British sport utility vehicles (SUV) manufacturer Land Rover is set to introduce its new Defender Challenge rally car at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, the UK.
This new car has been designed and engineered to compete in a one-make rally championship operated by renowned Land Rover partner Bowler Motorsport.
Defender Challenge car is a modified Defender 90 Hard Top model, which is equipped with 2.2L diesel engine. Bowler Motorsport has upgraded the engine to 170bhp and 450Nm combined with a six-speed manual transmission.
It features a MSA-approved roll cage and fire extinguisher system along with an MSA log book.
Other features of the race car include a bespoke Bowler Motorsport suspension system designed in conjunction with Bilstein. The system includes new dampers, spring roll-bars and bushes.
The vehicle also includes Bowler Motorsport body kit and lightweight 18-inch wheels; and two racing seats each with a six-point harness.
Bowler Motorsport brand director Jon Chester said: "The grid of 15 competitor cars for 2014 is already more than half-full. The championship has attracted a wide range of competitors, from those with no prior racing experience to existing rally teams and those with GT3 experience."
