Latest news with #Defender
The Drive
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Land Rover's New Competition Sounds Like ‘Survivor' but With Cars
The latest car news, reviews, and features. The new Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition will come in Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green, which is reason enough to celebrate its existence. But the cooler news that the British brand dropped is the Defender Trophy itself. Rover is getting back into epic adventure contests. From 1980 through the end of the '90s, Land Rover famously ran a long series of epic international endurance challenges known as the Camel Trophy. The basic idea was to show off the brand's wares and reinforce its image as a safari machine for the khaki-shirt set, and usually Land Rover's latest model would be forced through a grueling series of summer-camp-from-hell overland challenges by teams of hearty adventurers from all over the place. If you're interested in going deeper there, we found a great 90-minute video about it and once ran a story on the magnificnce of the event's trophies themselves. Later, as cig-brand sponsorship fell out of fashion, Land Rover did something similar called the G4 Challenge, featuring orange livery on the vehicles instead of yellow. But that one only ran for a few years. I think the economic situation at the end of the '00s effectively killed it. Since the re-introduction of the Defender as we know it today, it's been used in some smaller outdoorsmanship-themed contests like the TReK Competition, but nothing quite on the grandiose scale of the original Camel Trophy events (though the 2020 Defender launch in Namibia was pretty mind-blowing). I guess that little square symbol must be the new Defender Trophy logo. Land Rover The new Defender Trophy, taking place in 2026, looks like a pretty big step up in scale. Competitors from all over the world will have to make it through local events to qualify for the final, some kind of to-be-named challenge in Africa in conjunction with Tusk. Tusk is a wildlife protection non-profit that works to help care for Africa's megafauna (elephants and such) and a long-term Land Rover brand collaborator. As for the Defender Trophy Edition vehicle, it looks like its pretty much just a regular four-door with all the optional camping gear and steel wheels in black, plus your pick of those two great colors. Land Rover has been oddly stingy with pictures of its pretty paint options, but restoration outfit Brooklyn Coachworks here in NY has done a few builds in Sandglow and Keswick Green, as you can see here. Brooklyn Coachworks For those of you who might want to test your mettle chasing the trophy, I'll drop in the key lines from Land Rover's official call to action here: 'Defender Trophy entrants will face obstacles and a selection of mental and physical challenges in a unique test of wit, willpower and teamwork. Epic Adventure, Greater Purpose. Applications for the North American market will be open soon … When applications close, the countdown to next year's global final will begin. Applicants from more than 50 countries will begin their quest to reach the epic global final through a series of local selection events. Early next year, regional finals will identify the national winners who will head to Africa for the global final in Autumn 2026. 'Nants ingonyama bagithi baba!' (That's how you write out the first line of the Lion King song.) Land Rover More details of the final's unique format will follow, but global finalists will go up against one another across a series of stages as part of one epic adventure, hosted in Africa with Defender conservation partner Tusk. Competitors will be scored individually but compete in pairs, with the lowest‑ranked competitor given the first pick of potential teammates ahead of each stage. Each stage will see the teams complete a variety of Driving Challenges, Ingenuity Challenges and Physical Challenges.' And here's a little expansion of those three categories: Driving Challenges – Demanding tests of driving ability and navigation skills as the teams tackle tough trails, rocky inclines and hidden drops. Ingenuity Challenges – Innovation will be the key to success as our teams have to think fast, work smart and keep their cool. Physical Challenges – Daunting feats of physical strength, coordination and teamwork as our teams traverse canyons and cross rivers. To apply, you need to reside in 'a participating country' (details to follow), be over 23 years old, be able to swim 50 meters, be able to drive and travel internationally, be fluent in English. I'm sure Land Rover will also be looking for off-road driving and outdoorsy experience, too. 'An unstoppable spirit is essential,' the site says. You can sign up for alerts on the Defender Trophy site and drop them app when they open if you're keen. Who's in? Have any Land Rover Camel Trophy, G4 Challenge, or TReK experience? I'd love to hear about it—hit me up at
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
The new Defender Trophy: Reviving the spirit of adventure and conservation
The Defender Trophy is back and with it a new Defender 110 Trophy Edition. Well, it's not called that anymore, obviously, but the ethos of those gruelling and epic challenges in yellow Land Rovers returns with the new Defender Trophy. Inspired by Trophy and Challenge events of the past, this Defender Trophy will create its own legacy across three demanding rounds of training and competition. Defender says only those who embrace the impossible, with a passion for global conservation, need apply, as well as individuals who embody the values of the original British adventure brand.. They are inviting entries from more than 50 countries. Local selections will begin this year, before national finals early next year determine who will make it to the global final hosted with Defender conservation partner Tusk – in Africa – in 2026. New model They have also launched a new Defender 110 Trophy Edition in a choice of two exclusive heritage-inspired colours – Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green – featuring a specially chosen adventure-ready specification. Eligibility Eligibility requirements include: entrants are resident in a participating country, over 23-years-old, can swim 50 metres, eligible to drive and travel internationally, and speak English. An unstoppable spirit is also essential, they demand. Applications are open now and the deadline for entries is 31 July 2025. For full eligibility requirements, visit Once applications close, competitors from more than 50 countries will begin their quest to reach the global final through a series of local selection events. Early next year, regional finals will identify the national winners who will head to Africa for the global final in 2026.