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Spy photographers have caught an early test mule for the 2019 Land Rover Defender on public roads.
Although the front and rear ends of the prototype look like a camouflaged Range Rover Sport, the side profile tells a different story. Land Rover has shortened the wheelbase quite a bit, with basically half its rear doors remaining. Along with the short wheelbase, we can see Land Rover is testing a good level of ground clearance with very short front and rear overhangs. In addition, how the front bumper is placed and the tucked exhaust in the rear suggests promising approach and departure angles.
SEE ALSO: Land Rover Defender Will Return to North America
According to our spy photographers and their source, expect the new Defender to use suspension based on either the Range Rover or Range Rover Sport, while the rear suspension will be an all-new design. Based on what we can see, the Defender mule is sporting an independent rear suspension, compared to the current solid beam rear axle.
The big question remains whether the new Defender will continue being body-on-frame, or if it will move to a unibody design, possibly with Jaguar Land Rover’s aluminum architecture. The good news is, it appears Land Rover will stick to keeping the Defender a rugged, off-road SUV.
The timing of the first Defender sighting is peculiar, coming just shortly after the public debut of the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
Update: Our spy photographers have sent over additional photos showing a separate, long-wheelbase prototype testing. That suggests the new Defender will also be offered as a four-door variant, consistent with past models and current rumors.
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