If you have time and enjoy how cars are built, the below video of the Grenadier factory at work. Again this was an existing MB factory that Ineos purchased, the workers and tools came with it.

 

Reservation made and so begins playing around with the configurator for the next several months. 🙂

 

I look forward to TFL receiving an early model, ignoring all the break-in / run-in instructions, damaging/ destroying part of the drivetrain as a consequence, and then complaining for the next two years that the vehicle is unreliable. Oh, and then following up by "comparing" a basic Grenadier on street tires with a heavily modified Jeep and claiming that the former is not as capable.

 

Media Press Video are coming out in Europe of the automobile press driving the prototype around a muddy debunk Mine

 

has pricing been announced yet? starting in the 50's (USD) would make a compelling case IMHO.

 

I watched both videos -- interesting. Thanks for sharing !

Nice to see the underbody version without the body placed on the frame.

It is really an unfair test without the front and rear ediffs yet installed. There was a lot of of wheel spinning and getting stuck going on with only the center diff. locked, as one would expect.

It's good to understand the two other diffs are electronic and are they not using the manual approach of the G Wagon and earlier vehicles. One thus understands why the automatic transmission is the only one available.

My estimate is it will drive very similar to my 2016 LR4 (Discovery 4) off-road with its ediff in the rear and the individual braking emulating an ediff at the front. I estimate Outback stranded risk is equivalent to when the LR4 is fitted with aftermarket coil kits. So, I am all set -- I'll keep the LR4s and turn one into an overlander when I am ready.

It seems a fair statement that the vehicle will exist between the old Defender and the New one.

Enjoy !!

 

Perhaps you are right, but I think they misspoke. I understand that the front rear diffs are mechanically locked, but electrically operated, a la current Wrangler practice. As opposed to cable or air operated. It's one of the main reasons I put down a deposit on one; unlike you, 100% of my offroading is for play, not doing actual work. So I want to utilize my hard-earned skills, such as they are, to make decisions and have a bit more control over an old-school system.

It's the same reason I tried PDK dual-clutch transmission in a Porsche seven years ago, kept it for a few months, and went back to six-speed clutched manual -- I don't make a living getting around the track as fast as possible; I just want to have fun.

 

NoGaBiker:

Yes, a sports car must have a manual clutch -- I fully agree. There is something existential in driving up and down through the gears using a manual clutch and shifter.

You may be right regarding the use of the term electric clutch. If so, we are back to a Gwagon equivalent -- which is NOT a bad thing, at all. I look forward to reading more detail about it when the production model is launched.

Yes, it is a very different, kind of unsettling change to drive the new Defender off-road -- to greatly lessen dependence on momentum and "just" spin the wheels at a set rpm and let the computer move the vehicle -- not as soulful, I feel. But very effective (kinda like Formula1 clutches).

In any case, enjoy !!

 

NoGaBiker is correct it is a Elocker like Eaton versus what you find in the LR4. The center is manual allowing you to run the low range without the center lock until you need it. It also allowed them to sell the Grenadier with center diff and make the front and rear optional.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but what does the L663 have?

Mine has the optional e-locker at the rear (as part of the off road package). but what do we have on the front? Is it the same as the range rovers and discoveries that use braking to reduce slip at the front?