This week in Autocar, Land Rover introduces the baby Defender, we drive the new Mercedes E-Class and take the Kia Picanto for a spin around Ireland.
News
Land Rover has given approval to its long-awaited and highly anticipated ‘baby Defender’ – a rugged and compact 4×4 that will be released as a sibling model to the next-gen Evoque.
Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golf next year by launching the facelifted eighth-generation model. We analyze why this could be the best Golf yet.
Meanwhile, Toyota plans to replace the GR86 with a redesigned hybrid version that will use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris.
We also cover the new Hyundai Santa Fe, discuss why the adoption of electric vehicles is slowing down, and much more.
Reviews
The Dacia Spring, priced below £20k, is set to become the UK’s first affordable electric car from the popular value brand. We test it before it goes on sale next year to find out if it really lives up to the hype.
Mercedes is upping the luxury and technology in its new E-Class saloon. We have it on test in Austria and question if you really need an S-Class.
Audi’s long-awaited Q6 E-tron is the electric sibling of the Q5, boasting impressive efficiency. We’ve had the chance to test prototypes of both the Q6 E-tron and the new SQ6 to see how they perform.
In road test 5634, we review the Mercedes-AMG SL63 to determine if a sportier direction is the right move for Stuttgart’s classic car.
We’re also testing the Skoda Superb Prototype, Hyundai Kona EV prototype, the electric Vauxhall Astra, the Honda ZR-V, and Mercedes B200d.
Features
The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic 1500-mile route along the west coast of Ireland. Matt Prior takes a Kia Picanto on the southern section of the route and shares his experience, revealing why he’s already planning a return trip.
Donkervoort introduces the F22, a powerhouse with a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 622bhp per tonne. Richard Lane tests this speed demon and sees how it stacks up against the fastest supercars.
The McMurtry Spierling stunned the automotive world a year ago with its Spéirling, an ultra-lightweight electric fan car with 1000bhp. Now, it’s headed for production. Will Rimell meets the person in charge.
Opinion
Matt Prior takes a stand against unsolicited local opinions about the traffic congestion caused by the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He humorously suggests that the best way to enjoy roads is by not sharing them with others.
ECD Auto Design specializes in creating restomods of classic Land Rover models and the Jaguar E-Type. Their latest project is a beautifully retro Range Rover with a modern engine. They have named this creation Project Oliver Plaid, which suggests that the interior has a plaid design.
This build starts with a 1990s Land Rover Range Rover Classic, but ECD transforms it to resemble a vehicle from the 1970s. The body is painted Bentley Alpine Green, reminiscent of the popular avocado color used in home appliances during that era. The exterior is equipped with a front skid plate, a roof basket, and four mud flaps.
Land Rover enthusiasts can now experience unparalleled luxury with the launch of the 2024 Overfinch, an innovative interpretation of the fifth-generation Range Rover (L460). This new creation from Overfinch showcases their commitment to quality, design, and opulence, combining dynamism and sophistication.
The exterior design of the 2024 Overfinch is visually enticing and instantly recognizable. It sets itself apart from the base Range Rover with features like herringbone carbon fiber and illuminated branding. The front of the Overfinch boasts updated air intake surrounds, a diffuser, and a grille, all crafted with herringbone carbon fiber. The introduction of the illuminated “Blade” emblem on the grille and side vents adds to the vehicle’s luxurious aesthetic.
At the rear, the Overfinch is enhanced with stainless steel exhaust tips encased in carbon fiber, a new light bar, and an illuminated “Blade” emblem, giving it a more assertive and distinctive appearance. For the first time, duo-tone lettering is available in shadow chrome or duo-tone finishes, providing a subtle yet unique design update.
Inside, the Overfinch offers unmatched customizability. The newly designed “Aurora” interior is truly spectacular, featuring diamond-quilted, perforated leather seats made from the finest automotive hides. Overfinch allows personalization down to the smallest details, including embossed headrests and machined seat badges.
The 2024 Overfinch is not just about looks; it’s about the experience it delivers. With a wide range of interior colorways and options, including various color split themes, owners can tailor the vehicle to their personal preferences. It is initially launched in the classic British Racing Green metallic with a light tan leather interior, but many other combinations are available.
The vehicle is crowned with distinctive 24-inch “Centurion” wheels that feature a self-leveling “Blade” emblem, adding to its road presence and marking another first for the brand.
