Don’t worry about the next-generation Land Rover Defender. The off-road SUV is definitely coming. The British automaker announced the information a few days ago, plus our photographers have managed to catch the testing mule today. Just don’t get confused with the shots, because this isn’t going to be the original look of the 2019 Land Rover Defender. No, the manufacturer is using Range Rover’s bodywork.
Spy Shots: https://www.autoblog.com/2017/12/01/land-rover-defender-swb-spy-shots/#slide-7170174
According to the latest reports, the iconic off-road SUV will offer both regular and long-wheelbase. However, we are not so sure about the future dimensions at the moment. What we know for sure is that the 2019 Defender won’t use any kind of body-on-frame platform. Instead, it’s going to ride on unibody architecture. The key difference will be a special suspension system. Moreover, the prototype hosts the independent rear suspension right now. In addition, the off-road vehicle will also feature some special electronic enhancements for the chassis systems, while we also expect to see some lightweight materials. After all, every new Land Rover hosts plenty of aluminum, so why would not the redesigned Defender.
Land Rover’s latest four-cylinder Ingenium engines will be the backbones of the next-generation Defender. Still, it’s far more important to mention the manufacturer’s intention to add an electrified version as well. If the latest rumors turn out to be true, the 2019 Land Rover Defender will get a plug-in hybrid option. The powertrain will pair a four-cylinder with an electric motor for the combined output of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The 85-kWh electric motor will get its power from a 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, which will enable a respectable driving range of around 30 miles. The Defender Hybrid will rely on four-wheel drive and automatic transmission only, yet the rest of the family will also offer a manual gearbox.
The all-new Defender won’t be introduced before early 2019. The price will likely start around $40K.
Stay tuned for updates.
