McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Land Rover News

Land Rover news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Defender and the special editions built in limited numbers. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, off-road engineering and the values these vehicles hold over time. Land Rover sits at the centre of luxury SUV news, and the segment keeps expanding each year. Our marketplace supplies the element most publications leave out entirely. Many of these vehicles are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which places the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Land Rover news today, begin with the stories below.

Urban Automotive Celebrates A Decade At Goodwood With Two Debuts

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 10, 2026

Urban Automotive Makes Two Debuts At Goodwood

Urban Automotive is celebrated for its various customizations of iconic models like the Land Rover Defender, and this year, the customization firm is celebrating a decade of presence at one of the world’s most prestigious annual automotive events: the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Located in the idyllic British countryside with an iconic hillclimb and exciting displays of automotive excellence, the Goodwood Festival of Speed gathers many of the world’s premier manufacturers, cars, drivers, and personalities each year. To celebrate its ten years of presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Urban Automotive has brought two debuts to this year’s event. Both Defender-based projects, the two debuts both reimagine the iconic off-roader with their unique design and elevated luxury. The first is the Widetrack Avontur prototype, which combines Urban’s signature design language with real-world practicality to transform the Defender into a vehicle that is both usable and head-turning. The second is a new styling program with components designed for the luxury and performance flagship from the Defender lineup, the Defender Octa, imbuing the powerful, highly capable, and luxurious vehicle with Urban’s eye-catching style. Alongside the new Defender projects debuting at the Festival of Speed, Urban Automotive’s presence at the Festival will also include several examples of its other customizations, including the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Widetrack, the Lamborghini Urus SE Widetrack, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Widetrack, and the Urban x Visionnaire Range Rover Autobiography collaboration. <- Gallery -> With 10 years of presence among the automotive prestige at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Urban Automotive’s presence at this year’s event is a milestone in the company’s history. Two new Defender projects, including a radical transformation of the luxury off-roading icon, and a styling program of the performance-oriented Defender, are the main highlights of this year’s Urban Automotive presence. However, alongside them are several examples of Urban’s customization abilities for a diverse lineup of iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and Range Rover. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: Urban Automotive

New Defender Vertex Revealed Among 2027 Model Year Updates

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 08, 2026

New 2027 Defender Vertex Revealed

Defender is one of the most celebrated and respected names in the world of off-roading, and the modern reimagination of the classic has now been on the market for nearly a decade. With a combination of design inspired by decades of Land Rover icons that came before it and cutting-edge technology that evolves the vehicle’s approach to effortless off-roading, the new Defender lineup continues the legacy of a legend. Thus far, the modern Defender has begun to build a legacy of its own, with a lineup that includes three body styles, various powertrains, and a luxe performance variant, the Octa. The Defender Octa also serves as the basis for the Defender D7X-R rally car, which has already proven itself with its success at the Dakar Rally and the other events in this year’s FIA World Rally-Raid Championship. For the 2027 model year, Defender is bringing forth several updates to its lineup, including a new edition, expanded design options, a wider color palette, a new seating layout option, and new accessories. The new edition is the Defender Vertex, which showcases added ruggedness with revised bumpers and fog lights, as well as a new grille. A body-colored lower body also sets it apart, along with new 22-inch wheels offered as standard with the Vertex. <- Gallery -> Inspired by the new Defender Vertex is the Extended Exterior pack, available for the 2027 Defender X‑Dynamic SE, X‑Dynamic HSE, and V8. Meanwhile, the Defender Trophy Edition has now become available in a Santorini Black configuration, replacing Keswick Green. Defender’s performance and luxury flagship, the Octa, adds Woolstone Green to its color palette. Namib Orange, inspired by the Namib Desert where the modern Defender was launched in 2020, is a new color choice, available for the 90 and 110 variants. The Defender 110 also features an available six-seat layout for the 2027 model year. The second row features two captains’ chairs, improving access to the third row. New accessories available for the 2027 Defender lineup include an Expedition Roof Light, a Tail Door Gear Carrier, and a Tail Door Spoiler, visually enhancing the vehicle. The Defender is a legend in the off-roading world that is continuing to build its cherished legacy, and its suite of updates for the 2027 model year all contribute to that end. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

