The all-new Land Rover Defender has been in the news
quite a lot recently but not necessarily for reasons the automaker wanted. Photos of the 2020 Defender
wearing no disguise surfaced on the internet well ahead of the model’s world
debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Then there was a spy photo of
the interior that pretty much uncovered the dashboard layout.
There is a silver lining to this, at least
for those of us who are curious to see more of the new Defender. Land Rover has
started applying lighter camouflage to its prototypes, as you can see from this
latest sighting.
The 2020 Defender 110 is back at the Nürburgring for
testing, allowing our photographers to capture the most revealing shots of the
prototype so far. As you can see, most of the plastic camouflage at the front,
side, and rear has gone, offering a good idea of what the finished item will
look like.
While the bodywork continues to be boxy, it’s
definitely more polished around the edges compared to the previous Defender.
This is likely intentional as it suggests the new model is from a different,
more modern breed.
As with all future models from JLR, the 2020
Defender uses the new aluminum MLA platform which allows for mild hybrid (both
gasoline and diesel), plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions. While the
Defender will get the hybrid tech, it’s not likely to gain a pure EV version,
though.
At launch, the new model will be available in two
wheelbase configurations: three-door 90 and five-door 110. Later on,
rumor has it a longer 130 version will arrive as the range-topping Defender
with eight seats.
