Land Rover Classic offers Defender Upgrade Kits in UK

A first from Land Rover Classic, the Upgrade Kits fit selected Defender 90 and 110 models and are inspired by last year’s limited-edition Defender Works V8 – 70th Edition. Covering 18-inch Sawtooth wheels (in singles or sets of five), suspension and handling upgrades, there’s also a works-fitted engine upgrade available.

“In 2018, Land Rover’s 70th Anniversary year, we saw unprecedented demand for the limited-edition Defender Works V8, which brought new levels of handling and performance to this iconic vehicle,” said Head of Land Rover Classic, Calum McKechnie.

“Extending the range of fully engineered, tested and approved upgrades offered by Land Rover Classic underlines our commitment to supporting existing Defender owners, as we look forward to the new Defender’s world premiere.”

All parts have been designed, tested and approved by Land Rover to meet manufacturer standards and are covered by Land Rover’s standard aftermarket parts and accessories warranty in the UK.

The Sawtooth alloy wheels feature a diamond-turned finish and suit Defenders from 1994 onwards.

The Suspension Upgrade Kits fit 2007-onwards Defenders and consists of coil springs and dampers, compatible anti-roll bars, links and bushes; all specially-tuned for road use, rather than off-road application.

The Handling Upgrade Kit (also for 2007 and newer Defenders) takes the Works V8 specification brake discs, calipers and pads, and adds them to the Sawtooth alloys and suspension kit.

While these kits are available for enthusiasts to fit themselves, they can also be fitted at a Land Rover dealership.

Beyond these DIY alternatives, a premium upgrade option is the Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit, which is available only for works fitment at Land Rover Classic facilities in the UK and Germany.

Limited to 2012 and newer Defenders with the 2.2-litre TDCi engine, the Works kit takes the wheel, suspension and handling kit components and adds performance-rated tyres, identifying badging and an engine upgrade. The in-house engine tune delivers an extra 29kW for a total of 119kW and 463Nm, with top speed increased to 170.5km/h. Land Rover Classic says this upgrade has no impact on the 2.2 turbo diesel’s CO2 emissions rating, but safely assume it negatively impacts fuel economy.

Customers who choose the Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit also get an owner’s certificate, vehicle collection, heath check and handover, plus a tour of whichever Land Rover Classic Works facility the upgrade is done at.

Pricing for the Defender upgrade kits starts at £432 for a single 18-inch Sawtooth wheel, with sets of five priced at £2,160. Suspension Upgrade Kits start at £1,822.97 and Handling Upgrade Kits at £9,967.37 for 110 variants in both instances, with slightly higher pricing for Defender 90s. The Defender Classic Works Upgrade Kit is priced at £16,995, regardless off whether it’s fitted to a Defender 90 or 110.

Australian release of these kits is being investigated, with the alloys the most likely local addition as it won’t impact ADRs and other road registration requirements.