Olli wrote:

22900013A wrote:

Very interesting. I can't say I agree about the offset numberplate being a keeper (a full width rear door is about 50 years overdue) but round headlights are an absolute keeper...

Will keep an eye on the blog.

Hi 22900013A,
The idea to keep the offset number plate actually went hand in hand with the wish to have a sideways opening door as we have now ( I wanted to add that as keeper too but mucked up when uploading images) as opposed to a split tailgate as with the Range Rovers. I think a lot of us actually still get into the rear cargo area, be it on overlanding trips to sleep in the back or simply sitting in the sideways facing seats (yes, the latter will most likely not make it to the new Defender). Point being that if one still wants to take one's whole self into the cargo area, than a sideways opening door is a lot handier than a split tailgate. Having said that, my premise that an offset number plate is necessary if a sideways opening door is chosen for is incorrect, I now realize. I also realize that Disco 1 and 2 had a wider rear door with the number plate on the door while the off set plate was not due to the door hinged on the right but due to the spare wheel. Disco 3 continued the off set plate purely for looks and that might eventually be the deciding factor in the case of the new Defender as well.
I also Like David Whittaker’s idea very much. Split tail gate AND full sideways opening. Food for thought. Thanks!

Olli wrote:

I know that there are numerous threads on the new Defender. This site alone has two pages worth of discussion topics. However, check out the blog at http://defender15.blogspot.nl/ which is intended to bring all thoughts together in one place and ultimately come up with what we - (prospective) users of Defender - think the new Defender should look like. The idea is to come up with a concrete design proposal, one that will definiely do away with the sour aftertaste of DC 100. I have just set some ground rules for myself and will start sketching soon. I would appreciate all constructive criticism and thoughts. Feel free to send in your sketches too if you wish to share. You can comment on the blogsite or on this thread. Let's show JLR what we want.

Best,
Olli

davidwhittaker wrote:

Can't beleive what I'm reading! The massif is just a defender copy built out of cheap, horrible materials! They'll rust away within a few years! At leat the defender has an ally body which helps a lot!

Pickles wrote:

As we have yet to receive our first Defender, I'm not really qualified to speak.
However, I would have to say that a 2.2L engine with just 90kw, (yes, I know 360nm isn't bad), is simply not enough in today's market when compared with the opposition.