Next-gen Land Rover Defender concept could debut next year - Report

The next-gen Land Rover Defender was said to enter production in early 2019. To narrow the big gap between the discontinuation of the old model and the new-gen's arrival, as well as keep enthusiasts guessing, Land Rover could showcase a concept version of the next-gen Land Rover Defender next year, as per a report from Automotive News.

For the next-gen Land Rover Defender's basis, Land Rover will utilise the aluminium architecture of the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery. Despite the shared platform, the Defender will require modifications for the extra toughness and durability customers expect from it. The all-new Defender will have multiple body styles, possibly including 2-door and 4-door versions like the arch-rival Jeep Wrangler. Reports say the Defender will have 2,922 mm (standard) and 3,120 mm (extended) wheelbase versions.

Details are still scarce on the 2019 Land Rover Defender's specifications, but the report says that the car would truly be a global model, and that means more choices in the powertrain section. The shared platform would mean full compatibility with the Ingenium four-cylinder engines. For customers getting the all-new Defender as an everyday vehicle with little or no off-roading interest, a four-pot turbo petrol engine could work perfectly. For those with more demands from the vehicle, the company could offer an Ingenium straight-six engine.

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Land Rover will likely build the next-gen Land Rover Defender at the new Slovakian plant. Construction of this facility, located in the region of Nitra, began in September 2016. Production is expected to commence in late 2018.

[Source: Automotive News]