Existing Defender owners will not be forgotten, SVO boss tells Autocar.
Land Rover's next vehicle to receive JLR's newest Special Vehicle Operations treatment will be the oldest car in their product lineup, the iconic Defender.
The brand has already confirmed that the next generation of the Defender will be launched next, following the Range Rover and Discovery. Reports say that the car will feature a modern design, monocoque chassis, and latest off-road technologies, which is space age to the hardware that the original Defender used throughout its lifespan.
The SVO edition of the Defender will, apparently, be the last hurrah of the 78-year old model series that has helped shape Land Rover's image and till this day, binding the core principles of a true Land Rover - sheer off-road prowess, simple yet tough build quality, and a rugged, burly exterior.
SVO boss John Edwards divulged to Autocar UK that the upcoming final edition will draw inspiration from the race-spec Camel Trophy and Dakar Rally variant. It's expected to be unveiled next year.
Also read: Land Rover Freelander off-road experience
Edwards also promises more SVO models in the future as the growing special division consisting of nearly 500 employees, focus their attention on four key criteria: special vehicles, bespoke customization, heritage vehicles and branded goods.
Other than the Range Rover Sport SVR and the upcoming Defender Final Edition (name not confirmed), SVO is expected to come out with their edition of the Jaguar XE next.
[Source - Autocar UK]
