a minimum, with a revised bonnet profile the only clue to the new Defender’s increased capability.

As Dave Saddington, Defender chief designer points out, “Defender’s timeless exterior has become synonymous with functional design. Every line and surface seems to be linked to the vehicle’s extraordinary capability, so we deliberately changed very little.

“But the interior’s a different story. We wanted to change the heating system and instruments, as well as improve ergonomics, all of which gave us the opportunity to introduce an all-new facia. In doing so, we’ve worked hard to reflect Defender’s unique purpose and versatility inside the vehicle too. The new facia is better integrated, more robust and functionally superior to the old unit, whilst still entirely in keeping with Defender’s character.”

IMPROVED COMFORT AND ERGONOMICS

Defender’s new facia is based on a single, large moulding supported on a robust steel rail to help eliminate squeaks and rattles. Instruments from Land Rover’s Discovery 3 provide clear, concise information to the driver, and details like all-LED instrument illumination help ensure high standards of reliability. Improvements to ergonomics abound – for example, a new passenger-side grab handle provides robust, two-handed support during extreme off-road driving. The process of modernising Defender’s facia hasn’t sacrificed its usability either, with versatile stowage shelves conveniently located for both the driver and passenger. Two console options are available: a practical open-tray design that keeps contents to hand and a large, lidded design that provides an impressive 14-litres of stowage.

In-car entertainment systems have been upgraded to take advantage of Defender’s improved refinement. For the first time, high-mounted tweeters are available in Defender and work in conjunction with the new speaker installation for significantly improved clarity and sound reproduction. An auxiliary/MP3 audio input socket is also available.

The new facia houses an all-new heating and ventilation system. Cabin airflow is up almost 50 per cent, with new aluminium plate and fin heat exchangers helping deliver impressive performance. In cold weather, the heater warms the cabin 40 per cent quicker than before and can achieve cabin temperatures a full 12°C higher. The air-conditioning system can cool the cabin in half the time of the old unit, and achieve cabin temperatures 7°C lower too. The addition of side window demist vents helps maintain visibility whatever the weather.

Seating is also comprehensively improved. New, taller front seats are designed to improve back support and head restraint ergonomics.

Robust, more supportive second row seats are introduced too. 110 Station Wagon and 130 Crew Cab models can comfortably accommodate three occupants on a new, asymmetrically-split second row seat. A spring-assisted fold mechanism helps when folding the seats for carrying large or awkward loads.

Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing significantly increased comfort and space over the outgoing model, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Accessed either through the rear door or by folding the second row seats, they can be easily folded and stowed sideways in the loadspace.

Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also available to add a touch of luxury to the new cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions.

Upgraded sound insulation, the common rail engine’s excellent combustion control and the significantly higher top gear all contribute to a substantial overall improvement in cabin refinement. In the words of Gary Taylor, Defender’s chief programme engineer, “For many customers, the step change in Defender’s refinement will be one of the most welcome advances; not only are noise levels significantly lower, but sound quality is transformed too.”

Defender’s unique vehicle architecture has been retained. The chassis frame is available in three different wheelbases, and in both standard and heavy-duty guise (for even greater load-bearing capabilities). A total of 14 separate body styles – from pick-ups and soft-tops to crew cabs and station wagons – are produced on the mainstream production line. Beyond this, Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team offer a range of products from standard drop-side or box-body conversions to bespoke design and build adaptations into ambulances, mobile hydraulic platforms and even airport fire tenders – all of which are covered by Land Rover’s extensive warranty.

All photographs and engineering data in this press pack are from pre-production prototype work. The specification, design and production of any vehicle shown is subject to alteration without notice. Some images feature optional accessories.

