https://jalopnik.com/what-i-found-wh...r-d-1838080009

 

Yeah, great article and informative and I appreciate your posting. I'd read the article the other day and it was part of what prompted my post.

I have a theory that what the author saw was just placed there for the auto show. I was disappointed, as I was expecting to see a hardened aluminum plate spanning the entire bottom. Now, there is a plate there, which is great, that covers most of the front, but the diff out back is a little exposed to large rocks. I just don't want high maintenance bills for a little morning fun in the mountains (other than the regular maintenance bills).

If aftermarket can create a plate for the back, think I'll feel better. Also hope for a few additional 19 in wheel options that are darker. a little skittish of 20's when traversing a pot whole filled dirt path with rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Can't wait til the mags and YouTube guys config the 90 and take these things through the paces in some tough areas.

 

I played a bit with the configuration tool yesterday on the Defender in the US. No 90 model listed yet.
Strangely when I option it similar to a Discovery 5 the Defender seems to come out more pricey. I would think the Discovery will be more luxury orientated, and the Defender more rugged. But was also expecting a lower price for the Defender. Adding some of the more desirable option drive the price up to $80k very quickly, ouch.......

 

I looked at the Oz website, and they only list the 4 cyl diesel. The only 6 I saw was the gasser. Same for the UK site, only the 4 cyl diesel listed.

Not sure why there is no 6 cyl diesel option in the Defender. I would think that the 6 cyl diesel will likely be one of the most desirable engines for the Defender.