Land Rover now offering various upgrade kits for old Defender…

By: CAR magazine

Land Rover Classic has announced the introduction of a range of “upgrades” for old Defender models, delivering “enhanced performance and on-road agility”.

The new upgrade kits will allow Defender owners to enhance 90 and 110 derivatives built between 1994 and 2016, with the Whitley-based firm saying the idea was “inspired” by the limited-edition 298 kW Defender Works V8.

“In 2018, Land Rover’s 70th Anniversary year, we saw unprecedented demand for the limited-edition Defender Works V8, which brought new levels of handling and performance to this iconic vehicle,” said Calum McKechnie, head of Land Rover Classic.

“Extending the range of fully engineered, tested and approved upgrades offered by Land Rover Classic underlines our commitment to supporting existing Defender owners, as we look forward to the new Defender’s world premiere later this year,” he added.

Upgrades start with diamond-turned 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels which can be fitted to Defenders built from 1994 model year onwards. The Defender suspension upgrade kit, meanwhile, is suitable from 2007 model year vehicles, comprising tuned suspension tailored for “on-road comfort and dynamics” with revised coil spring rates, dampers, anti-roll bars, links and bushes.

The Defender handling upgrade kit adds uprated Works V8 specification brake discs, pads and callipers to the 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels and enhanced suspension.

Finally, the Defender Classic Works upgrade kit, offered exclusively on 2,2-litre TDCi models produced from 2012 model year onwards, includes all of the aforementioned wheel, brake and suspension elements in addition to new performance-rated tyres and an engine upgrade which delivers an extra 30 kW (for total outputs of 120 kW and 463 N.m). Top speed, meanwhile, is increased to 170 km/h.

The Classic Works upgrade kit furthermore includes bespoke badging on the front wings, an owner’s certificate, vehicle collection, health check and handover with a tour of Land Rover’s Classic Works, UK, or Essen, Germany, facility, where the upgrade is carried out.

It’s not yet clear whether similar packages will be offered in South Africa.

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