Since 1975, Overfinch has been a pioneer in enhancing Range Rovers, and they continue to uphold their commitment to the Land Rover marque through their dedication to research and development, premium production facilities, and designs that enrich the world’s best luxury 4×4 vehicles. Overfinch invites customers to customize their own Range Rover transformation, whether by upgrading their current vehicle or ordering a new one.
Japan has long been the land of innovation in the auto industry, continually producing gems revered by all and sundry. And even though Japanese automakers joined the sports cars race late, in the 60s, they’ve done a lot for the category. For a long time, high performance and artistic styling in sports cars were a preserve for European automakers.
However, when some Japanese creations hit the market, they more than stirred the waters. From the groundbreaking Datsun S211, Honda S500, and Toyota 2000GT of the 60s to the game-changing Nissan GT-R R32, Acura NSX, and Mazda RX-7 of the late 80s and 90s, Japan has been a force to reckon with on all fronts in the automotive world.
Today, Japanese cars get the respect they deserve. And even though the Land of the Rising Sun is a long way from dethroning industry heavyweights like Porsche and Ferrari, it has shown true potential for producing track-focused cars. Modern Japanese sports cars like the Nissan GT-R NISMO, the Lexus LF-A, and Toyota GR Supra are performance icons, building on the successes of their predecessors. Here are some things that you ought to know about Japanese sports cars.
Front 3/4 shot of three Nissan Skyline GT-R R34s parked
This goes without saying. Yes. Having a Japanese sports car, or any car made in Japan whatsoever, doesn’t make it a JDM car, even though it was probably manufactured and assembled in Japan. Confusing, right? On the contrary, this concept is easy to get. JDM simply stands for Japanese Domestic Market. JDM cars and parts are exclusively made for sale in the local Japanese auto market and are designed to meet Japan’s laws, regulations, and market demands.
JDM sports cars are primarily popular for their difference in price compared to USDMs, exclusivity, culture, and sometimes quirky features and modifications. They can attribute most of their success to the entertainment scene, featuring in magazines such as Super Street, movies such as The Fast and the Furious,and video games such as Need for Speed and Forza Motorsport. The most popular JDM sports car among gearheads and enthusiast alike is probably the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, which will soon be street legal and a worthy import.
9Used Japanese Sports Cars Hold Their Value
Toyota
A shot depicting all Supra generations
Japanese cars, in general, can be hailed for their reliability. And it’s this culture of creating highly dependable vehicles that make some used Japanese sports cars highly valuable. Take used cars made in the 80s and 90s, during JDM’s golden age, for instance. The nostalgia in some of the gems from this era, like the Nissan Skyline “Godzilla,” Mazda RX-7, and Toyota Supra, will never fade away.
Cars from this era represent the epitome of Japanese car culture and street racing. From robust engines to stick shifts and sequential twin turbos, these sports cars, and some from the early 2000s, are the dream driver’s cars and worthy collections. It’s no wonder some MKIV Supras go for over $100,000 on the used car market, a recent example on auction sold for $190,000.
8Japanese Sports Cars Feature Some Of The Most Reliable Engines
If a manufacturer makes reliable cars, you can as well expect them to make an engine to match. And this is true for most Japanese sports cars. Cosmetics and exclusivity may curve out status symbols, but they are not everything. Most buyers just need a vehicle with an engine that can run with minimal mishaps. And maybe run past 100- or 200,000 miles. If an engine can check this basic requirement and add high performance into the picture, all the better.
Legendary engines like Nissan’s RB26DETT and Toyota’s 2JZ GTE featured a robust build that makes them reliable. These popular engines favor swaps and tunes and can comfortably accommodate more power with a few modifications. However, the most reliable of engines from this era is Honda’s C30A engine that came with the Acura NSX. It featured V-TEC technology, making the engine fuel efficient at low revolutions and more potent at higher revolutions.
MkIV SupraFront 3/4 shot pf two MkIV Supras parked
Japanese automakers have made and keep making cars that you can count on. Industry heavyweights like Toyota take the automotive manufacturing process seriously and put their heart into their products. Toyota’s tradition and approach to manufacturing are customer-centric. The cars from their plants need to meet safety, durability, and reliability requirements first before leaving the assembly line to ensure buyers get the highest quality products.