[LR90]

Looks good

Nice to have a new engine, g/box option though looks like it needs more than a little electrickery with Individual pedal maps specifically matched to the demands of each gear

Beyond that its not clear what else has changed in the drive train. Ground gears in both the gearbox and new transfer box suggests the LT230 has come to the end of a very long life. Shame really as it would have simplified retro fitting the engine/box to older defenders a little more straight fwd. Opens the possibility that prop shafts and axles (inc diffs and diff positions) might also have been changed to more LR3 like units.

[Hillbilly Raider]

NO VENT FLAPS????

[Ex Member]

Is it just an illussion, or does the transmission tunnel look to be centered in the vehicle?

[LR90]

Yes, but they still do soft tops

[LandyManLuke]

Looks like 90% of the wheel box has gone, to fit the rear seats in.

[FridgeFreezer]

Trev - all they said was new gears in the tx box, I reckon we might see the LT230 live on - and with the new gearbox comes a new range of opportunities to stick in Ford/Jag engines, hmmmmmm...

The flaps are a sad loss, but then the Series 1 doesn't have flaps either so perhaps they're going "retro"

[LR90]

Trev - all they said was new gears in the tx box, I reckon we might see the LT230 live on - and with the new gearbox comes a new range of opportunities to stick in Ford/Jag engines, hmmmmmm...

The flaps are a sad loss, but then the Series 1 doesn't have flaps either so perhaps they're going "retro"

That was my hope but it says "Ground gears in both the gearbox and new transfer box" which could have much more impact

[BogMonster]

Beyond that its not clear what else has changed in the drive train. Ground gears in both the gearbox and new transfer box suggests the LT230 has come to the end of a very long life. Shame really as it would have simplified retro fitting the engine/box to older defenders a little more straight fwd. Opens the possibility that prop shafts and axles (inc diffs and diff positions) might also have been changed to more LR3 like units.

Nothing new about that then. Land Rovers have had grindy gears right the way back to 1948

You may find it has simply adopted the gears from the Discovery 2 transfer box (LT230Q) which had some sort of treatment to make them quieter. It certainly works - no gear noise at all in my D2.

I like it

[minivin]

Sure I dind't read any mention of air bags, if they aint done that then that's a bit of a missed opportunity to open up again those margets which wont allow it's sale at the moment (USA?)

[GBMUD]

With the wheel boxes gone, I wonder what happens when you fit big tyres? Looks OK, not sure about the dashboard though. It looks OK but where does one put ones nik-naks? Wonder if there will be one at Malvern? Will there be an auto option?

Chris

[nas90]

Sure I dind't read any mention of air bags, if they aint done that then that's a bit of a missed opportunity to open up again those margets which wont allow it's sale at the moment (USA?)

Thats the reason why NAS90 / 110 hold their prices in the States, LR stopped production to USA in MY1997 due to the airbag legislation and not being able to fit airbags within the Defender bulkhead envelope. To fit airbags will be a major re-design of the whole front end and at only 25,000 units per annum that ain't enough cars!

You cannot buy a NAS90 Stateside for less than $30K and that has been the price for at least the past 5 years.

[minivin]

Thats the reason why NAS90 / 110 hold their prices in the States, LR stopped production to USA in MY1997 due to the airbag legislation and not being able to fit airbags within the Defender bulkhead envelope. To fit airbags will be a major re-design of the whole front end and at only 25,000 units per annum that ain't enough cars!

You cannot buy a NAS90 Stateside for less than $30K and that has been the price for at least the past 5 years.

yup, and when you look at the passenger side that lid looks perfect for and air bag, and then a steering wheel with integral airbag would have done the drivers side, I dunno whether side and pillar airbags are mandatory now, but with other markets being able to be opened up and other markets possibly closing due to further airbag legislation it seems to me more of an aesthetics re-hash than anything practical to promolgate future sales capabilies

[Turbocharger]

The airbag slots are because the dash underpinnings are lifted from a Disco3 I believe. The issue isn't where you can nail an airbag unit, it's with the way the chassis deforms. To me, the whole thing looks like an interim solution to a much deeper problem - the Defender doesn't crash well.

