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TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Land Rover Defender Trophy revives iconic Camel Trophy competition
Land Rover is reviving the iconic off-road competition that used to be known as the Camel Trophy and was held annually between 1980 and 2000. The new Defender Trophy — now without tobacco sponsorship — will have teams competing in a series of driving, navigational and physical challenges in harsh environments. The global 4x4 competition will have national qualifiers in 74 countries with a final to be held in October 2026 in an as-yet-unnamed venue in Africa. At the global final, competitors will work with wildlife agency Tusk to drive conservation efforts. The location for the final will be revealed in August 2026. The vehicle used in the competition is the recently announced Defender 110 D350 Trophy Edition which is on sale to the public as a more rugged version of Land Rover's best-selling model range. The Defender Trophy is painted in yellow similar to the iconic colour used in the original Camel Trophy (or optionally green) and rides on rugged all-terrain tyres with gloss black 20" alloy wheels. Trophy decals and badges set the special edition model apart along with a dark rear scuff plate, gloss black wheel arch guards and a black front undershield. Inside, the Defender Trophy Edition lays on tough luxury with ebony windsor leather seats and Trophy illuminated treadplates. The exposed cross car beam is finished in the same distinctive colour as the exterior and features laser-etched endcaps with Trophy branding. The six-cylinder 3.0 l turbo diesel engine produces 257kW of power and a lusty 700Nm of torque, with drive sent to all four wheels via permanent all-wheel drive and a Terrain Response system with modes for Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock Crawl. With the air suspension raised to its maximum height, the Defender has 291mm of ground clearance.
Auto Express
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Challenging expedition coming up? This is the Land Rover for you
The appeal of this new Land Rover Defender Trophy is almost entirely subjective. If you like the Sandglow yellow paint and gloss-black details, or have a particular affinity to the Trophy event from the late 20th century, then you've got a unique-looking Defender that will get you anywhere you choose to take it. Yet many will see the opportunity to save the best part of £20k by opting for a less polarising but just as capable take on the venerable 4x4 – and with a broader paint palette to boot. Advertisement - Article continues below Land Rover is no stranger to a special edition. You only need to have scanned the Auto Express website over the last few weeks to know that; from the premium Discovery Tempest to the stealthy Range Rover SV Black, almost every model in the range has been gifted additional variants to boost their popularity in 2025. The Land Rover Defender is no exception. At the end of May, the firm announced a series of model-year changes applicable to all versions, as well as a nostalgic Trophy Edition inspired by the 4x4s that competed in the legendary Camel Trophy between 1980 and 2000. Those aforementioned model-year changes are also applicable to the new Trophy model you see here. These include a subtle tweak to the Defender's iconic daytime running-light signature, brighter LEDs to the rear that also now fit flush with the body – and are therefore easier to clean – plus reprofiled bumpers and 'Defender' branding for the wheel centre caps. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Defender View Defender View Defender View Defender On top of this, Trophy cars get the option of Deep Sandglow Yellow paint – exclusive to the special edition – plus, for £4,500 extra, a matte protective film for some, but not all, of the body panels. They also feature the firm's new 20-inch 'Style 9013' gloss-black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, inspired by the smaller steel wheels available elsewhere in the range. Trophy-branded tread plates, decals and body-coloured dash inserts add to the bespoke look. Advertisement - Article continues below Land Rover also offers a curated accessories package, which includes a roof rack, fold-down ladder, externally mounted 'gear carriers', mud flaps and a snorkel. Priced at £4,995, it's not cheap, but probably pales into insignificance when you're spending £80k-plus on a go-anywhere family hauler. Otherwise though, this is the Defender we've known and loved since its introduction five years ago. As suggested, our drive was limited to a short off-road route, which showed the Trophy in a particularly strong light; no slope is too steep, and no ravine too rutted, for example. While it's not as soft or controlled as the range-topping Land Rover Defender OCTA with its '6D' hydraulic interlinked dampers and height-adjustable air springs, there really is very little the Trophy won't make light work of. The myriad drive modes are simple to access via the now standard-fit and easier-to-reach (according to Land Rover) 13.1-inch touchscreen, with the Mud Ruts setting engaging the car's low-range gearbox and automatically activating the excellent hill-descent control. Lifting your feet from the pedals and allowing the car to safely traverse a steep slope will never not feel utterly alien, but the precision it displays gives you great confidence. