Bowler resurrects the Land Rover Defender with supercharged V8

Bowler is building new-old Defenders with permission from Land Rover

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11/04/2020

The classic Defender you see here is not a resto-mod nor is it a very faithful replica made by Ineos, makers of the Grenadier. In fact, it’s a brand new Defender 110 built by Bowler (renowned builder of Land Rover-based off-road racers) called the CSP 575.

Unlike the previous-generation Defender, the CSP 575 packs a V8 motor under the hood. More importantly, it is Bowler’s first new model since 2016.

Before you ask, yes, Bowler was given permission by Land Rover to revive the original Defender’s shape for their new high-performance model. Considering that the off-road specialist was acquired by Jaguar Land Rover late last year, it’s no surprise then that they were allowed to use the Defender’s chassis under license.

As seen in the rendering, the CSP 575 is based on the design of the Defender 110’s original silhouette. While it does use the same aluminum panels as the old Defender on the outside save for the wide fender flares, it certainly isn’t one underneath. The high-performance off-roader rides on Bowler’s own race-bred high-strength steel chassis and even features an integrated roll cage.

Under the hood, it uses Jaguar-Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that makes 575 HP. Yes, this is the same engine used by the F-Type, Range Rover SVR, and many more. No performance details were mentioned but we assume it's quick on its feet.

Even though Bowler markets the CSP 575 as an off-roader, they say that it has been designed for the road. The new-old Defender will be able to seat four and will come with air-conditioning. It will also be co-developed with Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division.

According to Bowler, the CSP 575 will be built in “small numbers” at their factory in the UK. Pricing has yet to be officially revealed, but Bowler says it is expected to cost around £200,000 or roughly PhP 12.6 million. A steep price for a classic Defender with a supercharged V8 under the hood no doubt. But, at least you get a proper new-old Defender that isn't a copycat.