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.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 02, 2022

The New Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition Hono...

The Land Rover Defender has roamed American soil for 30 years. A vehicle as loved and iconic as the Defender simply begs to have such an anniversary celebrated, and Land Rover did just that. The Defender 30th Anniversary Edition is a new limited edition Land Rover Defender based on the Defender 110 P300 S, that pays homage to the 1993 Defender 110 First Edition. It’s limited to only 500 examples and is available at select Land Rover dealerships. MUST READ: Land Rover Defender: 1990 Price and Specs The Defender 30th Anniversary Edition is finished in Fuji White with Ebony grained leather seats, as well as other exterior accents finished in white. Each of the 500 30th Anniversary Edition Defenders will also feature badging to signify the limited edition model. With LED headlights, air suspension, and Land Rover’s Activity Key that can be worn around the wrist and protected from water, the Defender 30th Anniversary both honors the legacy of the Land Rover Defender and shows how far the technology in the model has come. Starting at $75,000 the Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition is available at Land Rover dealers in the United States. View All Land Rover Defenders For Sale Source: Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2022

1990s Land Rover Defender 90 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

Defender 90 Price The iconic Land Rover Defender 90 for sale is one of the original Land Rover series in production from 1990-2016. This rugged, quintessentially British vehicle is a highly capable off-road SUV with a drivetrain that takes it anywhere and everywhere. The Defender’s distinctive, minimalist styling is classic and unmistakable, as at home on safari in Africa as it is on the homestead in Europe. It is a workhorse, through and through, which is why the Defender legacy continues to persist in some form since its original introduction in the late 1940s. The Land Rover Defender 90 price varies widely depending on the condition of the vehicle. Many Defender 90s are imported, destined for restoration, while others have been outfitted with updated consoles, plush leather interiors and rebuilt or upgraded engines. Restored and refinished Defender 90s easily command premium pricing thanks to the finite supply and luxury connotation. Interestingly, an even smaller subset of Defender 90 examples (the NAS) were imported for sale to the American market in 1994, 1995, and 1997. In 1998, cars sold in the US were required to have airbags and Land Rover stopped selling Defenders domestically rather than comply. A pristine Land Rover Defender 90 is a rarity, as they are among the few SUVs to appreciate in value. Defender 90 Review No Defender 90 review would be complete without mentioning that at its core, the D90 Defender is a no-frills, no-nonsense vehicle. It off-roads beautifully. The shorter, 92.9-inch wheelbase is comparatively nimble, and distinguishes the 90 from its longer siblings, mainly the Defender 110 wagon, and other iterations of the Defender. It is one of the few vehicles that exist almost apart from time—cool during production and even cooler now. All of these characteristics can be explained in part by the fact that the Land Rover Defender is one of the most historic vehicles to have been produced as long as it was. With roots as far back as the 1940s, the Defender perfected its off-roading formula and has improved on it in the decades since, being relied on all that time to go where most other cars couldn't. The Defender also spurred and inspired waves of SUVs that followed and always will have the cachet of being one of the originals. The design is fundamentally utilitarian, so don’t be disappointed with the amount of time that the Defender takes to reach 60mph. This durable character shines elsewhere, like when it comes to fording rivers or navigating Britain’s muddy countryside with ease. Defenders take on steep grades and daring drops that other vehicles must avoid. Expect the cabin to be filled with engine and road noise. And the original seats are marginally uncomfortable, but all that’s really just a part of the charm. Land Rover Defender 90 Specs Price: <$50,000 Engine: 2.5L Inline-5 Turbo Transmission: 5-speed Manual Horsepower: 122 Torque: 221 lb-ft 0-60 mph: N/A 1/4 mile: N/A Top Speed: 75 mph Defender 90 Engine There are many Land Rover Defender 90 engine options thanks to consistent improvements over its long production life. The Defender 90 is available in both petrol and the ever-popular turbodiesel versions. After 1990, the 2.5L 200Tdi revolutionized the Defender line with its increased efficiency and reliability. This is the first engine to let