Defender Rally Brings The D7X-R To Goodwood Festival Of Speed

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 02, 2026

Defender Rally Brings D7X-R To Goodwood

Defender Rally is in the midst of its inaugural season racing in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and the current racing season is the result of long anticipation. It started with the legendary Dakar Rally, in which Defender Rally triumphed in its class, and the races that have taken place since then have proved successful for the team, as well. Defender Rally has made motorsport history by running the first all-female crew to ever compete in the Desafío Ruta 40 in Argentina, and other highlight moments have marked an already noteworthy debut season for the team. At the center of it all is the Defender D7X-R, the vehicle with which Defender Rally is competing in the championship’s Stock category. It’s based on and closely related to the roadgoing Defender OCTA, Defender’s performance and luxury flagship that combines a 626-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine with the most advanced off-road capability and the most luxurious appointments seen in a Defender yet. At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Defender Rally is showcasing the Dakar-winning D7X-R at the event. In 2025, the rally vehicle was at the Festival of Speed as a prototype, but it has since forged a successful racing legacy, proving itself on some of the toughest stages in the rally world. The D7X-R will be on the Hillclimb and the off-road arena at this year’s Festival of Speed, and alongside it, Defender will showcase a new derivative, the most significant visual update since the launch of the modern Defender, other new models, and icons from Land Rover Classic. Visitors to the Festival of Speed will enjoy passenger off-road drives from Defender, showcasing the impressive capabilities of the model lineup, and the Defender Perfect Pass rugby challenge, which is returning for 2026. The passing game highlights Defender’s quarter-century of support for the sport of rugby, including its role as Official Vehicle Partner of England Rugby. With a display of its highly successful rally car, as well as several other aspects of its iconic, celebrated off-roading brand, Defender’s presence at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be an exciting one. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

Land Rover Classic Unveils New Color-Changing Classic Defenders

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 24, 2026

Color-Changing Classic Defender Family Unveiled

Land Rover Classic, the official Land Rover home for customizing and restoring classic Defenders, has just unveiled its latest commission, a group of four Classic Defenders, and it is undoubtedly one of the most unique commissions to emerge from Land Rover Classic yet. The four vehicles are a matching family of Classic Defender V8s, in four different body styles, that all share the same eye-catching configuration. The group is comprised of a Classic Defender 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top, 110 Station Wagon, and a 110 Double Cab Pick‑Up, and they are all finished with a color-changing Spectral Green paint color, which transitions between green, purple, and gold at different angles and lighting conditions. That same finish extends to the 18‑inch Sawtooth alloy wheels of each vehicle, and they each required around 400 total hours in the in-house paint facility of Land Rover Classic, from preparing the surface to meticulously applying the finish. Meanwhile, Icy White roofs and expedition cages contrast the color-changing finish, along with Icy White script and coachlines. The interior features Vanilla Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, with green stitching that nods to the exterior. The Superwool carpeting is also bound with Bridge of Weir leather, and the floor mats feature a debossed Defender wordmark. <- Gallery -> The stunning bespoke commission of four cars from a single client is a beautiful showcase of the artisan craftsmanship and bespoke customization abilities of Land Rover Classic, creating a stunning collection of Classic Defenders. Each Classic Defender V8 from Land Rover Classic originates from a 2012‑2016 Defender, which is then transformed with a powerful V8 engine and performance parts, and given modern creature comforts like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an optional backup camera, and more. With painstaking craftsmanship and stunning bespoke design, this new Classic Defender commission is a luxuriously artful take on one of the world’s most cherished off-roaders. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

Defender Collaborates With Gorillaz For The Band’s First Ever Stadium Show

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 22, 2026

Defender Collaborates With Gorillaz In London

Winning BRIT and Grammy awards throughout an iconic decades-long career, virtual band Gorillaz is known for blending genres and collaborating with some of music’s biggest legends across its nine albums, which also feature an overarching lore and an entertaining story for its characters. The band, created by musician and artist duo Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, is composed of singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, drummer Russel Hobbs, and guitarist Noodle. The band’s first-ever stadium show took place this past weekend at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and as the highly anticipated concert approached, Gorillaz collaborated with Defender. One of the most celebrated names in the automotive industry and one of the most respected and historic brands in the realm of off-roading, Gorillaz and Defender share British heritage and an iconic adventuring spirit. The joint forces resulted in an exclusive hero image by Jamie Hewlett, bringing the real-life together with all four members of the virtual band in a scene inspired by the latest Gorillaz album, The Mountain. The band stands alongside a Defender 110, which is parked at the edge of a cliff in the midst of the wilderness. Beyond the image, the collaboration between Defender and Gorillaz consisted of a fleet of vehicles that supported key artist and event movements, as the show not only showcased the 13-member Gorillaz live band, but also 25 guest performers, who hailed from 15 countries around the world, all gathering at Tottenham for the iconic music event. Two British icons with a shared penchant for exploration and excitement, the collaboration between Defender and Gorillaz brought added buzz to an already acclaimed stadium show. View All Land Rover For Sale Image Source: JLR

