The long-awaited 2020 Land Rover Defender is just
around the corner and a host of publications in the UK, including Top Gear,
recently had the opportunity to test out a number ofg prototypes. One of the most important
upgrades made to the new Defender is the fitment of an air suspension as an
option. Top Gear reports that it will be height-adjustable and will be more
capable off-road than the more traditional coil spring setup that will come
standard with the vehicle.
According to Andy Deeks, the man in charge of the
Defender’s durability and reliability program, the air suspension is active:
“The air system actively monitors temperature in the dampers and protects the
vehicle by changing the parameters of the suspension as you’re driving.”
Deeks says that Land Rover has tested 200 new
Defender prototypes around the world. Additionally, the British car
manufacturer has fitted a fully-built Defender to a custom rig which shakes it
around for 24 hours a day, seven days a week for two months to simulate 10
years or 150,000 miles (241,401 km) of use. A big focus among the development
team for the new Defender was ensuring that it is much more composed on the
road than the previous-generation, Deeks added.
A presentation for the 2020 Land Rover Defender
recently announced that the new SUV will be offered in 90, 110, and 130
versions and with six different powertrains.