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Our car was fitted with the mud flaps found on that optional accessories package, which we found to occasionally scrape along the ground on approach to particularly treacherous terrain. We first thought we'd breached the car's generous breakover angles, so unpleasant was the sound; we'd avoid ticking this option box if you regularly plan to take your Defender off the beaten track. Besides, all Land Rovers look better with a layer of countryside-created muck up the side. Advertisement - Article continues below But given that the changes are aesthetic only, the driving experience is unlikely to differ too dramatically compared with a standard Defender. The mild-hybrid, twin-turbo D350 diesel engine is a strong performer with near-endless amounts of torque – meaning A-road overtakes are as easy as 45-degree climbs on loose rock. It's quiet, relatively economical (Land Rover claims up to 31.2mpg), and with a huge 89-litre fuel tank, is capable of long journeys at the drop of a hat. The Trophy is also offered in P300e plug-in hybrid guise, with roughly 29 miles of electric range. If on-road refinement is a priority, we'd suggest opting for the all-season – as opposed to all-terrain – tyres, which are a no-cost option. This should help reduce road noise and boost fuel consumption – at the detriment of some off-road ability, of course. Elsewhere, the Trophy – like all models in the far-reaching Defender range – feels built to withstand the rigours of family life, without sacrificing the quality and luxury you expect at this price. There's loads of room in the back, and even with the roof rack fitted, the panoramic roof, small skylights and large all-round glasshouse make the car feel airy and spacious. The boot is massive – despite the fact the Trophy is only available in the middling 110-length bodystyle. Model: Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition D350 Price: £84,815 On sale: Now Powertrain: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel MHEV Power/torque: 345bhp/700Nm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 6.4 seconds Top speed: 119mph Economy/CO2: 31.2mpg/237g/km Size (L/W/H): 4,758/2,008/1,967mm Want a Defender on your driveway? Take a look at our latest deals on a new Land Rover Defender , or find top prices on a used Land Rover Defender . Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers' hearts and minds Car group tests 12 Jul 2025
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Land Rover unveils new 1980s classic style 4x4 but there's one big catch
Many of the original Land Rover competition vehicles from the iconic Camel Trophy events, which ran from 1981 to 2000, are still on the road today and going strong Land Rover has launched a beast of a car that retro fans will love - but the brand-spanking new model comes with one significant drawback. Paying tribute to a legendary design from the 1980s, celebrated for its extraordinary off-road performance in some of the world 's toughest environments, Land Rover has unveiled a new Defender Trophy Edition. It is an homage to the Camel Trophy vehicles from 40 years ago, complete with matching accessories and a retro livery. The Camel Trophy itself began in 1980, originally featuring three German teams driving Jeeps across the Amazon Basin. Described as 'neither a race nor a rally' by Iain Chapman, the event's director for over a decade, the Camel Trophy was an off-roading expedition where participating teams tested their 4x4 driving and mechanical skills, endurance, courage, stamina, perseverance and resilience against some of the most challenging natural conditions on the planet. After the inaugural event, organisers partnered with Land Rover and secured primary sponsorship from tobacco company Camel, giving the event its iconic name. Over the next twenty years, the competition took place in challenging locations such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Madagascar, Samoa, Siberia, Malaysia, and many other demanding terrains. Throughout the event's history, a wide range of Land Rover vehicles participated — Range Rover, Land Rover Series III, Land Rover 90, Land Rover 110, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery and Freelander. All of which were painted in the distinctive 'Sandglow' yellow associated with the Camel brand. This signature colour is one of two livery options available for the new Defender Trophy Edition, which will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13. However, there is a significant catch with this luxury retro revival model — the price. The new Trophy Edition is offered exclusively as the mid-size, five-door Defender 110, featuring unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a choice between the aforementioned Deep Sandglow Yellow — evoking the Camel Trophy heritage — or Keswick Green. Both versions include the option of a contrasting black bonnet, wheel arches, roof and black leather interior. For those seeking even more authenticity, Land Rover offers a Trophy Edition accessory pack for £4,995. This features a roof rack, retractable roof ladder (for easier access to roof-mounted gear), air-intake snorkel (for water crossings) and classic-style mud flaps, as well as gloss black side panniers providing 'extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items'you would rather not store in the boot. Land Rover said the Trophy Edition, which omits the Camel name for advertising reasons, is a celebration of the brand's 'rich history of adventure challenges', noting that the classic yellow vehicles are 'synonymous with Defenders used on international Trophy-style events'. The price for the Trophy Edition starts at £89,810, a notable increase over the £62,795 base for a standard Defender 110. While the Trophy Edition's price is steep, it is only half the cost of a similar commemorative model produced by Land Rover Classic in 2021. That limited run included just 25 examples of the old Defender, each inspired by the Camel Trophy and featuring period-correct liveries and modifications. Despite a price tag of £195,000 per car, the Works V8 Trophy line sold out in just three days, prompting Land Rover to build another 25 units to meet demand. And it's worth noting — many of the original competition Land Rovers from Camel Trophy events, which ran from 1981 to 2000, are still on the road today and going strong.
