Land Rover is bringing an ultra-capable version of its resurrected Defender to North America. Starting next month, the automaker will offer a “Trophy Edition” of its Defender 110 SUV.
This limited-production special is designed to evoke the Defender Works V8 Trophy, a run of Classic Defenders that were sourced, assembled and reworked by the Land Rover Classic team in the United Kingdom. Just 25 of the old converted Defenders were created, but some 220 buyers will get the chance to saddle up with the 2022-model-year Trophy Edition.
Both the old-school and new Trophy models are designed to rekindle memories of the automaker’s participation in the Camel Trophy. This international overlanding adventure rally used Land Rover vehicles exclusively from 1981 to 2000. For much of the 1980s, the classic 90 and 110 models were used in the grueling, globe-trotting race, and non-rallyists could often buy limited edition models in the rally machines’ distinctive yellow paint scheme.
With modified classic Defenders very popular with overlanders all over the world, it’s little surprise that Land Rover Classic decided to build a factory-approved version, but the Defender Works Trophy V8 will set buyers back a cool $270,000. (Some of Jaguar Land Rover Classic’s other projects are even more expensive.) Fortunately, the modern Defender Trophy edition will list for a more approachable $90,000.
The Trophy Edition will be built on the four-door 2022 Defender 110 P400 X-Dynamic SE, which currently has a starting price of $65,000 and is powered by a 395-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six bolstered by a mild-hybrid system. Upgrades include a collection of the hardest-core off roading options on the Defender menu, appropriate considering the hard-core adventuremobiles it recalls.
In addition to the special badging and a vehicle wrap that references the the classic model, the Trophy Edition gets a tow hitch receiver, an advanced ClearSight rearview camera, air suspension and an 11.4-inch touchscreen.
A laundry list of other extras underpin the Trophy Edition, including:
- Extended Black Exterior appearance package
- Off-Road Pack: off-road tires, electronic active differential and domestic plug socket
- Advanced Off-Road Capability Pack: All-Terrain Progress Control, Terrain Response 2, Configurable Terrain Response
- Cold Climate Pack: Heated windshield, heated washer jets, heated power wash, heated steering wheel
- Off-road protection and accessories: Expedition roof rack, front skid plates, a deployable ladder, mud flaps, integrated air compressor and rubber mats.
- Winch pre-wiring, with a winch available as a dealer-installed accessory
While the classic version is primarily for the U.K., the modern Defender Trophy Edition will be sold only at select Land Rover Dealers in the United States.
In addition to the vehicle, buyers get the opportunity for two people to participate in a one-day off-road adventure. The program, called Land Rover U.S. Trophy Competition, will be held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, starting on October 11. Up to 90 teams will participate, including six waves of 15 teams on a first-come, first-served basis.
Land Rover says there will be both on- and off-road challenges, physical obstacles and expert one-on-one coaching. Participants get to work on their skills in their own vehicles before competing in a personalized, scaled down version of the overlanding rally experience once tracked by Defenders of yore. The top team will go on to compete at the Land Rover Trophy Competition, held at Eastnor Casle in the U.K. in early 2022.