There are few vehicles as iconic and as instantly recognisable as the Land Rover Defender. Boasting six decades of production, the classic boxy go-anywhere vehicle is finally due for an update, and according to the recent reports, it’s already underway and appropriately named Project Icon.
The Land Rover design team is secretly hard at work on the project, with aims to update the classic Defender with modern design principles while retaining its simple, efficient competence. Unlike most of its current peers, the new Project Icon vehicle is expected to pass on aluminum for a dependable and rugged steel chassis borrowed from the current Discovery and Range Rover Sport models.
The Project Icon truck will be most likely initially built only in England, but there are plans to send it to China, Russia, India and elsewhere in knock-down form for final assembly down the road.
Upgrading the Defender to the T5 chassis will mean independent suspension, and a choice of steel or air springs depending on the application. Power will most likely come from the company’s existing lineup of four- and six-cylinder diesels.
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