Other Japanese manufacturers also fall in line in terms of producing high-quality sports cars since the principles of kaizen apply almost everywhere. Manufacturers like Honda, Subaru, and Mazda continue to build dependable cars, and it’s not hard to see some of their old timers in the used car market. Mazda even does an exceptional job at offering well-built sports cars with impressive styling that seems way below the asking price.
6You Get High Performance At An Affordable Price
Acura
Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Acura NSX cruising
Did you know that a Honda can actually smoke a Ferrari? Yes. During its debut, the 1991 Accura NSX was built to beat the Ferrari 328 and proved to be the better roadster in terms of speed and driving dynamics, all at a much lower sticker price. Today, modern Japanese sports cars still keep this competitive spirit alive. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that the new Accura NSX, the legendary Nissan GT-R NISMO, and Lexus LFA can give heavyweights like the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari F8 a run for their money.
These top-of-the-line Japanese sports cars may not be labeled as affordable but are better priced than their competitors. Price, however, should not be a deterrent factor when it comes to these cars since even some basics like Nissan 350/370Z or Subaru WRX STi offer impressive performance, all while being pocket friendly. And don’t forget, most are tuner-friendly as well.
5Japanese Sports Cars Were The First To Feature 4WS
There’s a lot that the modern auto industry owes to Japanese innovation, from lean manufacturing systems and improved oil filtration to microchip and navigation systems. But perhaps one of the most significant innovations concerning steering and handling is the four-wheel steering system. The 1988 Honda Prelude Si was the first mass-production sports car sold in the United States to feature this technology, but Nissan’s HICAS system on the JDM 1985 Nissan Skyline GT-R R31 came earlier.
Though the system wasn’t well received when it debuted, it’s starting to re-emerge in marques such as Cadillac, Ferrari, Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, BMW, Porsche, etc., developing their own 4WS systems. Due to the associated complexities and high costs, we are yet to see the day when this system will be a standard feature in all sports cars. However, the many advantages of 4WS systems, such as improved steering response and stability, outweigh the cons.
Front 3/4 shot of a tuned Mitsuoka Orochi depicting a bosozoku-style front splitter
Not every manufacturer is a fan of modern designs in vehicles. And this is what makes the car culture in Japan different. From tuners and DIYers to manufacturers, there’s a sport scar hailing from this island that either looks like it’s out of place or out of space. Consider the bosozoku cars, for instance. The styling features long front splitters, long exhausts, wide fender flares, and other modifications unique to Japan.
Japanese manufacturers are also fond of creating attention grabbers sports cars with unconventional designs. A good example is Mitsuoka Motors. Mitsuoka’s Orochi, which borrows its name from a mythical eight-headed dragon, is nothing short of weird. This JDM sports car is built on the platform of a Honda NSX and runs a 233 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 Toyota powerhouse. However, it gets most of its attention from its “ugly” design rather than its performance.
3Japanese Sports Cars Have High Tuning Potential
Subaru
Front and rear 3/4 shot of a Subaru BRZ tS and Subaru WRX STI Type RAparked
Tuning is in the DNA of Japan’s car culture, and, in a good way, their sports cars are always on the receiving end of it. Tuning is a thing initially more associated with car owners inclined towards making stock engines perform at their peak. In Japan, the availability of affordable and quality aftermarket performance parts and the creation of easy-to-work-with sports cars is what led to the growth of legendary tuning houses like Trust, BLITZ, and Smokey Nagata’s Top Secret.
Most sports cars from this island, even modern iterations, are highly tunable. It’s easy to squeeze more power from a Subaru WRX STi, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, or Honda Civic Type R with a good investment in the necessary software and parts. Considering that aftermarket car parts manufacturers and tuning shops are in their numbers, finding a fair bargain shouldn’t be a challenge.
Take some time and watch Formula DRIFT or RedBull’s Drift Masters European Championships. You won’t take long before noticing that Japanese sports cars like the Toyota GR86 and Nissan Silvia are staples in these competitions. Drifting as a technique in motorsports traces its roots back to Japan with the “father of drifting,” Kunimitsu Takahashi but is more associated with the “Drift King,” Keiichi Tsuchiya.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and drifting has graduated from being a technique into a motorsport discipline. The Japanese cars had a good time perfecting this art and keep the fire burning(or tires smoking) to this day. When your Japanese sports car meets requirements such as being RWD, lightweight, and good weight distribution, there are chances it can make a great drift car with some modifications. Just make sure not to drift on a public road or private parking lots to avoid colliding with authorities.
