Land Rover has taken the wraps off a special edition Defender designed by its SVO team to carry the Rugby World Cup on its 100 day tour of the UK and Ireland. The vehicle sports a climate-controlled glass case to give rugby fans a crystal-clear view of the Webb Ellis Cup.
In making sure the Defender gives people a clear look at the Cup rain, hail or shine, Land Rover has fitted the car with a bespoke, climate controlled anti-glare glass cabinet designed to make sure there is no fogging or condensation inside. The cabinet's locking mechanism, climate system and the 40-inch television that sit in the back of the truck are controlled through a new app on a 10-inch Toshiba Encore tablet.
As well as being climate controlled, the cabinet is fitted with a lighting system capable of three different modes, while the TV will display significant moments from classic rugby matches to try and get people in the mood.
Inside, the Defender is kitted out like an Autobiography spec car, albeit with a number of World Cup specific touches to commemorate the occasion. The car's black leather seats are embroidered with the World Cup logo in the headrests, and gold stitching and blue piping also serve to raise the cabin's ambience beyond that of a normal, pared back Defender.
The vehicle itself is powered by Land Rover's 2.2-liter diesel coupled with a six speed manual gearbox, and has been fitted with extra off-road gear including a winch, aluminum sump guard and a raised air intake. Land Rover's SVO division also fitted the Defender with 16 inch off-road tires for a broader stance on the road.
Having floated down the river Thames in an 8.2 meter (27 ft) tall Rugby Ball, the Defender was unveiled at Tower Bridge.
Below is Land Rover's launch video for the Defender.
Source: Land Rover
