I work for Land Rover at the design centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire, England as part of the Off Road Capability team. We are a small team repsonsible for ensuring that Land Rovers stay ahead of the competition with regards to the off road attributes.
I'm interested in hearing everyones comments on LRs performance, good and bad as this will help me gauge real customer off road usage.
X 2 on the Defenders. Do whatever it takes to get them federalized by the capitalist pig government.
As solid axles would be nice, but not realistic to see across the model range, I would like to see an optional off road package which included the following:
16 inch wheel package with more offset.
A manually locking center differential.
Manual lockers front and rear.
Underbody protection for steering, fuel tank, and trans / t-case.
Factory roofrack with lighting.
Delete leather on interior and interior in the Techra interior of the DII Kalahari.
Factory snorkel.
Different r and p ratios in the package.
This way, as in Toyota's TRD packages, the truck could be wheeled new, and still have full factory warranty.
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"In certain places, at certain hours, gazing at the sea is dangerous. It is what looking at a woman sometimes is." - Victor Hugo
Originally Posted by Elemental
Some guys play hard to get, I play hard to want.
x2 on the bring defenders (I know its a dream but I'm allowed to have dreams)
As far as helping you with what we want to see in Rovers to make sure they stay competitive I really am of no use to you. Like many others on the forums I drive a 17 year old Range Rover Classic. I love it but I don't have the means to afford a new Range Rover or LR3.
I would like to see them come with lockable front and rear diffs and cdl of course the traction on control should be able to be turned off completely. Diesel engines should be offered in them for the power and economy. Also I'm not a fan of the air suspensions they are great when they are new and working but as the vehicles age they become a sore spot. I would rather see a more traditional coil set up even if it means the coffee might get spilled due to a rough spot in the road.
16 inch wheel options are a must
full skid plates offered from the factory.
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"If you can't stand behind our soliders, then by all means stand in front
of them." unknown quote.
"Only two defining forces ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."
I agree with everything said above, and definitely would love to see the defender reintroduced... I just woke up, so i'm not thinking much, but one thing I'd like to see, is a more standardized bolt pattern on the tires. I know there are a few options available now, but a couple years ago it was difficult finding alternative wheels for 5x120mm of the D2... it'd be nice if it matched the Jeep bolt pattern since there are so many aftermarket rims available.
Also, if there is another solid axle landy coming out... full floater axles ... no more of these axles attached to the hub stake nut at 370ft/lb. torque!
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Ryan :: Off-Road/Accessories Moderator :: Gallery
2001 Discovery II | 2006 LR3 HSE7 | 1994 Defender 90 #416 (Gone)
Why oh why do you not make your Products Field Servicable. It started in 93 needing the Hand Held Lucas tester to reset EAS. You couldnt figure a way to get trouble codes and reset the system like ABS. On of the things that made Rovers propular in the first place..... That if it broke in the middle of nothing, you could at least tape it together and get home. NONE of the current batch are Even close. And, that mentaility started with P38.
You really should look at how Jeep is doing it here in the States. They have Numerous products...Something for everyone. Get them intersted in the product line with a Entry Level Product.....Something LIke a Defender. Americans are extrememly brand loyal. If they like the Caviler as a 20 something...They love the Corvette when they can afford it.
Or at least let SnapOn be able to read your systems with a reader. The more places the truck can get repair is going to make the customer happy.
Why oh why do you not make your Products Field Servicable. It started in 93 needing the Hand Held Lucas tester to reset EAS. You couldnt figure a way to get trouble codes and reset the system like ABS. On of the things that made Rovers propular in the first place..... That if it broke in the middle of nothing, you could at least tape it together and get home. NONE of the current batch are Even close. And, that mentaility started with P38.
You really should look at how Jeep is doing it here in the States. They have Numerous products...Something for everyone. Get them intersted in the product line with a Entry Level Product.....Something LIke a Defender. Americans are extrememly brand loyal. If they like the Caviler as a 20 something...They love the Corvette when they can afford it.
Or at least let SnapOn be able to read your systems with a reader. The more places the truck can get repair is going to make the customer happy.
I didn't really consider that those are valid points. Guess I didn't consider it because mine is old enough that I don't run into those issues as such.
so x2 what Elemental said
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"If you can't stand behind our soliders, then by all means stand in front
of them." unknown quote.
"Only two defining forces ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."
No Window ECUs (meaning manual windows)
Optional Radio and A/C
Have all engine ECU's mounted in Cabin side of firewall
standard throttle and brake controls (none of that drive-by-wire stuff)
In other words, keep it as simple as possible, with a welcoming and comfortable interior to compensate for the lack of features.
bring swivel balls back and use w/e type of CV you want.
Drop boxes may be a bit too extreme but should you do this, not only will the LR enthusiasts that 4wheel will like it, so will all other 4wheelin enthusiasts.
Stuff this into a Defender look alike that meets safety standards and I can almost guarantee it'll sell.
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JC...
1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin
1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks
1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna
And don't forget some axles of decent strength. Galvanized cappings and frame as an option would be nice, and help a Defender last much longer. And I second making a really basic Defender or several trim packages. A lower low range would also be a big hit. And a simple reliable DIESEL.
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Jim Hall
“That man has no respect for his Rover and beats
the hell out of it every opportunity he gets, taking
the most difficult line over each and every
obstacle.” Michael
1966 88" 1.9l VW TDI, GT1749V, IC
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Jim Hall
“That man has no respect for his Rover and beats
the hell out of it every opportunity he gets, taking
the most difficult line over each and every
obstacle.” Michael
1966 88" 1.9l VW TDI, GT1749V, IC
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