the Defender cruise along at high speeds while towing heavy loads on hills and remain economical. Land Rover Defender 90 specs with V8 power were typically sold in countries with cheaper fuel costs or where maximum power output was required. In 1994, the 2.5L 300Tdi, offered a new, better diesel engine design. Between 1997 and 2001, Land Rover South Africa built 652 Defender 90’s with a powerful 2.8i BMW M52 petrol engine, great for traveling difficult terrain like sand dunes. The BMW engine produced the fastest production Defender ever made. In 1998, the Td5 engine, capable of meeting new emissions standards in Europe, was released. Defender 90 Transmission The Land Rover Defender 90 transmission options are mostly limited to either a four, five or six-speed standard manual transmission with the LT230 transfer case. The high strength “Santana” five-speed is noteworthy for its consistent performance. In 1998, the SV90, a special edition sported the rare automatic transmission. The NAS Defender 90, sold in the US in 1994 and 1995 includes a strong R-380 manual transmission. In 1998, the NAS Defender 90 used a different, premium four-speed automatic transmission. Finally, the Defender SVX is one of the earliest to sport a six-speed manual permanent four-wheel-drive transmission to commemorate Land Rover’s 60th anniversary. Defender 90 Interior The Defender 90 interior is strikingly minimalist; it's difficult to tell from the interior the difference between a later iteration and a 90s Land Rover Defender. True to its workhorse ethos, it is sparse, functional and basic. The angular dash remains consistent through the production run and includes an easy to read display. The parking brake is peculiarly placed by the driver’s right leg. The Defender 90 comes standard with a two or three-seater bench and rear auxiliary seating over the wheel wells. Land Rover built the Defender 90 knowing that its driver would want to brave conditions and terrain that other drivers wouldn't dare to, so the interior reflected its prospective owner's Spartan toughness, and rugged, purposeful intentions. LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender Announced Restored and upgraded Defender 90s often come equipped with much more comfortable and stylish leather interiors and carpeting. Many have modified the original configuration to include two front bucket seats with a center console. Some Defender 90s are also fitted with two rear bucket seats or jump seats on either side of the cargo bay. Standard rear skylights and optional sunroofs brighten up the interior. Of course, these restored and upgraded models mean steep increases for the Land Rover Defender price. The two-door 90 also has a side-opening door in the back that zips open on the soft top or unlocks in the hard-top. Defender 90 Brakes The Defender 90 comes standard with a disc braking system, often with venting in the front. Several original Defenders are not equipped with Anti-lock brakes. ABS features come standard in the more recent model years. Unsurprisingly, stopping a vehicle as heavy as a Land Rover Defender requires significant pressure on the brake pedal, but the original brakes do perform well enough. Early Defender 90 brakes are often upgraded aftermarket to match enhanced engine performance. Some Defender 90 owners opt to outfit their vehicles with the larger, more powerful discs, rear calipers and braking pads from the Defender 110 to deliver smoother, more controlled stops. Defender 90 Standout Features The sporty Defender 90 is available with a host of unique features. The canvas Defender soft-top and convertible versions are extremely popular and were brought back thanks to customer demand. The soft top offers clear plastic panels with zippered rear access. Recent updates, including heated windscreens and seats and front power windows, were introduced to help Defenders appeal to a luxury audience. Beyond that, the Defender looks good and suffers long. Throughout its production run, it has always been excellent at what it set out to do. Whether you have the latest version or a 1990 Land Rover Defender, you know you have a capable and dependable off-roader. It has incredible towing capacity and sustained strength thanks to the prevalence of her revamped diesel engines. This impressive three-door with standard 4x4 equipment solidifies the Defender as a viable off-road contender, capable of taking on aggressive territories with ease. The tough metal frame with functional accents, like ladders, roof racks, and LED floodlights round out what makes the 90s Defender worth the money. With a heritage like this, you can be sure that Land Rover Defender dealers won’t go away anytime soon. Land Rover Defender 90s For Sale Image Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 23, 2022

Land Rover's New Custom Rally Defender Celebrates 60 Year...