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
JLR returns Defender to competition past with new Trophy Edition
Latest special edition coincides with the newly named Defender Challenge that kicks-off next year in association with the Tusk conservation programme. JLR has taken inspiration from the G4 Challenge and Camel Trophy with the new Defender Trophy Edition. Image: JLR JLR has unveiled its latest special edition Defender that celebrates that only past events like the G4 Challenge and Camel Trophy, but its partnership with the Tusk conservation programme. Changes Now available as a limited edition based on the Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic SE, the Trophy Edition takes the name of the latter event, but without the obvious reference to its former sponsor. ALSO READ: JLR spruces 'Land Rover' Defender up once again inside and out Available in two colours, Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green, the Trophy's unique exterior additions consist of gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, gloss black wheel arch cladding, darkened front and rear scuffplates, special Trophy badges, a black bonnet and additional black finishes on the recovery hooks, brake calipers and side body moulds. Trophy can be had in two colours, the depicted hue being Keswick Green. Image: JLR As standard, the otherwise optional accessories, the roof rack, side-mounted storage boxes, snorkel, mud flaps and deployable side ladder, are all included from the start. Crossbeam that across the dashboard has been colour-matched with the selected body colour. Image: JLR Inside, the, crossbeam which runs the width of the passenger's side dashboard, has been colour matched with the selected body colour, and illuminated Trophy treadplates fitted upon entry. Ebony Windsor leather rounds the interior off. Same power Up front, the Defender Trophy Edition remains mechanically unchanged from the X-Dynamic SE, meaning as is outputs of 257kW/700Nm from the 3.0-litre Ingenium straight-six turbodiesel engine. Trophy treadplates feature upon entry. Image: JLR Sending the amount of twist to all four wheels once again falls to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox. Defender Trophy event Now available, the Trophy's arrival coincides with the revived Defender Trophy, of which applications close on 31 July. Trophy badge has been placed on the outer edge of the dashboard. Image: JLR A process of regional eliminations in 50 countries will then take place, until the event final kicks-off next year in Africa in co-operation with Tusk. As in the original Camel Trophy, teams will be put through a series of challenges involving physical, driving and ingenuity. Trophy decal has been placed on the C-pillar. Image: JLR Submissions can be done via the link – Price The Defender Trophy Edition meanwhile carries a price tag of R2 085 600, which includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as standard. NOW READ: Land Rover Defender's County return leaves a mark worth having
Car and Driver
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Land Rover Reveals Defender 110 Trophy Edition and a Competition for It to Conquer
Land Rover has announced a special-edition 2026 Defender 110 Trophy Edition, which features expedition gear and callback Trophy design elements. The Defender 110 Trophy Edition features a deployable roof ladder, a large roof rack, a raised air intake, and 20-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. To challenge the new model, Land Rover has created a rigorous off-road Defender Trophy competition that will be shared online to promote African wildlife conservation efforts. One of Car and Driver's own having narrowly avoided death from all angles behind the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery TDi during the 1993 Camel Trophy in Borneo, we can attest that the British marque and its vehicles know how to take adventure to the ragged edge. While the notoriously rigorous Camel Trophy and subsequent G4 Challenge are no more, Land Rover is introducing a new Defender Trophy international adventure series for 2026 and a special Defender 110 Trophy Edition model to go with it. Land Rover The new Defender 110 Trophy Edition will serve as the competition's off-road weapon of choice, fitted with celebratory styling elements and expedition-ready parts. The special-edition model is offered in two colors: Deep Sandglow Yellow or Kenswick Green, with the former recalling a staple hue on historic Camel Trophy vehicles and the latter celebrating the U.K.'s lush greenery. Exclusive Trophy decals also adorn its gloss black hood, C-pillars, and rear tailgate. On the inside, Ebony Windsor Leather seats preserve some luxury in the cabin. Land Rover Apart from the unique colors and decals, most of the Trophy Edition's external modifications are already available on the standard four-door Defender via the $5400 Explorer Pack, but they'll be put to good use during the Defender Trophy. To reduce underbody threats, it comes with a front undershield, a rear scuff plate, and wheel arch protection. Gloss black 20-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires should also make quick work of iffy topography, and a raised air intake is meant to filter out any airborne dust clouds. Since gear storage is aways a critical aspect of lengthy safaris, the Trophy Edition features a large roof rack, a side-mounted gear carrier, and a deployable roof ladder to reach objects stowed overhead. The Trophy Edition is available to order now, priced at the equivalent of about $121,000. Final Will Be in Africa in 2026 Ultimately, the Discovery Trophy is meant to put the new special-edition model to the test, but contestants from more than 50 countries will initially duke it out on the regional level before moving on to a rigorous global final in Africa. Land Rover hasn't said what the exact hurdles will be, only that the contestants will face "driving challenges, ingenuity challenges, and physical challenges" along the way. The African final will be hosted in the fall of 2026 by Tusk, an African wildlife conservation group, with the teams' progress to be shared online. After completing the adventure, Land Rover says, the winner will "get the opportunity to leave a positive legacy with the people and places touched by Defender Trophy." If you're in a participating country, at least 23 years old, can swim 50 meters, can drive internationally, and speak fluent English, your chance to get dirty is coming. Austin Parsons Associate Editor Austin's car fixation began at a young age and at 1:64 scale. Eventually, Hot Wheels weren't cutting it anymore, so he developed an obsession with his father's full-sized 1965 Ford Mustang instead. Desperate to break into the automotive industry, he bartered his way into a job at a local BMW dealership by promising to stop hurling nerdy technical facts at the salesmen who came into the neighboring coffee shop where he worked. That was also around the time when he started writing automotive reviews, news articles, and technical guides for a number of local and international publications. Now at Car and Driver, Austin brings more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry and an all-so-common love-hate relationship with German engineering to the table. Read full bio
