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Nine-speed auto and electric Defender revealed by Land Rover
Date: 14 March 2013
Land Rover has announced a series of technology developments that will see it offer the world's first nine-speed auto gearbox and an electric Defender.
The former was developed by transmission specialist ZF and is said to be more efficient, refined and better suited to off-roading than existing units. It is expected to become available with the Evoque and other models in the firm's stable, but on-sale dates for such versions have yet to be announced.
The zero-emissions electric Defender is powered by a 70kw motor, which, according to Land Rover, is capable of propelling it for over 50 miles.
The outgoing Defender is renowned for its off-road capability and the firm claims the electric version will be just as able, with a battery life of around eight hours in low-speed, off-road use. The EVs will be used for "specialist service" and enter "real-world" trials later in the year, but plans for mass production have not yet been confirmed.