Land Rover celebrates 60 years of James Bond movies the way they know best. And that’s by driving off-road. With a one-off, rally ready Land Rover Defender 90 that features a special livery in timeless Bond black and gold celebrating 60 years of 007 films with “007 60th” logos on the roof and sides, Mark Higgins will be entering the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge and competing in the North Wales leg this Saturday, March 26. Higgins’ experience includes winning the British Rally Championship three times, and also stunt driving in four James Bond movies: Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die. MUST READ: Land Rover’s New Sweepstakes Will Take A Winner On A Spaceflight With Virgin Galactic The Land Rover Defender is a car with a long and important history, being one of the formative vehicles of off-road driving as a whole, and starting a decades-long legacy of Land Rover off-road prowess. As one of the world’s most iconic off-road vehicles, the Defender has gone through many changes and been an integral part of rally and off-roading history since its inception. The latest iteration of the Defender is an SUV that marries the Defender’s legacy and historic dependability with Land Rover’s excellent modern capabilities, creating a car that pays a beautiful homage to the original while being the latest and greatest in terms of looks, ability, and performance. While the 007 one-off Defender will for the time being remain with Land Rover, you can buy a Defender and own both an excellent modern SUV and a part of one of the world’s most important automotive legacies. All Land Rover Defenders For Sale Source: Land Rover

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 05, 2021

The $240,000 1989 Land Rover SW-ARK727 D90 Defender by Ar...

As modern-day vehicles begin to take a new shape and feature a different style of driving experience, collectors and enthusiasts tend to look back on the classics that paved the way. The automotive professionals at Arkonik specialize in taking classic Land Rovers and modifying them with the performance and technology of a brand new vehicle. Since 2006, the brand operates under the same principle of creating the most authentic restored Land Rover Defenders in the world. Arkonik is proud to introduce a new addition to its fleet of classically modern 4x4s, the 1989 SW-ARK727 D90 Defender. The aesthetically pleasing body style of the SW-ARK727 features sharp edges and an open-top to complement the Pennine Grey paint scheme. The design of the Defender came from the hands of former Bugatti designer Etienne Salomé. The exterior and interior restoration upgrades are best described as perfectly tasteful, incorporating a period-correct look with a modern-day feel. Delivering the right amount of power is a 3.9L V8 that is managed with a classic 5-speed manual transmission. As it stands as a true 4x4, the new Defender by Arkonik includes an upgraded lifted suspension that connects to a set of black steel 16-inch wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The new Arkonik 1989 SW-ARK727 D90 Defender is in limited production and is available through the company for $240,000. View all of the current Land Rover Defender models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Land Rover Defenders For Sale Source: Arkonik

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2021

Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition Inspired by 'No Time ...

A perfect celebration for the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. Land Rover has unveiled the new Defender V8 Bond Edition, an SUV that was inspired by the same Defender used in the upcoming No Time To Die film. Throughout this special edition Land Rover, special touches can be found, including exclusive James Bond-themed features. These touches include an exclusive 007 start-up animation, 007 puddle lamp, Defender 007 rear badge, illuminated treadplates, and 'one of 300' etching in the interior. Yes, just 300 examples of the new Defender V8 Bond Edition will be created. In addition to the special 007 bespoke touches, the Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition also comes with an Extended Black Pack that includes 22-inch Luna Gloss Black alloy wheels, and Xenon Blue front brake calipers. For power, it relies on the same 5.0-liter supercharged engine found in the Defender V8. This engine produces 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, giving the Bond Edition Defender enough power for a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.1 seconds. If you're interested, the new Defender V8 Bond Edition is priced at $114,600. It's available for both 90 and 110 bodystyles. Land Rover Defenders For Sale Source: Land Rover

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 23, 2021

How To Buy: Pac-Sun x Land Rover Collection Release

Pac-Sun is taking a new road to runway with Land Rover. It's safe to say that the current streetwear industry incorporates vintage automotive designs, with artists and designers all around the world featuring older style chassis. The California apparel retailer Pac-Sun is proud to announce its newest collaboration collection with Land Rover. The new apparel line draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender and its iconic sharp-edged body style. The pieces in the clothing line include graphic t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shorts all bearing the Land Rover logo. Shop the new Pac-Sun x Land Rover Collection by checking out the release information below. When: Now Available Where: Pac-Sun Website Price: $35-$65 Media/Info Source: Pac-Sun