A side profile shot of a Mazda MX-5 Miata parked by the roadside
Japanese sports cars have some of the lowest maintenance costs over the course of ownership. To many, owning a sports car remains a dream they fear could quickly turn into a nightmare because of the associated costs. And this is true for most sports cars and the reason why most remain on the higher end of the price scale, targeting wealthy clients. However, Japanese sports cars do not, for the most part, fit the “high maintenance” description.
Besides being a hub for the most reliable car brands in the world, Japan also produces sports cars that are not only easy to own but cheap to maintain. An excellent example of a low-maintenance Japanese sports car is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. CarEdge estimates that it may only cost you about $5,761 in repairs and maintenance within your first ten years of owning a Miata, which is pretty affordable, to say the least.
Japan has long been the land of innovation in the auto industry, continually producing gems revered by all and sundry. And even though Japanese automakers joined the sports cars race late, in the 60s, they’ve done a lot for the category. For a long time, high performance and artistic styling in sports cars were a preserve for European automakers.
However, when some Japanese creations hit the market, they more than stirred the waters. From the groundbreaking Datsun S211, Honda S500, and Toyota 2000GT of the 60s to the game-changing Nissan GT-R R32, Acura NSX, and Mazda RX-7 of the late 80s and 90s, Japan has been a force to reckon with on all fronts in the automotive world.
Today, Japanese cars get the respect they deserve. And even though the Land of the Rising Sun is a long way from dethroning industry heavyweights like Porsche and Ferrari, it has shown true potential for producing track-focused cars. Modern Japanese sports cars like the Nissan GT-R NISMO, the Lexus LF-A, and Toyota GR Supra are performance icons, building on the successes of their predecessors. Here are some things that you ought to know about Japanese sports cars.
Front 3/4 shot of three Nissan Skyline GT-R R34s parked
This goes without saying. Yes. Having a Japanese sports car, or any car made in Japan whatsoever, doesn’t make it a JDM car, even though it was probably manufactured and assembled in Japan. Confusing, right? On the contrary, this concept is easy to get. JDM simply stands for Japanese Domestic Market. JDM cars and parts are exclusively made for sale in the local Japanese auto market and are designed to meet Japan’s laws, regulations, and market demands.
JDM sports cars are primarily popular for their difference in price compared to USDMs, exclusivity, culture, and sometimes quirky features and modifications. They can attribute most of their success to the entertainment scene, featuring in magazines such as Super Street, movies such as The Fast and the Furious,and video games such as Need for Speed and Forza Motorsport. The most popular JDM sports car among gearheads and enthusiast alike is probably the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, which will soon be street legal and a worthy import.
9Used Japanese Sports Cars Hold Their Value
Toyota
A shot depicting all Supra generations
Japanese cars, in general, can be hailed for their reliability. And it’s this culture of creating highly dependable vehicles that make some used Japanese sports cars highly valuable. Take used cars made in the 80s and 90s, during JDM’s golden age, for instance. The nostalgia in some of the gems from this era, like the Nissan Skyline “Godzilla,” Mazda RX-7, and Toyota Supra, will never fade away.
Cars from this era represent the epitome of Japanese car culture and street racing. From robust engines to stick shifts and sequential twin turbos, these sports cars, and some from the early 2000s, are the dream driver’s cars and worthy collections. It’s no wonder some MKIV Supras go for over $100,000 on the used car market, a recent example on auction sold for $190,000.
8Japanese Sports Cars Feature Some Of The Most Reliable Engines
If a manufacturer makes reliable cars, you can as well expect them to make an engine to match. And this is true for most Japanese sports cars. Cosmetics and exclusivity may curve out status symbols, but they are not everything. Most buyers just need a vehicle with an engine that can run with minimal mishaps. And maybe run past 100- or 200,000 miles. If an engine can check this basic requirement and add high performance into the picture, all the better.
Legendary engines like Nissan’s RB26DETT and Toyota’s 2JZ GTE featured a robust build that makes them reliable. These popular engines favor swaps and tunes and can comfortably accommodate more power with a few modifications. However, the most reliable of engines from this era is Honda’s C30A engine that came with the Acura NSX. It featured V-TEC technology, making the engine fuel efficient at low revolutions and more potent at higher revolutions.
