Land Rover: without losing your mind

The “Defender” of Land Rover represents today 70 years of history in its innovation. After a difficult but necessary change of generation, the British firm turned to the development of this new model applying all its experience and available technology to not only surprise the market but mainly its loyal customers who for years have been defending the name of the brand before a wave of new and more modern models.

The Defender has a 3.0 liter engine 6-cylinder with Turbo that generates 400 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque; with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission with reduction gear. The traction is total to the 4 wheels permanently, 100% automatic front and rear differential locking system.

The suspension is pneumatic with variable height with slope descent control, Terrain Response, 360 degree vision camera, height sensors for river crossings, 10” screen, among others. Technology, refinement and 4×4 performance are the best attributes of the new Defender 110 model 2023, a real off-roader.

Second generation tested

There is no better terrain than Baja California Sur to push the capabilities of the new Defender 110 to the limit, which served as the “Leader” vehicle of the Expedition. Its qualities are extraordinary as it combines luxury, technology and 4×4 capabilities. I took her by road from Mexico City to Mazatlán, in Sinaloa to get to know a part of her more civilized side. It accelerates from 0-100 in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 208 km/h.

On pavement it is fast and surprisingly agile for its size and weight. On the road I put it to the test in river crossings, swamps, rocks, and dirt roads where height, torque, and differential lock had to be used.

Its capabilities are endless

The Defender 110 of Land Rover it has unique attributes when compared to 4×4 models from other brands.

In the 4×4 field, life makes it simpler and more dynamic with the pneumatic (air) suspension that provides considerable height up to 4” above for the most complicated obstacles, exceeding 40 degrees of its entry and exit angle.

The reduction gear (4low) combined with the 100% differential lock on the rear axle and automatic center guarantees its passage through complicated routes.

It has a system to cross rivers that consists of a sensor that indicates on the screen, the water level at less than 10 km/h; It is very valuable because by monitoring the depth in real time, it will prevent us from exceeding the capacity of the car and consequently getting trapped or having an engine breakdown. The front and 360 degree obstacle camera allows to visualize large rocks with the proper trajectory.

Once in the pilot’s seat it is easy to find the best position, its turbo engine offers the necessary performance to circulate on the road and its equipment off road turns her into an unstoppable off-roader.

marcos.martinez@eleconomista.mx