Land Rover Monthly

FIND US ON @LRMonthly LandRoverMonthly @land_rover_monthly Land Rover Monthly IN the last few months, I’ve gone camping as much as I can. I absolutely love it and, armed with my ageing tent cot and provisions to make a decent brew, I’ve had some cracking nights all over the UK. I must say, though, after years of just seeing roof tents as an accessory other people have, I’m now considering retiring my old tent and taking the plunge – I well and truly want one. We had an amazing day with the guys from Rooftent Utopia and Terrafirma on the photoshoot for our roof tent guide (p42) and having now spent some time learning about them, exploring the different types available and looking at why they make so much sense when…

BABCOCK International, a defence company, has been awarded a one-year contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to help the British Army understand the Defence application and constraints of electric propulsion. Partnering with EV specialist Electrogenic, Babcock will convert four in-service military Land Rovers – two protected armoured vehicles and two general service models, from diesel to electric power using a drop-in kit and modified battery system. The vehicles will then be put to the test by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) in a series of experimental battlefield/military scenarios, which will assess performance over steep terrain, wading and towing, and varying climate-related conditions. With sales of new diesel and petrol cars to end by 2030, this is a great opportunity for the British Army to extend the life…

JLR, aka House of Brands now (to ‘amplify the unique character of Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar’ – see page 23 if you’re confused!) has announced that its Halewood plant is to become an all-electric manufacturing facility as part of an ambitious £15bn five-year plan to speed up its electrification path. In line with the car maker’s Reimagine strategy that it launched two years ago, it has stated that its next-generation medium-size SUV architecture will be pure-electric. “This investment enables us to deliver to our modern luxury electric future, developing new skills, and reaffirming our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2039,” said chief executive Adrian Mardell. JLR will, however, retain the flexible modular longitudinal architecture on which the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are built, offering internal…

UNLESS you own a classic VW or Porsche you may not have heard of Heritage Parts Centre, which has been delivering parts to owners of said vehicles since 1986. But soon the name may become familiar to you, as Heritage has just announced the acquisition of Evolution Automotive Components (EAC), a leading Land Rover parts supplier. As part of the acquisition, EAC’s entire stock will be transferred to Heritage’s 40,000 square foot warehouse in Shoreham-by-Sea, where it will be seamlessly integrated into the existing inventory. Backed up by a team of people who really understand an enthusiast-led community, plus almost 40 years of expertise, passion and service, it’s welcome news for classic Land Rover owners. Keep an eye on heritagepartscentre.com for updates.…

FIND US ON @LRMonthly LandRoverMonthly @land_rover_monthly Land Rover Monthly BEHOLD the new Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition – the first heritage-themed Works V8 to come from Land Rover Classic and inspired by Spencer Wilks’ personal 1965 Series IIA. With Heritage Grey bodywork, a Limestone roof and matching heavy-duty steel wheels, together with a bespoke interior trimmed in leather with unique tweed detailing (from the Islay Woollen Mill), the Defender Islay Edition is a lovely-looking thing. As its name implies, it’s powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine (mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission) which produces a respectable 400bhp and 380lb-ft of torque. Quoted top speed is 106mph, with the 0-60mph sprint polished off in a remarkable 5.6sec. As one would expect, each Islay is comprehensively restored, re-engineered and…

BRITISH EV regeneration specialist, Inverted, has announced the launch of its debut model, an electrified Range Rover Classic, known as #001. Powered by a reconditioned low-mileage Tesla 80kWh battery module and Large Drive Unit, it produces a whopping 450bhp and 443lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60mph time of around five seconds. Three different drive modes – Eco, Sport and Off-Road – provide varying power outputs and regenerative braking levels. Range Rover enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that four-wheel-drive is retained and the original axles have been restored and uprated to reflect the significant increase in power, while the front brakes have been uprated to Alcon items. In addition, #001 is equipped with an optional road handling pack, featuring adjustable shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and 25 per cent stiffer springs…