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Land Rover launches new model paying homage to 1980s classic 4X4 - and it's not cheap
Land Rover has unveiled a special-edition Defender to pay homage to a classic model that proved the incredible off-road capabilities of the British 4X4s in the 1980s by racing across some of the world's most gruelling terrains. New 'Trophy Edition' cars get accessories and a retro livery to match the Camel Trophy vehicles from some 40 years ago. The Camel Trophy was an off-roading competition that originated in 1980 with three Jeep-equipped German teams racing across the Amazon Basin. After that first event, organisers turned to Land Rover for support and the tobacco company, Camel, for primary sponsorship, hence the name. Races took place across various locations, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Madagascar, Samoa, Siberia, Malaysia and a host of other testing landscapes. Over the course of 20 years, all types of Land Rover cars were provided for the annual adventure challenge - Range Rover, Land Rover Series III, Land Rover 90, Land Rover 110, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery and Freelander - with all vehicles appearing in the famous cigarette brand's distinctive 'Sandglow' colour scheme. And this is one of two livery options for the new Defender Trophy Edition, which makes its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. But it isn't going to be cheap... The new special edition model is only available as the mid-size, five-door, Defender 110. It features unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a choice of Camel Trophy-appropriate Deep Sandglow Yellow - or Keswick Green paint. Both options come with contrasting black bonnet, wheel arches and roof – and a black leather interior. The dashboard panel is painted to match the tone of the car's bodywork. Customers can also opt for a Trophy Edition accessory pack, which costs £4,995 and bolts on a roof rack, retractable roof ladder to make it easier to access objects stored overhead, an air-intake snorkel to tackle water-logged routes, and classic-style mud flaps. The pack even includes gloss black side panniers that provide 'extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items' you don't want to store in the boot. All versions of the new special edition car - which costs from £89,810 - come with black leather interior with accents to match the external bodywork Land Rover says Trophy Edition - which has dropped the 'Camel' name for obvious advertising reasons - celebrates the 'rich history of adventure challenges', adding that the iconic yellow vehicles of the past are 'synonymous with Defenders used on international Trophy-style events'. Without the optional accessory pack, prices start from £89,810 - a mark-up on the £62,795 asking price for a standard Defender 110. Britons will get to see it in the flesh for the first time at Goodwood during the Festival of Speed event taking place between 10 and 13 July. While it does come with a premium price tag, it's half the cost of the commemorative version produced by Land Rover Classic in 2021. The heritage arm of the British car firm made 25 examples of the old-school Defender inspired by the Camel Trophy, with liveries and modifications mimicking those of the expedition vehicles. Despite an eye-watering price tag of £195,000 per car, Land Rover sold out of the Works V8 Trophy line in three days. Consequently, the Classic department commissioned another 25 models to appease its high demand. And many of the original competition cars used in the event between 1981 and the final year in 2000 are still on the road today. Some competitors purchased their vehicles, meaning there are examples dotted across continents and, consequently, are highly sought after if proven to have covered genuine Camel Trophy miles. In March, Iconic Auctioneers sold a 1992 Defender 110 Camel Trophy - which participated in 1993 - for £34,875. This was despite it being in a rather sorry state of disrepair. Last year, Collecting Cars sold another genuine 1984 Camel Trophy Defender in far better condition for £31,500. However, experts say these cars are ripe for appreciation, with collectors eager to find ex-competition cars. In the 20-year history of the event, a UK team won it only once. In 1989, brothers Bob and Joe Ives took first place after tackling the 1,062-mile route through the Brazilian rainforest from Alta Floresta to Manaus in just three weeks driving a Defender 110. In recognition of their achievement, the brothers were awarded the Royal Automobile Club Segrave Trophy - an award reserved for outstanding transport achievements that has includes esteemed recipients such as Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE and John Blashford-Snell OBE. The brothers went on to be off-road advisors for BBC's Top Gear and The Grand Tour special features on Amazon Prime.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Defender 110 Trophy edition showcased. Here's what is special about the SUV