[Steve King]

yup, and when you look at the passenger side that lid looks perfect for and air bag, and then a steering wheel with integral airbag would have done the drivers side, I dunno whether side and pillar airbags are mandatory now, but with other markets being able to be opened up and other markets possibly closing due to further airbag legislation it seems to me more of an aesthetics re-hash than anything practical to promolgate future sales capabilies

My understanding is that to fit airbags would require a totally new bulkhead and mods to the chassis. I reckon that this is little more than a new engine with mods to the gearbox and a retrim thrown in for good measure! (but then I could be a cynic! B) )

[SteveG]

Thanks for all of the pics and info Kev

Personally I think the updates are good for the Defender. Not too sure about forward facing rear seats, especially as 110 will now only be a 7 seater.

Lack of vents would be fun on base model without air-con - I know I'd miss them on mine. But the ventilation and air-con on current Defender is a tiddle poor design and arrangement so this is a big improvement. I know a lot of people think that air-con shouldn't be on a Defender, but we run a 110 XS as the family car ferrying around 3 children, their friends and the dog etc, - the space of the 110 is a boon. It's not wide so is ok to park, thread through county lanes etc and having air-con is on this vehicle is a good thing.

Cheers

Steve

[BoatBuoy]

My understanding is that to fit airbags would require a totally new bulkhead and mods to the chassis. I reckon that this is little more than a new engine with mods to the gearbox and a retrim thrown in for good measure! (but then I could be a cynic! B) )

My works landy is due too be replaced in 2008 so maybe I might get one like this... either that or an L200. Quite like the idea of a 6 speed box though.

[Guest MJG]

That's a good post that re-enforces the one a few weeks ago which I can't find now showing the 'mock up' on LR's production line.

As I see it it will be great for LR to introduce this in 2007 as it will probaly depress the values of the current model just as I will be about/in a position to buy one........

[Hillbilly Raider]

THE YANKS ARENT IMPRESSED!

talk over the pond is how much "old school" defenders are gonna cost now.... will mine be worth more? etc etc

oh and by the way they (like me) dont like the loss of the vents.

[Happyoldgit]

The bonnet has definitely got the hump <groan>

[Hillbilly Raider]

As we are talking about new models, here is a thread from another forum that i think we could do something similar to?

http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11640

[Ex Member]

Specs

[bill van snorkle]

I skimmed over most of the text covering interior appointments. was only mildly interested in engine /gearbox details, but was disappointed that there was no mention of diff/axle upgrades. So I assume its the same old carp again. or maybe they've gone back to ten spline axles.

Bill.

[Guest diesel_jim]

So, a smaller 2.4 engine..... which:

Torque output is higher than the outgoing engine right across the usable rev range, and the 360 Nm (265 lb ft) peak is delivered at only 2000 rpm; over 315 Nm (232 lb ft) of torque is available from 1500 rpm to 2700 rpm.

2000RPM for max torque? what is it, a goddam bike engine?

[Steve H]

With the wheel boxes gone, I wonder what happens when you fit big tyres? Looks OK, not sure about the dashboard though. It looks OK but where does one put ones nik-naks? Wonder if there will be one at Malvern? Will there be an auto option?

Chris

Nope sorry(depending on your point of view) I think the wheel boxes are still there. A heap more pics here

2007 Defender

I did a lighten, brighten & sharpen on the pic with the seat folded up. 12row down, 1st column. Sure looked like seat boxes to me. Not only will you have your outside leg cocked around at an angle but that thigh will be sitting on a dirty great piece of hinge mech. Yuk!!! Stuffed if I can see why they didn't do like Santana with the PS10 & move the seat boxes wider by the amount that the axles were made wider in 1983. They're still using the same boxes as were used with narrow series axles. Ok I guess, for those who want to go to huge tyres & uber articulation. Oh plop, sorry forgot, thats everyone maybe they got it right for a change

Steve