Land Rover Defender Information
Land Rover Defender information, history and specifcations
In 1983, the new Land Rover Defender 110 was introduced, and in 1984, the new Land Rover Defender 90 went into production.
The vehicles were named the Land Rover 110 and the Land Rover 90 to represent the vehicles wheelbase lengths. The Land Rover 127 was released in 1985, and later became known as the Land Rover Defender 130.
The name ‘Defender’ was introduced in the late 90’s, following the release of the new Land Rover in 1989, now known as the Land Rover Discovery, to eliminate any confusion.
The Land Rover Defender models kept the front styling of the Series 3, with some changes to the body including a full-length bonnet, a taller one-piece windscreen, a revised grille, flared wheel arches and a modernised interior.
The main refinements to the Land Rover Defender models were made under the body, with the new coil-sprung suspension and a permanent four-wheel-drive system that revolutionised the handling of the vehicles.
The Defender launched with the 107bhp, 195lb-ft turbodiesel 200Tdi which allowed the Defender to tow heavy loads at higher speeds. In 1994, the engine was upgraded to the 300Tdi with the L380 gearbox. The V8-engine was still in use for fire engine and ambulance Defenders that required as much power as possible.
In 1998, the new TD5 engine was fitted to the Land Rover Defender with all-new 124bhp 221lb-ft, five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, along with a new electronic suite of driving aids to maximise its off-roading capabilities and was badged the TD5.
In 2001, the Land Rover Defender added even more features including electric windows, central locking, and heated seats.
In 2007, the Defender saw further modifications to meet emission and safety standards and the TD5 engine was replaced with the 2.4 Puma engine (also used in the Ford Transit), with a new six-speed gearbox. A new full-width dashboard fascia and different instruments were introduced, with additional updates made in 2011 to the engine for the 2012 model year to meet the new Euro V regulations.
The engine technology downsized the engine by 200cc still maintaining the Land Rover Defenders renowned power and torque. With the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that made the Defender quieter and emitted less pollution than any of its predecessors.
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