Latest news with #RangeRoverClassic
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
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Classic cars dating back to 20th century on display in Sharjah
The Sharjah Classic Cars Festival (SCCF 2025) returned for its highly anticipated second edition, bringing together industry experts, classic car enthusiasts and collectors to celebrate automotive heritage. Held under the theme "Where the Story Begins," the festival runs until Feb.17 at the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) headquarters, offering visitors a unique experience that blends history, entertainment, and education. The five-day event was launched in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah; Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Authority; Sheikh Salem Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority; and Dr Ali Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, President of SOCC. They were joined by automotive enthusiasts and experts from across the region. The opening ceremony included a tour of festival grounds and the classic cars on display, including two historically significant vehicles: a 1988 two-door Range Rover Classic once owned by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a 1988 four-door Range Rover belonging to the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These iconic cars serve as a testament to the rich legacy of the nation's leadership, adding a profound historical dimension to the exhibition. This year, the festival features over 400 rare classic cars, some dating back to the early 20th century, highlighting the event's richness and significance as one of the most specialised gatherings in the region. The festival programme includes expert discussion panels, entertainment activities, interactive competitions, dedicated food and beverage areas, and an exclusive auction for rare classic cars, offering collectors the opportunity to bid on unique models and secure exceptional deals. As part of the inaugural day, a panel discussion titled "Passion or Business? The Art of Collecting Classic Cars" featured Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Mohammed Bin Dakhin Al Matroushi, and Salem Bin Salem Al Suwaidi. The discussion explored key considerations in selecting a classic car, whether as a passion or an investment and highlighted the most sought-after brands among enthusiasts in the region. The session also examined how a passion for classic cars can evolve into a profitable business, stressing that ownership is not exclusive to people with financial means, as enthusiasm for the sector transcends social barriers. Additionally, experts shared insights on accurate valuation methods and effective investment strategies in the classic car market. During the session, Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Jarwan emphasised that classic car collecting is more than an appreciation of culture or heritage; it reflects personal taste and brings unique enjoyment to owners. He said: 'At its core, this field is a hobby, and any commercial activity that emerges from it supports a passion that has gained global recognition through auctions and specialised publications.' Mohammed Bin Dakhin Al Matroushi underscored the importance of joining SOCC and benefiting from its members' expertise. He noted that modifying classic cars requires skill and creativity, with certain modifications preserving a vehicle's original value. While acknowledging the commercial potential of the classic car market, he stressed that success requires in-depth knowledge and expertise to achieve profitable returns. Salem Bin Salem Al Suwaidi highlighted classic cars' nostalgic value and growing global demand. He noted that collectors from the US and Japan are willing to pay high prices to reclaim rare models. Emphasising the need to preserve a car's authenticity during modifications, he called for expert committees to assess vintage vehicles, especially inherited ones, ensuring their true value is recognised by official bodies like courts and banks. During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi and Dr Ali Ahmed Abu Al Zoud honoured the event's strategic partners and sponsors, including Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre - BMW, Emirates Auction, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
