Ford, here I come, I take the challange
The basics/drivetrain:
- a strong frame w/about 100 inch wheelbase,
- sturdy steel bumper on both ends
- frame lowest point to protect transfercase, exhaust, tank etc., skid plates,
- two solid axles on coil springs,
- 4 wheel drive system without lots of electronics, mechanical shifter, viscous coupling,
- a reliable auto tranny,
- gearing that is not to short for a good fuel economy,
- but a shoooooort transfercase, like 1:4,
- Possibility of full time 4x4 low for twisty trails and manoevering with trailers,
- 31x10.5-15 standard wheels, but enough fenderroom for individual upgrades
Engine:
- Something with lots of low end torque; I personally would like to see a turbo diesel
Body:
- Kind of retrodesign (Do I need to mention that I would not mind if it would look like a Defender
- Somewhat bigger than a Wrangler, maybe sizewise like an Explorer sport (main reason that I, and lots of others, don't have a Wrangler is, that it is impossible to fit a family of two adults/two kids in it. This would give the car a bigger market)
- Using old fashioned screws and bolts instead of high tech plastic fasteners, so people can work on their cars, kind of I giant meccano kit.
Interior:
- A base model with easy to clean, but comfortable interior,
- seats made from a breathable, easy to clean material like some seat covers are made from
- electronics avaliable for thos who like them in EB edition
I think the car should not have too many trail specific extras like lockers, etc.. This would make the car expensive with parts which a) lot of people never need, b) we anyhow like to upgrade ourselves. But it should be factory designed for being upgraded, like I said, similar to a giant meccano kit.
After what I'm gonna write now to the address of Ford (you never know who is reading
) I'm probably gonna get
,
and kicked out of this board. Mercy, please!!
Ford, you just bought Land Rover. The Defender is ready to be redesigned. The Defender has the same that makes the Wrangler so special and what probably the Bronco would have had, if it would not have been discontinued: There is a cult around these cars; they have history, tradition and they make people dream of freedom and adventure. This all is something the best marketing department can not create.
Instead of building a new car, why not taking influence in development of the new Defender that it complies with U.S. standards, and that it comes to the U.S. as what it is in Europe: the best 4x4xfar, for everybody, not just the rich and the beautiful. I remind, that a Defender costs in Switzerland between $ 22'000 and $ 26'000!
The car you want to build, the ultimate Wrangler fighter, exists already in your own company in form of the Defender. If you want, sell the Defender in the U.S. with Ford-batches, I don't care, but I think it is really stupid to create competition in your own house.
OK, who's next?
[Edited by donkey boy on 08-10-2000 at 01:28 PM]