MkIV SupraFront 3/4 shot pf two MkIV Supras parked
Japanese automakers have made and keep making cars that you can count on. Industry heavyweights like Toyota take the automotive manufacturing process seriously and put their heart into their products. Toyota’s tradition and approach to manufacturing are customer-centric. The cars from their plants need to meet safety, durability, and reliability requirements first before leaving the assembly line to ensure buyers get the highest quality products.
Other Japanese manufacturers also fall in line in terms of producing high-quality sports cars since the principles of kaizen apply almost everywhere. Manufacturers like Honda, Subaru, and Mazda continue to build dependable cars, and it’s not hard to see some of their old timers in the used car market. Mazda even does an exceptional job at offering well-built sports cars with impressive styling that seems way below the asking price.
6You Get High Performance At An Affordable Price
Acura
Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Acura NSX cruising
Did you know that a Honda can actually smoke a Ferrari? Yes. During its debut, the 1991 Accura NSX was built to beat the Ferrari 328 and proved to be the better roadster in terms of speed and driving dynamics, all at a much lower sticker price. Today, modern Japanese sports cars still keep this competitive spirit alive. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that the new Accura NSX, the legendary Nissan GT-R NISMO, and Lexus LFA can give heavyweights like the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari F8 a run for their money.
These top-of-the-line Japanese sports cars may not be labeled as affordable but are better priced than their competitors. Price, however, should not be a deterrent factor when it comes to these cars since even some basics like Nissan 350/370Z or Subaru WRX STi offer impressive performance, all while being pocket friendly. And don’t forget, most are tuner-friendly as well.
5Japanese Sports Cars Were The First To Feature 4WS
Jacob Frey 4A via Flickr””>
Jacob Frey 4A via Flickr
Front 3/4 shot of Honda Prelude Si parked
There’s a lot that the modern auto industry owes to Japanese innovation, from lean manufacturing systems and improved oil filtration to microchip and navigation systems. But perhaps one of the most significant innovations concerning steering and handling is the four-wheel steering system. The 1988 Honda Prelude Si was the first mass-production sports car sold in the United States to feature this technology, but Nissan’s HICAS system on the JDM 1985 Nissan Skyline GT-R R31 came earlier.
Though the system wasn’t well received when it debuted, it’s starting to re-emerge in marques such as Cadillac, Ferrari, Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, BMW, Porsche, etc., developing their own 4WS systems. Due to the associated complexities and high costs, we are yet to see the day when this system will be a standard feature in all sports cars. However, the many advantages of 4WS systems, such as improved steering response and stability, outweigh the cons.
Front 3/4 shot of a tuned Mitsuoka Orochi depicting a bosozoku-style front splitter
Not every manufacturer is a fan of modern designs in vehicles. And this is what makes the car culture in Japan different. From tuners and DIYers to manufacturers, there’s a sport scar hailing from this island that either looks like it’s out of place or out of space. Consider the bosozoku cars, for instance. The styling features long front splitters, long exhausts, wide fender flares, and other modifications unique to Japan.
Japanese manufacturers are also fond of creating attention grabbers sports cars with unconventional designs. A good example is Mitsuoka Motors. Mitsuoka’s Orochi, which borrows its name from a mythical eight-headed dragon, is nothing short of weird. This JDM sports car is built on the platform of a Honda NSX and runs a 233 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 Toyota powerhouse. However, it gets most of its attention from its “ugly” design rather than its performance.
3Japanese Sports Cars Have High Tuning Potential
Subaru
Front and rear 3/4 shot of a Subaru BRZ tS and Subaru WRX STI Type RAparked
Tuning is in the DNA of Japan’s car culture, and, in a good way, their sports cars are always on the receiving end of it. Tuning is a thing initially more associated with car owners inclined towards making stock engines perform at their peak. In Japan, the availability of affordable and quality aftermarket performance parts and the creation of easy-to-work-with sports cars is what led to the growth of legendary tuning houses like Trust, BLITZ, and Smokey Nagata’s Top Secret.
Most sports cars from this island, even modern iterations, are highly tunable. It’s easy to squeeze more power from a Subaru WRX STi, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, or Honda Civic Type R with a good investment in the necessary software and parts. Considering that aftermarket car parts manufacturers and tuning shops are in their numbers, finding a fair bargain shouldn’t be a challenge.