Defender Unveils New Sedona Red Limited Edition

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 19, 2026

New 2026 Defender 90 Sedona Red Revealed

Known for a decades-long legacy of off-roading excellence and adventuring spirit, Defender is one of the most iconic household names in the automotive world. Since the turn of the decade, the new Defender has proven itself to capture the charm of the original’s design, while also using the best of today’s engineering innovation to reach new levels of off-road capability. One of the most intriguing iterations of the current Defender lineup is the Defender 90. Combining the smallest footprint in the Defender lineup with a two-door body, the Defender 90 offers enthusiasts a unique look and driving experience. At this past weekend’s Destination Defender festival in Port Jervis, New York, the brand unveiled a new special edition of the Defender 90, the new 2026 Defender 90 Sedona Red. The new Sedona Red edition features a unique design inspired by the natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona, which is known for its idyllic landscapes and red rocks. The exclusive exterior is finished in Sedona Red Metallic, and its other design elements include black graphics and a hood decal, a body-colored spare tire cover, and a gloss black side gear carrier. <- Gallery -> About the new special edition, JLR North America President and CEO Joe Eberhardt said, “The Defender 90 Sedona Red is a tribute to the raw, red‑rock wilderness that defines its namesake. It’s built for those who seek the path less traveled, mirroring the very landscapes where the unrivaled capability of the Defender brand is truly at home.” Offered with the P400 powertrain, the new 2026 Defender 90 Sedona Red is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 395 horsepower and 406 lb/ft of torque, offered alongside the V8-powered Defender 90. Interior features include Ebony Windsor leather upholstery, a dark grey cross-car beam, illuminated treadplates, and more. Air suspension, the Cold Climate Pack, and the available Advanced Off-Road packs ensure the adventure-readiness of the new 2026 Defender 90 Sedona Red, with impressive ground clearance of up to 11.6 inches, approach and departure angles of 37.4 degrees and 39.8 degrees, respectively, and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. With one of the world’s premier off-road destinations as the inspiration for its unique design, the new 2026 Defender 90 Sedona Red is dedicated to the spirit of wanderlust that the Defender brand is known for. View All Defender 90 For Sale Image Source: JLR

Defender Rally Brings An All-Female Crew To Argentina For W2RC

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 12, 2026

Defender Rally Races With All-Female Crew

Taking place from May 24 to May 29, the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship will continue with the Desafío Ruta 40 in Argentina. The race is held in Argentina’s Cuyo region, with almost 1,700 miles of racing, including timed stages, gravel, sand, dunes, and more challenges. Defender Rally, in the midst of its inaugural season of the W2RC, is set to take on the Desafío Ruta 40, and it’s going into the challenge in the top three positions of the Stock category of the championship. Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal lead the Stock class with 153 points, Sara Price is in second place with 127 points, and Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge are currently third with 118 points. Sara Price will be joined at the Desafío Ruta 40 by a new co-driver, Saydiie Gray, and the new pairing marks a milestone moment in motorsport history. Specifically, the US-based duo is the first all-female crew to compete in the Desafío Ruta 40 since the race began in 2010. The 19-year-old Saydiie Gray is joining Defender Rally as a navigator for the third round of this year’s W2RC, and bringing a wealth of off-roading experience with her. Her factory team competition resume includes names like Can-Am and Honda, and she won the 2023 NORRA 1000 in Baja, Mexico, with Sara Price. <- Gallery -> Based on the roadgoing Defender OCTA, a performance-focused flagship variant of the Defender, the Defender D7X-R rally car that is racing in the W2RC has already proven itself with its success in the Dakar Rally, as well as with its times in the bp Ultimate Rally‑Raid Portugal that were among the race’s Ultimate class. As Defender Rally prepares to take on the Desafío Ruta 40, the team has already made history in the racing world. View All Land Rover For Sale Image Source: JLR

Destination Defender Is Coming To Hudson Valley, New York

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 01, 2026

Destination Defender Comes To Hudson Valley

Just outside New York City lies the Hudson Valley, which has been announced as the venue for the upcoming Destination Defender festival. Celebrating the off-roading capability and adventuring spirit that the Defender brand is well known for, Destination Defender brings fans and drivers together with the brand for a weekend of adventure, outdoor activity, music, and more. The last Destination Defender took place late last year in Temecula, California, and we joined the brand for the celebration. Now, Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York, will be the location for the upcoming festival, which will take place from May 15 to May 17. At the three-day festival, fans will be immersed in the Defender lifestyle, with activities on the agenda like guided off-road experiences, lake activities, hiking, yoga, group fitness, and more. As the Defender Trophy competition continues, the festival will feature a celebration of the North American Defender Trophy winners, who recently competed in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, Defender owners can participate in a Defender-only rally from JLR North America in Mahwah, New Jersey to the festival, and owners will also be able to display their unique cars in a Defender showcase. A new special edition is set to be unveiled at the festival, as well. Live music, a film screening presented by TGR, and other activities throughout the weekend promise to enhance the sense of community at the event even further. For enthusiasts who want to register and learn more, information can be found on the Land Rover website. With off-roading and adventuring on the menu, enthusiasts can look forward to a weekend full of thrill and community at the next Destination Defender. View All Land Rover For Sale Image Source: JLR

