Sometimes when you buy a vehicle, you’re buying more than just four wheels and a drivetrain, and seldom is that more literally the case than now. Land Rover North America has announced the return of the Defender Trophy Edition, which gives buyers the opportunity to enter an off-road driving competition. First offered in 2021, the limited edition SUV is back for another run of 250 models. Of those, 220 will be sold in the U.S. and 30 will be sold at select dealers in Canada. All will come in a heritage-inspired yellow wrap.
Based on the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90
P400 X-Dynamic SE model, the Defender Trophy Edition adds the special wrap, a
unique trophy badge, extended black exterior package, a tow hitch receiver, the
air suspension pack, cold climate pack, off-road pack, and the advanced
off-road ability pack. In addition, it will also come with the expedition roof
rack, a deployable roof ladder, an electronic winch plus the winch accessories
package, front and rear mudflaps, an integrated air compressor, deep-sided
floor mats, and mats for the loading area.
But the benefits don’t stop with what’s
physically attached to the vehicle. In addition to getting all of that gear,
the purchasers of the Trophy Edition Defender will also have the opportunity to
gain entry to a one-day, two-person off-road adventure in their vehicle. Hosted
in Manchester, Vermont, competitors will face a number of on- and off-road
challenges that test both vehicle control and teamwork. Participants will also
get one-on-one expert coaching and the overall winners of the competition will
be invited to take part in the Classic Land Rover Trophy Competition in the
U.K., which is set to take place in the spring of 2023.
Not everyone who buys the Defender Trophy
Edition will necessarily be able to compete, though. Land Rover is offering
just 90 spots, on a first come, first served basis, meaning that buyers who
want to participate in the off-road challenge shouldn’t wait, especially as
owners of the 2021 model can also enter the Trophy Competition at a cost of US$ 5,000 per team.
The competition starts on October 8, 2022,
with six waves of 15 teams running throughout the month. The Defender Trophy
Edition will be available this month at a price of US$ 96,475 (including US$ 1,475
destination fee) in the U.S. and CAD$ 115,400 (US$ 89,111) in Canada (before
destination).