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

1990 Land Rover Defender 90 For Sale

Presented By Private Seller - Recently completed build project blends old-world heritage with modern-day automotive engineering. Originally conceived on the heels of multiple ground-up restorations, this custom Defender 90 takes all of what was learned from LS and Cummins builds, to create a sweet spot of both power and practicality.Equipped with an LV3 V6 mated to a 6L80 automatic transmission. The engine has received a full hand-made stainless exhaust system that encompasses custom-designed headers, specially designed for equidistant header lengths which optimize performance. The current tune setup provides a lively 325hp with snappy pedal response, whilst being able to make it more than 2 city blocks between fill-ups.The GM drive-train provides a level of reliability not typically found in Land Rover products, but also improves drivability. For those new to the Defender family, Land Rover's veritable workhorse has been synonymous with having the ability to go pretty much anywhere. What's left out of the small print is it doesn't do it particularly quickly, or with any level of modern-day comfort. In regards to comfort, this vehicle has undergone a full restoration with no detail left unaddressed. Basic comforts such as air conditioning and modern electronics suite have been added, but it's important to note that these items are just the tip of the iceberg. A multi-step process to insulate and seal the original design requires several different steps, from adding ceramic coatings to interior panels, Dynamat insulation, custom sewn carpets, and soft finishes all add to the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, as well as being able to have a conversation with your passenger without shouting or reverting to using sign language. The exterior of the vehicle was envisioned to be just as comfortable being valet parked at your local eateries or evening venues, as much as it is still very much at home off-road climbing mountains, or roaming the ranch. The exterior paint is a Dupont product that is Kevlar infused to provide extreme durability and ruggedness, while still having a visually appealing finish.Modern adds like a backup camera, ancillary lighting front and rear, custom-designed bumpers, and step bars all add to the look and practicality of this vehicle. A Safety Devises front roll cage has been added to an additional level of protection. All exterior lighting has been converted to LED, providing much better visibility and a much lighter draw on the electrical system, and the ancillary lights are a smoked finish that has a more muted appearance that works with the envisioned aesthetic. 1990s Land Rover Defender Prices and Specs The interior was finished with beautiful custom leather hides and looks feels and smells every bit as good as you would imagine. The dash setup is from a 2007 or newer style Defender (known as Puma) and has also received custom leatherwork, all being wrapped in black, with a tasteful red accent stitch. The center console and seats all have diamond stitch incorporated into their design, and the front power seats are extremely comfortable. The headliner is finished in black suede and feels soft and smooth. Door cards are also wrapped in leather, finishing the interior details in a cocoon of tasteful luxury.Technology has not been overlooked in this build. The interior audio system sounds fantastic and integrates with your Bluetooth devices and phones. Dash gauges are custom and continue the red them, emitting a tasteful red glow at night. All the things that you do not touch and feel on a daily basis have not been overlooked. The behind the scenes elements of braking systems, suspension, chassis, wheels, tires, etc are all fully restored and built to a much higher standard than originally spec'd from Land Rover. The red accents can be seen in the smaller details like brake calipers and suspension components, and it really adds to the fluidity of this build. Typical build times for projects similar to this will run into multiple months, if not years. Here is your opportunity to own and drive an iconic piece of British motoring history right here in the United States, with upgrades in all the right places. Timeless and ready for delivery. View 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 Listing

ECD Automotive Design Chicago Delivery Event 02

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 17, 2021

Inside E.C.D. Automotive Design, The Creators Of The Tesl...

