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There are some camouflaged test vehicles that we see constantly, while others only show up occasionally. The stretched Land Rover Defender 130 falls into that category, as it’s the third time we’ve caught a prototype in public since August 2021. That suggests two possible conclusions: Land Rover is working really hard to keep it a secret, or it’s not. not a significant amount of testing in progress.
We’ll leave that conclusion open to debate, as only Land Rover personnel know for sure. Based on our observations, it’s possible that the automaker wasn’t so strong with its 130 testing program. It appears to be a 110 with just a little more body behind the rear axle. We believe the wheelbase is the same, and from what we can see from the exterior design, it’s a carbon copy of the 110 from the rear door all the way to the front. Indeed, the camouflage wrap hides small details. But overall, the 130 should be a slightly longer 110.
How much longer can we talk? Rumors suggest it will add 13 inches to the overall length, offering more cargo space along with seating for eight passengers. As these photos from the Nürburgring show, it won’t be an athletic on-road performance SUV although we believe a supercharged V8 will be on offer. Our spy sources are pretty sure this particular prototype packs such firepower, likely the same 518-horsepower (386-kilowatt) factory supercharged 5.0-liter available in other Defender trims. It may lean in corners, but such power should deal a direct blow to the big one.
The V8 won’t be the only engine choice. With record high fuel prices and increasingly stringent emission regulations, the Defender 130 is also expected to offer a wide range of petrol and diesel options. A plug-in hybrid powertrain should come to the stretched SUV as well, though it’s unclear if that will happen at launch. And for those who want a Defender with a pickup bed, we hear 130 can make it happen.
Its debut is expected later this year as a 2023 model.
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