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I guess what I’m trying to say is that insisting that the stock Defender isn’t a top offroader (compared to wranglers and broncos) is hyperbolic and distracts from what I think is the main problem the Defender has when talking offroad capabilities: the fact that you have to do this to significantly increase those capabilities.
33s would be great, but if thats all that happens its not going to close the build gap. Not that i actually expect jlr to do any engineering to make the aftermarket’s lives easier
Ok, this is valid, and I see you point. I concur. All im saying is I want a little more cushion for the pushin. Thats all.
I would gladly sacrifice rear seat leg room for more cargo area. There is really too much space allocated for the rear seat. I think this was a poor design.
#1. Deliver the features advertised. This, imo, is more important than any 10 new features.
2. Allow 18" wheels on any Defender. Charge extra for it and everyone will be happy. Yeah, you can say you're not happy to pay for it, but I bet if you did the caliper swap or grind, you'd have paid vs. doing that!
3. Windshield upgrade. I'll pay more for something more robust! It doesn't need to stop a steel ball thrown at a product release media event, but I'd pay for stronger windows before all the other options of window types out there.
4. Sliders. Already installed sliders that don't require all the under carriage felt/cardboard to be removed.
5. Dual gas tanks.
6. Dual batteries already installed. LOTS of folks are trying to mod it this way anyway.
7. A true snorkel option.
Mate - with 4 - 7 you are directly attacking aftermarket suppliers. I can't see JLR getting into this space... ever.
Mate - with 4 - 7 you are directly attacking aftermarket suppliers. I can't see JLR getting into this space... ever.
Why not? Do you think they have some sort of desire to protect the aftermarket? They currently offer a (very expensive) Warn Zeon 10S hanging off the front structure, a roof rack and a ladder, and an onboard compressor. That’s aftermarket 101 for offroading vehicles, but they went right there. No reason they wouldn’t offer rock sliders if they decided they wanted a piece of that market as well.
Wholly an opinion, with no measurable facts to support it whatsoever, but I think the accessories developed by JLR are ONLY what their marketing team felt was minimally necessary to make the new Defender look like an off-roader, or what the technical team demanded to stop an off-road neophyte from immediately destroying the innards of the vehicle while trying to do what is in their adverts, or what had cross-over family-car appeal, like the air compressor for the inflatable paddle board, or the roof rack for the whole outdoorsy lifestyle folks.
I think beyond that, JLR watches from afar the aftermarket do what it may to the base product they designed, as HQ goes on to the next road vehicle project -- all of which will greatly benefit from the technology used in late model Discoveries and the Evoque, culminating in the New Defender.
Still, I am deeply appreciative to those in JLR who used the new rallye car technology to make the new Defender as off-road capable as it is. They could have technically gone soft on that and they did not. Also, great thanks to Audi and the Nordic auto mfgs for their critical German suppliers, and the rallye community, for all the continuous, upfront, developmental investment.
Every time I watch an Ineos Grenadier video, they talk about building a pallet for owners to build off of in order to match their needs & desires when using the vehicle. I just love the context and framework that they are working with. Every time I try to get accessories or work on the Defender, it is blatantly obvious that they are working in the exact, polar opposite direction. They are not only NOT embracing 3rd party accessories, but they do MANY things to cripple or prevent it. I'm ok with any on my list not being built by JLR (4-7 inclusive) if they will facilitate others doing it. However, if they are trying to block modifications & third parties, then pick up the slack.
I would love to be able to split the center display into 2/3 audio and 1/3 air distribution rather than having to hit the air button, adjust/sync, and then go back to audio. The air is a simple display that could certainly be smooshed into a smaller sliver of the screen in addition to audio controls.
I would love to be able to geofence off certain locations from giving me the audible collision warning. I have a narrow driveway and know I’m not going to scrape the wall every time I pull in or back out 5 times a day. Sure, the mute button is an easy reach away, but still…
The backup and 360 cameras are useless when a bike rack is attached. This is because the backup camera is mounted right above the license plate. On other vehicles the backup camera is mounted higher so even when a bike rack is attached you can see what’s behind you.