Defender Tropphy edition comes with new colour options inspired by the older model SUVs. Check Offers Land Rover has introduced the Defender 110 Trophy Edition, a special variant of its rugged SUV developed to coincide with the launch of the global Defender Trophy competition. While the competition invites individuals to take part in a series of adventure challenges, the Trophy Edition vehicle itself is aimed at enthusiasts who value off-road capability and classic Defender styling. Defender 110 Trophy edition: Designed for modern exploration The Trophy Edition is based on the standard Defender 110 platform but features a set of enhancements. It is available in two heritage-inspired paint options, Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green, which pay homage to earlier Defender models used in remote expeditions and rural environments. These colours can also be paired with an optional Matte Protective Film for added scratch and scuff protection during off-road use. A Gloss Black finish is applied to key areas, including the bonnet, lower bodysides, brake callipers and rear recovery eyes, giving the vehicle a more assertive appearance. Trophy-specific decals on the bonnet, C-pillars and rear badging further distinguish this limited edition. Also Read : Land Rover Classic launches Defender V8 Soft Top with bespoke options and V8 engine Defender 110 Trophy edition: Specifications and upgrades The Defender 110 Trophy Edition comes fitted with 20-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels equipped with all-terrain tyres designed to perform in a variety of surface conditions. Other enhancements include a dark rear scuff plate, gloss black wheel arch protection, and a black front undershield, all of which reinforce the vehicle's off-road readiness. A suite of optional accessories adds to its expedition appeal. These include an expedition roof rack for added storage, a black deployable roof ladder to access roof-mounted gear, and a side-mounted gear carrier for carrying wet or muddy items. Customers can also choose to add a raised air intake for improved dust filtration and front and rear classic mud flaps for better protection in challenging terrain. Also Read : 2026 Land Rover Defender revealed: 5 major upgrades on the luxury off-roader Defender 110 Trophy edition: Interior and comfort Inside the cabin, the Trophy Edition maintains the Defender's utilitarian layout while introducing subtle design enhancements. It features Ebony Windsor Leather upholstery and illuminated treadplates. The exposed Cross Car Beam, a signature design element, is painted to match the exterior body colour and includes laser-etched endcaps with Trophy branding, reinforcing the vehicle's exclusive character. While the drivetrain and mechanical systems remain unchanged, the combination of functional accessories and heritage-inspired design makes this edition stand out for those looking to combine long-distance touring ability with classic off-road styling. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 19 Jun 2025, 15:14 PM IST
India Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Defender Trophy Edition is a more off-road capable version of the Defender 110
Defender has revealed the new Defender Trophy Edition with a global adventure competition that consists of off-road challenges with some conservation missions that will end in an African finale in 2026. The trophy is inspired by trophy and challenge events that have taken place in the past, and will have three rounds of training and competition. Selections for the same will start this summer, before national finals that happen next spring to decide the finalists of the Defender conservation partner Tusk in Africa in 2026. The partner of the competitors in this challenge will be the new Defender 110 Trophy Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: 'Global adventure and community have been the fabric of the Defender brand's DNA for decades, staying true to its roots that can be traced back to the original Land Rover of 1948. Our unique new global adventure challenge will bring nations together, as competitors co-operate to navigate tough terrain, conquer extreme physical challenges and solve tactical tests – all united by a greater purpose. Working with Tusk, our conservation partner of more than 20 years, we will bring epic adventure to a new generation of enthusiasts, watching online, while leaving a legacy we can be proud of. If you embrace the impossible and share our unstoppable spirit of adventure, this is the challenge for you.' Eligibility requirements of the Defender Trophy include: entrants are residents in a participating country, over 23 years old, can swim 50m, are eligible to drive and travel internationally, and speak fluent 110 Trophy EditionThe new Defender 110 Trophy Edition marks the firm's return to international adventure challenge events and offers a range of recommended expedition accessories. It also introduces two heritage-inspired colours: Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green. The new Trophy Edition features a contrasting Gloss Black finish on the bonnet, lower bodyside, brake callipers and rear recovery eyes. Other than that, it has adventure-centric bits like Gloss Black 20-inch alloy wheels shod in rugged all-terrain tyres, a dark rear scuff plate and gloss black wheelarch protection, with a black front undershield. On the design front, the SUV gets Trophy decals on the bonnet, a C-pillar graphic and Trophy rear badging to set the special edition model apart. Inside, it has Trophy illuminated treadplates along with Ebony Windsor Leather seats. It also has a Cross Car Beam finished in the same colour as the exterior and features unique laser-etched endcaps with Trophy accessories on the Trophy Edition include an Expedition Roof Rack1 providing additional stowage space and a black deployable roof ladder that makes it easier to access objects stored overhead. Further on, a gloss black side-mounted gear carrier provides extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items. Users can also add front and rear mud flaps and a raised air intake for dust filtration. The new Defender 110 Trophy Edition is now available to to Auto Today Magazine
