The new Upgrade Kits, the first of their kind from Land Rover Classic, allow Defender owners to enhance the 90 and 110 derivatives built between 1994 and 2016.
Upgrades start with diamond-turned 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels which can be fitted to Defenders built from 1994 model year onwards. The wheels are a direct bolt-on fitment for Defenders built after VIN LA930456, which was built on 30 April 1993. Earlier Defender models may require later-specification wheel studs.
The Defender Suspension Upgrade Kit is suitable from 2007 model year vehicles, comprising uniquely-tuned suspension tailored for on-road comfort and dynamics with revised coil spring rates, dampers, anti-roll bars, links and bushes.
The Defender Handling Upgrade Kit adds uprated Works V8 specification brake discs, pads and callipers to the 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels and enhanced suspension.
The final and most comprehensive upgrade option is only available on 2.2-litre TDCi models produced from 2012 model year onwards and is only available directly from Land Rover Classic.
The Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit includes all of the wheel, brake and suspension elements in addition to new performance-rated tyres and an engine upgrade which adds an extra 40PS to 162PS and 463Nm torque, thus increasing top speed to 172kph.
This includes bespoke badging on the front wings, an owner’s certificate, vehicle collection, health check and handover with a tour of Land Rover’s Classic Works, UK, or Essen, Germany, facility – where the upgrade is carried out.
Land Rover says that all components have been fully assessed to the same standards as Works V8 in dynamic testing, with engineers meeting the same fast road and braking targets for Upgrade Kit components as last year’s limited-run model.
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In terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the engine meets the same EU5 N1 Commercial standards as a standard 2.2 TDCi, with emissions control systems retained.
Lastly, customers can order the Sawtooth alloy wheels, Suspension and Handling upgrade kits and have them fitted by their local Land Rover retailer as well as Land Rover Classic’s facilities in Coventry and Essen.
The Sawtooth wheel kit with tyres and Defender Classic Works upgrade kit can only be purchased and fitted at Land Rover Classic’s own facilities.
The next-generation Defender will likely be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show and will most likely retain its iconic box-like design - including the rear-mounted spare wheel.
Rumour-mills say that it could be arriving in both three and five-door design with a heavily revised and modernised cabin while featuring power units from Jaguar's Ingenium engine lineup.