2Some Are The Best Drift Cars Of All Time
Aral Tasher via Unsplash””>
Aral Tasher via Unsplash
Front 3/4 shot of a Nissan 350Z drifting
Take some time and watch Formula DRIFT or RedBull’s Drift Masters European Championships. You won’t take long before noticing that Japanese sports cars like the Toyota GR86 and Nissan Silvia are staples in these competitions. Drifting as a technique in motorsports traces its roots back to Japan with the “father of drifting,” Kunimitsu Takahashi but is more associated with the “Drift King,” Keiichi Tsuchiya.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and drifting has graduated from being a technique into a motorsport discipline. The Japanese cars had a good time perfecting this art and keep the fire burning(or tires smoking) to this day. When your Japanese sports car meets requirements such as being RWD, lightweight, and good weight distribution, there are chances it can make a great drift car with some modifications. Just make sure not to drift on a public road or private parking lots to avoid colliding with authorities.
A side profile shot of a Mazda MX-5 Miata parked by the roadside
Japanese sports cars have some of the lowest maintenance costs over the course of ownership. To many, owning a sports car remains a dream they fear could quickly turn into a nightmare because of the associated costs. And this is true for most sports cars and the reason why most remain on the higher end of the price scale, targeting wealthy clients. However, Japanese sports cars do not, for the most part, fit the “high maintenance” description.
Besides being a hub for the most reliable car brands in the world, Japan also produces sports cars that are not only easy to own but cheap to maintain. An excellent example of a low-maintenance Japanese sports car is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. CarEdge estimates that it may only cost you about $5,761 in repairs and maintenance within your first ten years of owning a Miata, which is pretty affordable, to say the least.
In early July, Toyota provided another glimpse of the upcoming Land Cruiser for the American market. The legendary off-roader will be reintroduced in the United States as a new generation, likely debuting as a 2025 model. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, the SUV is expected to closely resemble the new Land Cruiser Prado designed for the European market.
The latest teaser images revealed a large, boxy SUV with short overhangs and retro styling. The overall profile strongly resembles the Lexus GX, with some distinctive Toyota elements such as the radiator grille and LED signature lights at the front. Unlike its more stylish Lexus sibling, the new Land Cruiser doesn’t feature a roof spoiler, but this design choice isn’t necessarily negative.
If you like what you see, here’s some good news. Toyota plans to position the Land Cruiser a bit lower in the market, allowing more room for the Lexus GX in the lineup. While pricing details for the 2025 model are still unknown, it is expected to be more affordable than the previous generation, which was discontinued after the 2021 model year. The 2021 Land Cruiser had a starting price of over $85,000, whereas its successor could possibly start around $60,000.
It’s worth mentioning that Toyota may position the new Land Cruiser as a niche product in the US market. According to recent reports, it could share its powertrain with the new Tacoma, meaning it may be equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The US market is likely to offer two trim levels, with the more expensive one featuring TRD Pro-inspired off-road enhancements.
The Land Rover Defender, once a workhorse, has become a sought-after SUV among 4×4 enthusiasts. Rover Trophy specializes in maintaining and preserving the Defender’s legacy through customized builds. They are currently offering a unique opportunity to purchase a project from their inventory – the 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110.
This particular build stands out as the rarest and largest among Rover Trophy’s creations. It features an additional pickup bed alongside the spacious full-size cabin. The exterior is finished in a stealthy grey paint color, with gloss black upgrades like widened fenders, a front winch, exterior roll cage, LED light rack, side steps, and a storage platform. It also boasts a new high-performance DME suspension system, 16-inch Mach 5 wheels, and 37-inch Maxxis Trepador off-road tires for excellent ground clearance.
Inside the cabin, the Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 offers a blend of style and comfort. The custom hand-sewn Hornback leather interior is complemented by a new AC system from Ministry of Defender, ensuring cool summer drives along the beach. Modern entertainment and technology features include a Kenwood entertainment center with Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker surround sound, kicker subwoofers, and a reverse camera.
Under the hood, this Defender is equipped with a GM Performance 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine delivering 430 horsepower. A sophisticated 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission manages the power, which is applied to the Defender’s 4×4 system. Heavy-duty drivetrain components are installed for enhanced durability and safety.
