Well, it's official. Land Rover has unveiled its new concept of the "DEFENDER" DC100 & DC100 Sport coupes (DC100 named for Defender Concept with 100" wheelbase) at the Frankfurt Intl Auto Show. The two new Defender versions are scheduled to go into actual production in 2015. The new Defenders are a 2-door coupe with a split front bucket/bench seat to accomodate 3-passengers up front (there is no backseat). It is unknown if they will be exported to the USA; but I would say YES, based upon the USA sales success of the Range Rover Evoque.
The Limited Edition 1997 Defender-90 I used to own had cost over $50K brand new, so I would guess the 2015 Defender DC100 & DC100 Sport to command a price near the $70K (+/-) mark when it finally hits our shores.
Still a very cool looking concept from LR, and I'm glad they ARE going to build it in 2015. LR/RR is to be commended for being the ONLY automobile manufacturer willing to step away from the 4-door SUV norm and offer a 2-door Coupe SUV in both the 2012 RR Evoque and now once again with the revamped 2015 LR Defender (hardtop) & Defender Sport (roadster). Perhaps this move will jump start Ford to actually build the "Ford Bronco Retro" as a competing vehicle. Things that make you go Hmmm.
Speaking of the Ford Bronco "Retro" Concept which was unveiled in early January 2004 at the Detroit Auto Show (see 2nd "link" below), it is plain to see that Land Rover flat stole many of the same features and body lines (including the front intregal bumper winch and moonroof) directly from the 2004 Ford Bronco Concept!!! They are almost identical clones in every aspect. Compare the two "links" below, and see for yourself. Ford should quickly get their act together and build the Ford Bronco Concept as a 2013 model and price it at about $40K; thereby, beating-out the Land Rover Defender by two(2) years in production and by about $30K in MSRP. That marketing tactic by Ford would totally kill all Land Rover Defender sales before the 2015 release date. Just saying.......................
http://www.landrover.com/us/en/lr/de...oto-and-video/
http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...bronco+concept