NEWS: Old Dog (Defender) New Tricks...

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Clearly, no one told Land Rover UK.

In the run-up to the much-anticipated release of the new Defender they have unveiled a cool new wheel, suspension, braking and engine upgrade package for the old classic 90 and 110 models... inspired by one of our favourite cars of 2018, the epic Defender Works V8, and specifically designed to offer enhanced on-road dynamics and improved performance. Love it! 

All parts have been designed, approved and tested to Land Rover manufacturer standards and will be covered by Land Rover’s standard aftermarket parts and accessories warranty – with prices starting from £432 in the UK for a superb diamond-turned 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheel.

The new Upgrade Kits, the first of their kind from Land Rover Classic, allow Defender owners to enhance 90 and 110 derivatives built between 1994 and 2016.

Calum McKechnie, Head of Land Rover Classic, said: “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. 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.”

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 is suitable from 2007 model year vehicles, comprising uniquely-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 calipers to the 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels and enhanced suspension.

The final and most comprehensive upgrade option is only available on 2.2-litre TDCi models produced from 2012 model year onwards and is only available direct from Land Rover Classic. The Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit includes all of the wheel, brake and suspension elements in addition to new performance-rated tyres and an engine upgrade which delivers an extra 40PS – total output of 162PS and 463Nm torque. Top speed is increased to 106mph.

The Classic Works Upgrade Kit also 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.

All components have been fully assessed to the same standards as Works V8 in dynamic testing, with engineers meeting the same fast road and braking targets for Upgrade Kit components as last year’s limited-run model. CO2 emissions meet the same EU5 N1 Commercial standards as a standard 2.2 TDCi, with emissions control systems retained.

Customers can order the Sawtooth alloy wheels, Suspension and Handling Upgrade Kits and have them fitted by their local Land Rover Retailer as well as Land Rover Classic’s facilities in Coventry and Essen. The Sawtooth wheel kit with tyres, and the ultimate Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit, can only be purchased and fitted at Land Rover Classic’s own facilities.

Upgrade Kit: UK retail price including VAT

Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit - 90 
£16,995 - fitted by Land Rover Classic in UK

Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit - 110 
£16,995 - fitted by Land Rover Classic in UK

Handling Upgrade Kit - 90 
£10,391.47 - parts only

Handling Upgrade Kit - 110 
£9,967.37 - parts only

Suspension Upgrade Kit - 90 
£2,247.07 - parts only

Suspension Upgrade Kit - 110 
£1,822.97 - parts only

18-inch Sawtooth wheel kit and tyres 
£4,068 - fitted by Land Rover Classic in UK

18-inch Sawtooth wheel kit (x5) 
£2,160 - parts only

18-inch Sawtooth wheel (x1) 
£432 - parts only

Visit the new Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts website for more information: parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/defenderupgrade