Two prototypes have been filmed today testing at the legendary Nurburgring track in Germany. They haven't been seen there since the beginning of the month, and this time around, it seems the drivers wanted the track all to themselves. Testing a brand new off-roader on a complicated track is difficult enough without a BMW M3 or 911 Turbo constantly trying to pass you.
The models are quite different and you can almost think of them as independent. After all, it's not like the BMW X5 comes with a short wheelbase version. The 110 is the most important model and is expected to come out this October. March 2020 will witness the launch of the compact 90 model with the Defender 130 will follow with an eight-seat setup that still shares the 3,022mm wheelbase of the 110 but grows in total length from 4,758 to 5,100 to millimeters.
One of the prototypes sounds a bit angry, and we think this has something to do with the P400 powertrain, which can already be bought on the Range Rover. The turbocharged Ingenium inline-6 will also have diesel versions with about 350 HP, while further down the range we'll find normal 2-liter models and even plug-in hybrids.
Besides putting the engine to work, Nurburgring testing also pushes the advanced new off-road suspension. Old Land Rovers didn't have the best reliability rating when it came to air rides, so the arduous track puts us at ease somewhat.
The bit that has us worried is the design. A photo leaked about a month ago, and the bodywork was nowhere near as sexy as the original DC100 Concept. But the good thing about a Defender is you can always make upgrades.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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