Original Defender to return thanks to new Bowler agreement

Land Rover gives Bowler Motors permission to use the original Defender shape for its high-performance vehicles

Original Defender to return thanks to new Bowler agreement

Land Rover has given Bowler permission to produce vehicles using the classic Defender shape in the next phase of development for the UK-based manufacturer of all-terrain performance cars and rally raid vehicles.

The new agreement paves the way for Bowler to develop a new family of high-performance models, beginning with a project codenamed ‘CSP 575’ – a new road-going vehicle with Bowler’s own rally-proven CSP high-strength steel chassis, aluminium alloy Defender 110 Station Wagon body panels and Land Rover’s 575PS Supercharged V8.

This project will supplement the ongoing motorsport developments that are the foundation of Bowler’s past, present and future plans.

Related: Jaguar Land Rover buys off-road racing specialist Bowler

Initial renders of the planned 4×4 provide a glimpse of the rally-derived model, which will be the first new Bowler since 2016.

Full details will be revealed early next year, but the competition-inspired off-roader promises to combine potent performance and motorsport-honed durability in a classic Defender 110 shape capable of accommodating four passengers.

Project codenamed ‘CSP 575’ will combine Bowler’s own rally-proven CSP high-strength steel chassis with Land Rover’s potent 575PS 5.0-litre Supercharged V8, four sports seats, a roll cage and some comfort features such as air conditioning.

Related: Mercedes to take 20 per cent stake in Aston Martin

Founded in 1985, Bowler pioneered the production of dedicated off-road competition cars in the UK.

Jaguar Land Rover acquired Bowler at the end of 2019 and its expert team has been developing a number of exciting projects as part of Special Vehicle Operations.

Michael van der Sande, managing director at Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “We’re excited to announce the first major project since our acquisition of Bowler.

“The ‘CSP 575’ will combine Supercharged V8 performance and four-seat practicality with Bowler’s rally raid-proven CSP platform, broadening the appeal of the brand.

“This high-performance road-going model will sit alongside Bowler’s evolving range of rally raid models, which continue to enjoy success in the world’s toughest motorsport events.”

Related: First pictures of British billionaire’s version of original Land Rover Defender

The new model will be manufactured in very small quantities at Bowler’s headquarters in Derbyshire, UK, by the same talented engineers and technicians producing its competition 4x4s.

With global appeal but targeted at customers in the UK, select European and overseas markets, indicative pricing for the new model is around £200,000 in the UK.

Calum McKechnie, general manager at Bowler Motors, said: “The licence agreement to produce vehicles with the classic Defender shape gives us a unique opportunity.

“We’re excited to combine our motorsport experience with the expertise available from Special Vehicle Operations to produce a thrilling competition-inspired Defender 110 Station Wagon for the road.”

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Related: Land Rover to release its first plug-in hybrid Defender

Home Page Forums Original Defender to return thanks to new Bowler agreement

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  • #203310 Reply

    Land Rover has given Bowler permission to produce vehicles using the classic Defender shape in the next phase of development for the UK-based manufact
    [See the full post at: Original Defender to return thanks to new Bowler agreement]

    #203862 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    If there owned by the same company why would they not carry on making a nice looking breeze block on wheels rather than the ugly thing thats not even brutish made anymore.

    Do they also not answer the telephone or email Tweet etc

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