Defender Announces North American Semifinalists For Defender Trophy 2026

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 27, 2026

Defender Trophy North American Semifinalists Announced

One of the most legendary names in off-roading, and an iconic British automotive brand, Defender is known for adventuring spirit, impressive capability, and iconic design. Alongside it, the Defender Trophy competition invites competitors to participate in missions that not only test all-terrain driving skill, but also their physical and problem-solving abilities in one big adventure. The North American Qualifier for the 2026 Defender Trophy took place in British Columbia, Canada, and over 120 participants competed with the hopes of advancing to the next round of competition. The evergreen forests of the region, Stave Lake, and the mountainous terrain served as the backdrop for this first round of competition, and technical trails, obstacle courses, and open terrain challenged competitors. Teams of participants competed in three waves, and the challenge tested teamwork, physicality, off-road driving, and navigation. Twelve semi-finalists emerged, six from the US and six from Canada. From the US, those are Tirin Cameron from Vail, Colorado, Charlie Miller from Boston, Massachusetts, Nathaniel Biggs from Austin, Texas, William Roseburg from Spokane, Washington, Carlo Capua from Fort Worth, Texas, and Lewis Gillis from Monroe, Washington. From Canada, the standout competitors were Joel Cates from Cochrane, Alberta, AJ Leveille from Langley, British Columbia, Adrian Kowryha from Montreal, Quebec, Nils Weidenbruch from Toronto, Ontario, Richard George from Abbotsford, British Columbia, and Jesse Giddings from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. <- Gallery -> Of that group of twelve, four will advance to the global Defender Trophy Competition, which is set to take place in Africa and hosted in partnership with Tusk, a wildlife conservation organization. Two will represent the US, and two will represent Canada. The announcement of those two winners will be made at the upcoming Destination Defender festival, which will be held in the Hudson Valley of New York at Cedar Lakes Estate. Alongside the competition itself, the Defender 110 Trophy Edition, with expedition-ready design and accessories, celebrates the legacy of the global adventuring challenge. It’s available in Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green, and has a contrasting Gloss Black finish throughout. 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, available Matte Protective Film, and Trophy graphics across the vehicle highlight its competitive inspiration, while Ebony Windsor Leather adds a luxurious touch. As the 2026 Defender Trophy competition continues, anticipation builds to see who comes out on top in the challenging and remote adventure. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

Sixth Annual Defender Service Awards Presented By Chase Launches

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 01, 2026

Defender Launches The 2026 Defender Service Awards

The Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase, have given over $1.5 million across five years, along with 30 customized Defender vehicles. Supporting charitable organizations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the Defender Service Awards brings Defender’s spirit of adventuring, exploration, and reverence for the great outdoors together with bold philanthropy and a grassroots commitment to communities across North America. We not only had the chance to attend 2025’s Defender Service Awards Gala in Temecula, California, but also the Defender Service Awards Winners’ Weekend in Manchester, Vermont, and get to know many of the people behind the organizations that Defender, Chase, and the awards’ myriad partners are supporting, seeing just how meaningful the work of the organizations and the awards is. Now, Defender has announced the 2026 Defender Service Awards, continuing to showcase the philanthropy the awards have epitomized for five years. Six categories are a part of the 2026 Defender Service Awards: Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare, presented by Disney, Community Services, presented by ei3, Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services, presented by Pelican, Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach, presented by WPP, Outdoor Accessibility & Education, presented by Outside Inc., and the Defender Service Honorees Award for previous finalists, presented by S&P Global Mobility. Each category winner will receive $30,000 and a customized Defender 130 for their organization. Along with the category sponsors, Chase, the Presenting Partner of the awards, will donate $5,000 to the five finalists in each category, totaling $150,000 for the 30 finalists. Meanwhile, Artemis, a Premier Partner, will contribute an additoinal $100,000, and BBC has joined the Awards as a Gold Partner, providing $75,000 of further support. The public can nominate local organizations for the awards, and organizations will then submit an entry form and a three-minute video about their mission, their impact, and how a Defender 130 would bolster their efforts. Submissions are now open from April 1 to June 1, 2026, with an internal judging period following to determine the finalists. Beginning July 29, 2026, category finalists’ videos will be posted for public voting, and the winners will be announced in September 2026. Supporting meaningful organizations throughout the United States and Canada, the Defender Service Awards is continuing to grow its philanthropic presence through Defender’s adventurous legacy. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

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