The Team Started as a casual late-night conversation over a few drinks, Tom Humble, Scott Wallace, and Elliot Humble discussed the possibility of creating custom one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defenders and turning it into a full-time business. Not long after, E.C.D. Automotive Design was up and running out of a single storage garage. Fast forward eight years, the operations grew into a 45,000 square foot facility with over 50 full-time employees, where all stages of customization are completed on-site. As the passion for automobiles runs in the genes, E.C.D. headquarters is run by a blend of family members and dedicated employees who aim to provide the highest quality product and customer service. E.C.D. Automotive Design The process of designing each chassis is done in-house with a knowledgeable team of expert graphic designers who walk you through each step. Once the configuration is complete, the mechanics and paint specialists work efficiently together to keep the ever-growing schedule of E.C.D. builds moving. It is true to say that a product is only as good as the people who make it, and for E.C.D. Automotive Design, its team treats each vehicle as if it was their own. The Facility The now 30,000 square foot facility began as a single bay garage without a car lift, and as success continued, E.C.D. began acquiring the open spaces around it to relocate certain areas of the build process. While the front of the building houses offices for graphic design and warranty, the back is laid out as if it was a well-oiled assembly line, with each department lead by a detailed order schedule. E.C.D. Automotive Design The idea behind the E.C.D. is to eliminate the need for third-party work, which allows the company to operate under its own high-quality standards. From the shipment of internationally sourced vehicles to the delivery stage, the Defender or Range Rover of your dreams starts and stays with E.C.D. Automotive Design. The Defender E.C.D. Automotive Design work off of the Land Rover Defender 90, 110, and 130 platforms as well as Range Rover RRC vehicles. The ground-up build begins with a configuration process that allows the consumer to choose from six different powertrains, from Chevy LS engines to the recently unveiled option of a Tesla motor. The interior and exterior are completely customizable with endless options for color, materials, and added amenity options depending on the consumer’s lifestyle and future plans for the vehicle. E.C.D. Automotive Design When it comes to off-road and performance upgrades, E.C.D. Automotive Design offers an array of bumper to bumper add-ons to completely change the look of the 4x4. While the pre-purchase design and delivery stages are important, the true customer service lies within the after-sale, where the team continues to assist customers with all their needs. The Tesla-Powered Range Rover E.C.D. is proud to announce its newest venture, fitting the first classic Range Rover RRC with an electric Tesla drivetrain. Enlisting help from the specialists at Electric Classic Cars, the mere idea of launching the classic model into the future became a reality. The inspiration behind the idea is to blend modern EV technology with the classic styling of 90s automotive design. E.C.D. Automotive Design Holding 100KWH of power, the Electric Range Rover has a 5-hour three-phase charge-time and an estimated driving range of 220 miles. In total, the job of successfully transplanting the Tesla drivetrain took over 3,000 man hours. Once inside the electrified RRC, the experience of driving a classic Range Rover is put on hold while the immediate torque from acceleration sinks you into the back of your seat. After a few moments to adjust your mind and body, the Tesla powered Range Rover RRC begins to show its historic roots with firm mechanical steering and period-correct interior components that have been modified to comfort any enjoying the one-of-a-kind experience. If you are looking for the ultimate custom Land Rover Defender or Range Rover RRC, look no further than E.C.D. Automotive Design.

By Andrew Nabors – March 09, 2021

Land Rover Launches 'Defender Above & Beyond' Awards to S...

Look around your neighborhood or office. Our communities require hours of unsung work and support from countless volunteers, and that is why Land Rover has launched "Defender Above & Beyond' awards to support local charities. From now until July 27th, you can submit a video to nominate your favorite 501(c)(3). Here are the categories: 1. Search and Rescue 2. Coastal and Marine Conservation 3. Animal Welfare 4. First Responders 5. Environmental 6. Urban Improvement 7. Fire Services The winners of each category will receive a new Defender loaded with equipment to help their efforts. This is truly a noble task given the number of esoteric projects we see from other automakers. The Defender is a comfortable daily driver that can pull double duty as a work rig. Or embarrass your 4WD friends in the new Defender V8! The deadlines of the competition are below, and our dealers have all the details. Shop Land Rover Defender Categories Submissions Open Submissions Close Finalists Selection Public Voting Winners Announced 1. Search & Rescue 2. Coastal and Marine Conservation March 9, 2021 April 7, 2021 April 8 – 16, 2021 April 21 – May 3, 2021 Sep. 2, 2021 3. Animal Welfare 4. First Responders May 3, 2021 June 1, 2021 June 2-11, 2021 June 16 – 28, 2021 Sep. 2, 2021 5. Environmental 6. Urban Improvement7. Fire Services June 28, 2021 July 27, 2021 July 28 – Aug. 6, 2021 Aug. 11-23, 2021 Sep. 2, 2021 Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2021

2022 Land Rover Defender V8 Arrives With 518 Supercharge...

Wait, we thought electricity was the only way forward. Batteries are fun, but we're glad the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 arrives with 518 supercharged horsepower. The same 5-liter found in the SVR and Autobiography has now been stuffed into their most-capable 4WD. As a result, the new 90 and 110 V8 models are the fastest Defenders of all time. Nothing was overlooked here. Starting with chassis reinforcements, the transmission, axles, suspension, and driving modes have all been revised to handle incredible power. As such, you will reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds thanks to 461 lb-ft of torque. Inside you are treated to an 11.4" screen, 60% bigger than this year. Atop the lineup is the Carpathian Edition. Finished in 2-tone grey/black, it has matte black vinyl accents with all options included. The XS Edition takes over for the Defender First Edition with 20" wheels, leather, and 3-zone climate control. Now we know why the Defender Works V8 was treated to a party! Click the button for all the details from our dealers. Land Rover Defender For Sale Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

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