Latest news with #ECDAutoDesign
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
ECD Unleashes Its Most Powerful Defender Yet
KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the global leader in custom Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8, now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, also as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds. This engine isn't a gimmick. It's a direct result of client demand—bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700HP option sets a new benchmark for what's possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today. 'We've worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,' said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD. 'The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.' A Power-First, Client-Driven Evolution Rather than reinventing the wheel, ECD built on a trusted foundation—leveraging their extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar. Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include: Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender—or a Range Rover Classic—with untamed acceleration and unmistakable sound have a new option that fits seamlessly into the company's bespoke process. Designed for Drivers Who Want More This offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design. Whether it's cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection, the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. 'It's not about chasing numbers,' added Humble. 'It's about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.' Now Available for New Builds The 700HP BLUEPRINT engine is now available for Defender 90, 110, and 130 commissions—as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, this new option is expected to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike. View images of the Blueprint engine being installed About ECD Auto Design ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin Kastner Chief Revenue Officer [email protected] 407-738-1056 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ECD Unleashes Its Most Powerful Defender Yet
700+ Horsepower. American Muscle. Built by Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the global leader in custom Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8, now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, also as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds. This engine isn't a gimmick. It's a direct result of client demand—bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700HP option sets a new benchmark for what's possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today. 'We've worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,' said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD. 'The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.' A Power-First, Client-Driven Evolution Rather than reinventing the wheel, ECD built on a trusted foundation—leveraging their extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar. Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include: New front-end rotating assembly to house the integrated supercharger Enhanced cooling systems to manage added thermal load Upgraded transmission, transfer case, and differentials to handle the increased torque Refined ECU tuning and throttle mapping to maintain smooth drivability Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender—or a Range Rover Classic—with untamed acceleration and unmistakable sound have a new option that fits seamlessly into the company's bespoke process. Designed for Drivers Who Want More This offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design. Whether it's cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection, the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. 'It's not about chasing numbers,' added Humble. 'It's about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.' Now Available for New Builds The 700HP BLUEPRINT engine is now available for Defender 90, 110, and 130 commissions—as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, this new option is expected to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike. View images of the Blueprint engine being installed About ECD Auto DesignECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin KastnerChief Revenue Officerkastnerk@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
From Shoreline to Showstopper: ECD Reveals Vibrant Yellow Soft-Top Defender 90 'Beach Patrol'
KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the world's leading creator of restored Land Rovers and custom classic vehicles, proudly debuts Project Beach Patrol, a Defender 90 soft top built for warm weather, relaxed cruising, and statement-making style—all handcrafted in the U.S.A. View images and video of Project Beach Patrol Finished in a vivid Land Rover AA Yellow gloss finish, Beach Patrol is a one-of-one open-air Defender built entirely at ECD's 100,000-square-foot Florida facility. From its sleek black Optimil hardware to its powerful V8 heart, this Defender is engineered for long weekends, beach runs, and unforgettable coastal adventures. A Clean Coastal Statement Project Beach Patrol's exterior is designed for head-turning simplicity. The vibrant yellow body is accented by Narvik Black elements, including its mesh grille, fender flares, light surrounds, and SVX side steps. The roll cage, finished in matte black, adds contrast and structure to the open-top layout, while twin HELLA 500 LED spotlights on the brush guard create a purposeful silhouette. Riding on 18' Satin Black Kahn 1983 wheels and BFG All-Terrain tires, this D90 is ready for both sand and street. A custom-painted brush guard, classic DRL-equipped front bumper, and round rear light guards round out the build, adding rugged utility to this otherwise breezy design. It's not just ready to drive—it's ready to be noticed. Performance That Plays Power comes from a GM LS3 6.2L V8 engine, delivering over 430 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission. A Borla stainless dual sport exhaust adds throaty tone and visual symmetry, while heavy-duty axles and ECD's road suspension keep the ride confident. Alcon high-performance brakes with red calipers ensure modern stopping power that complements the vintage styling. Inside: Sport Meets Sophistication Inside, the 2+2 layout balances utility with luxury. Up front, Corbeau Trailcat seats are finished in black Cadence Licorice leather with yellow single vertical diamond stitching and heated functionality for cool nights along the coast. In the cargo area, staggered inward-facing jump seats mirror the finish, offering flexibility and style. A MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, All American gauges, and a leather-wrapped Puma dash give the cockpit a tactile and driver-focused feel. The ECD custom center console houses dual USB outlets (A & C), and the audio system is upgraded with Pioneer components, Bluetooth, and CarPlay for seamless summer playlists. Other comfort and convenience features include a digital rearview mirror, blind spot monitoring, remote start, and backup sensors—all integrated to modern standards while respecting the Defender's utilitarian heritage. Project Beach Patrol: Full Specification Overview Exterior Paint: Land Rover AA Yellow (Gloss Finish) Roll Cage: Multi-point, Matte Black Grille: Body Color Surround with Narvik Black Mesh Wheels: 18' Kahn 1983 – Satin Black Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain – Black Walls Out Bumper: Classic Style with DRLs & Brush Guard Lighting: HELLA 500 Series LED Spotlights, Rear Light Guards (Round, Black) Side Steps: SVX Black/Black Door Handles & Hinges: Optimil Black Metal, Body Color Painted Rear: NAS Style Rear Bumper with Swing-Away Carrier Soft Top: Canvas, Black Performance Engine: GM LS3 V8 Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Suspension: ECD Upgraded Road Suspension Brakes: Alcon High-Performance (Red Calipers) Exhaust: Borla Stainless Dual Sport – Left & Right Axles: Heavy Duty Chassis Coating: Raptor Liner Interior Layout: 2+2 (Front Buckets + Rear Jump Seats) Seats: Corbeau Trailcats in Cadence Licorice Leather Stitching: Yellow Single Vertical Diamond Center Console: ECD Custom Console with USB-A and USB-C Dash: Puma Style, Wrapped in Black Leather Door Cards: Leather Wrapped with Diamond Stitching + Storage Pockets Seat Belts: Custom Speed Yellow Flooring: Raptor-Lined Tub + OEM Rubber Mats Steering Wheel: MOMO Prototipo Gauges: All American Trim: Black Metal Kit Technology & Electronics Audio: Pioneer System with Subwoofer, CarPlay & Bluetooth Charging: USB Outlets Front & Rear Safety: Backup Camera, Sensors, Blind Spot Assistant Mirrors: Digital Rear View Convenience: Remote Locking & Alarm, Remote Start, Automatic Headlights A Defender That Defines Summer 'Project Beach Patrol is a standout in our portfolio—it's carefree, sunny, and unmistakably personal,' said Kevin Kastner, Chief Revenue Officer of ECD. 'It's more than a soft-top Defender—it's a symbol of coastal escape, weekend freedom, and the confidence that comes from driving something truly one-of-a-kind.' To begin your own custom journey, visit or schedule a design consultation with the ECD team. About ECD Auto Design ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold a combined 80 ASE and five master-level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin Kastner Chief Revenue Officer [email protected] 407-738-1056 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
