Latest news with #DominicElms
West Australian
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Return of an icon
We were very excited when Land Rover Classic confirmed the return of an icon with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top — the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender. Soft-top examples of the classic Defender are highly sought-after, and the new addition makes it possible to own a personalised example of this legendary model from the official home of classic Defenders. The cars will be built to order in Coventry (UK) and Essen (Germany) and buyers are treated with a premium customer experience that includes countless personalisation options, with a one-on-one bespoke service offered for every single build. Each Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is the result of hundreds of hours of work by expert Land Rover Classic engineers. Every example begins with a specially sourced donor vehicle, originally produced from 2012-2016, which is comprehensively enhanced and re-engineered. The result is a unique vehicle, produced to OEM standards with longevity, luxury and capability in mind. Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is a unique opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. 'We work with clients to provide a one-to-one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer — the people who know it best.' Personalisation options include the choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys; unique grilles, door handles and bonnet scripts; and five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options, with colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet. Buyers can choose from a selection of 49 paint finishes to create their perfect look, or use the Works Bespoke match-to-sample colour service to create truly individual paint schemes. And — for something a bit fancier — buyers can even opt for an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack. What's non-negotiable is the 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, with 405hp (302kW) and 515Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, ensuring effortless performance and precise responses. The V8 power is accompanied by uprated suspension and brakes. The suspension set-up is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the 90 Soft Top and combines traditional Defender capability with superior comfort in all environments. Its revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers have undergone comprehensive testing and development to ensure they meet OEM standards. The brakes are uprated to four-piston Alcon units with front discs measuring 335mm in diameter, and 300mm at the rear, for confidence-inspiring stopping power. The only bad news is that buyers will need deep pockets to get one. The eye-watering price tag starts from £195,000 plus local taxes . . . that's well over $400,000. V8 DEFENDER HISTORY
ArabGT
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Can You Guess the Price of This Classic Defender V8 Soft Top?
Land Rover Classic has breathed new life into a true icon, unveiling a reimagined soft-top Defender that marries the rugged spirit of the past with the power and polish of modern engineering. The result? A beautifully restored, V8-powered open-air adventure machine that proudly carries a hefty price tag of £234,000 — a price befitting its craftsmanship, exclusivity, and character. Rather than designing a new vehicle from scratch, Land Rover Classic sources donor Defenders from the final production years between 2012 and 2016. Each one undergoes an exhaustive transformation process, where it's comprehensively rebuilt, re-engineered, and reimagined to be as fresh — and even more refined — than the day it first left the factory floor. These aren't simple restorations; they are total reinterpretations, crafted with a level of obsession only true enthusiasts could achieve. At the heart of this reborn Defender is its most commanding feature: a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. Delivering 399 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, this powerhouse is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system, ensuring the Defender has the muscle to match its bold appearance. It's a nod to Land Rover's performance legacy but tuned for a new era of collectors and adventurers. Chassis and ride dynamics have been meticulously overhauled. The updated suspension system features newly calibrated coil springs, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers, offering a more planted yet responsive driving experience. Stopping power is equally serious, thanks to Alcon four-piston calipers clamping down on massive 335mm front discs and 300mm rears — providing the confidence needed when commanding a machine of this magnitude. The soft-top design is a clear homage to classic Defender DNA. A bespoke canvas hood, secured with authentic webbing straps, mirrors the original North American Specification (NAS) Defender 90, blending nostalgia with purpose. Meanwhile, customization opportunities are almost limitless. Clients can tailor their Defender to an extraordinary degree, selecting from a wide range of exterior paints, materials, badging, wheels, and even lifestyle accessories like surfboard racks or integrated wine coolers. If it fits the Defender spirit, Land Rover Classic will likely find a way to make it happen. Inside, the cabin balances vintage styling with subtle modern upgrades, offering an experience that feels both timeless and elevated. Attention to detail reigns supreme, from the stitching of the upholstery to the tactile finish of every control surface. As Dominic Elms, head of Land Rover Classic, explains, each build represents a deeply personal journey. 'At Land Rover Classic, we work with clients to provide a one-to-one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them by the original manufacturer — the people who know it best.' Of course, such craftsmanship, history, and exclusivity don't come cheap. But for those who view a Defender not just as a vehicle, but as a legacy — a rolling testament to adventure and engineering passion — the £234,000 price tag is simply the cost of owning a modern classic built by the hands that made it legendary.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Land Rover Classic launches Defender V8 Soft Top with bespoke options and V8 engine
Every unit is derived from a 2012–2016 Defender donor vehicle, re-engineered by Land Rover Classic to current standards. Land Rover Classic has announced the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, from its Works Bespoke division, bringing back the soft-top variant of its legendary model. Sold only in the short-wheelbase '90' form, the SUV represents the first formal soft-top Defender since 2016. The SUV maker stated that the model has been aimed at enthusiasts seeking a modernised yet traditionally styled off-roader. Dominic Elms, Director, Land Rover Classic, stated that the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, has been designed and engineered exclusively for clients who are looking for a one‑to‑one bespoke service, by the original manufacturer. Also Read : Actress Sonam Bajwa buys new Land Rover Defender Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top: Design Every unit is derived from a 2012–2016 Defender donor vehicle, re-engineered by Land Rover Classic to current standards. The new soft-top has a bespoke canvas hood, available in four colours—Black, Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy—and includes tie-downs and webbing as per the last production Defenders. The design of the hood enables the side and rear panels to be rolled up and unzipped, offering open-air driving while maintaining weather protection. A more limited "Bikini Hood" option, which only covers the front seats, is also offered, referencing the previous NAS (North American Specification) Defender models. There are 49 standard paint colours available, with the choice of custom match-to-sample finishes. Exterior features such as the grille, door handles, and bonnet script can be configured, and wheel options are either 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys. Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top: Specifications The Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is driven by a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine that makes 405hp and 515Nm of torque. The engine gets paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top will be manufactured in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany by the Land Rover Classic teams Meanwhile, the company has stated that suspension has been altered with updated coil springs, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers to balance off-road capability with on-road comfort. Braking is improved with four-piston Alcon calipers and larger brake discs, 335mm at the front and 300mm at the rear. Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top: Features Interior choices include five monotone and eight duo-tone leather trim colours, such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet. More accessories, such as a wine cooler or surfboard rack, are provided to customize the cars to meet diverse lifestyle demands. Also Read : Range Rover Evoque Autobiography launched in India at ₹ 69.50 lakh. Check details The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top will be manufactured in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany by the Land Rover Classic teams. Prices for the model begin at £195,000 ( ₹ 2.22 crore approx.) plus applicable taxes, and every vehicle comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 29 Apr 2025, 08:55 AM IST