The 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 Crew Cab is currently available for sale through Rover Trophy via duPont REGISTRY. Check out the link for more details and pricing.
“ITALY. THE LAND OF COLOURS.FIAT. THE BRAND OF COLOURS”.Today marks a breakthrough for FIAT as it stops producing grey cars and ushers in a brand-new, colourful world.
FIAT is the first automotive maker to make this revolutionary decision, starting with the new Fiat 600e.
From now on, the colours in the present and future FIAT lineup are inspired by the Italian Sea, Sun, Earth, and Sky.
Grey is the most popular colour for new cars in the UK.
Mobility is about to become more colourful and cheerful than ever: FIAT is embracing a real challenge, as shown in the dedicated video available here.
Starting today, FIAT will no longer produce grey cars. This decision was made to emphasize the importance of colours in life, embody the Italian way of living, and reaffirm the brand’s new Dolce Vita value.
Italy is closely associated with vibrant colours such as the Sea of Italy, the Sun of Italy, the Earth of Italy, and the Sky of Italy; landscapes that provide FIAT with ample inspiration for its cars. This strategy has been implemented to give FIAT cars a distinctive feature in the automotive market, as 2023 is a year of significant change for the brand.
“We broke the rules: we decided to stop the production of grey FIAT cars. This is a challenging and disruptive move aimed at further reinforcing FIAT’s leadership as the brand of joy, colours, and optimism. Italy is the country of colours and, starting today, FIAT’s cars will be too” declared Olivier Francois, FIAT Chief Executive Officer and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Stellantis. “This choice further communicates the New Dolce Vita values and the Italian DNA embodied by the brand. FIAT wants to inspire people to live with optimism and positivity, and this will also be one of the missions of the new Fiat 600e, the electric car for families and friends, which will be presented on July 4th.”
In the new dedicated video, viewers can discover FIAT’s brand-new colourful world as the brand’s CEO, Olivier Francois, aboard the new Fiat 600e, takes a deep dive into colour under the claim “ITALY. THE LAND OF COLOURS. FIAT. THE BRAND OF COLOURS.”
The current FIAT range – New 500, 500 Hybrid, 500X, Panda, and Tipo – is available in different shades of colours, including Gelato white, Sicilia orange, Paprika orange, Passione red, Blu Dipinto di Blu, Italia blue, Venezia blue, Rugiada green, Foresta green, Rose gold, and Cinema black. All of these colours have evocative names that remind us of Italy’s beautiful landscapes and the Dolce Vita mood.
Grey is the most popular colour for new cars in the UK, according to official registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), representing more than one in four new cars sold in the UK in 2022.
Jaguar Land Rover has recently announced ambitious plans for the future, which includes the restructuring of its brands. As a result, the Land Rover brand has been split into three brands: Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery. The new Discovery Sport has been refreshed for this new era, featuring a redesigned interior, advanced technology, and improvements to its versatility and drivability.
The new Discovery Sport is equipped with the celebrated Pivi Pro entertainment system, which can be accessed through an 11.4-inch floating, curved touchscreen. With just two taps from the Home screen, users can access 90% of the system’s functions. The car also comes standard with integration with Amazon Alexa and Wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto. It also features wireless device charging, USB-C charging in the rear seats, and a Cabin Air Purification Plus system to ensure clean air inside the car.
In terms of drivability, the new Discovery Sport is equipped with 3D surround cameras and ClearSight Ground View, which allows drivers to see what is underneath the vehicle. The SUV is available for configuration and ordering now, starting at $48,900 in the United States. This marks the beginning of a new era for all of Land Rover’s new brands.
The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport brings an added level of comfort to its interior, and this includes the quality of the air you breathe. The vehicle is equipped with a Cabin Air Purification Plus system that effectively filters out odors, bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful substances from the outside air, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment inside the car. It’s like having a household air purifier installed in your vehicle. Safety features are also a priority, with the Discovery Sport featuring a 360-degree camera system and a rearview mirror that provides a “see through” view using multiple cameras installed on the rear tailgate.
Land Rover
When it comes to storage, the Discovery Sport doesn’t disappoint. With the rear seats folded down, it can accommodate up to 63.35 cubic feet of cargo. The interior is also designed with numerous storage bins and essential charging ports for all your family’s devices.
The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport starts at $48,900.
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