Latest news with #LandRoverDefenders
Auto Car
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
I love this rear-engined, air-cooled, ultra-exclusive restomod - because it's not what you think...
Have you seen the Twisted TBug? Twisted, the friendly, Yorkshire-based modifier of classic Land Rover Defenders (and now owner of a marine division as well), has started offering a Volkswagen Beetle Baja Bug restomod too. (If it starts doing Hillman Imps, our respective garages will look even more alike.) Unsurprisingly, the TBug looks somewhat nicer than my Baja Bug, because Twisted are people who are used to doing things properly. The interior looks trimmed beautifully, the stance is just so (I'm tempted to have a word with the front end of mine and a grinder) and there's a reinforced chassis, a new engine, new electrics and LED lights that don't look daft. The power output has been about doubled over the original, but it's still making less than 80bhp, so it isn't a fast car – but that doesn't matter a bit. 'What makes the TBug special is that it makes you smile every time you slide behind the wheel,' says Twisted founder Charles Fawcett. 'In a world of increasingly serious and complex vehicles, there's something wonderfully refreshing about that.' As they might have said in the 1970s, I can dig that. Unlike Twisted Defenders and Suzuki Jimnys, this car exists in the 'special projects' bit of the company's offerings. Lots of personalisation and customisation is on offer and it's the sort of thing you could get lost for days in with the designers – although Twisted has made three for sale already to its thinking, in grey, green and yellow. You can spend around £95,000.
Auto Car
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
I love this rear-engined, air-cooled, ultra-exclusive resto mod - because it's not what you think...
Have you seen the Twisted TBug? Twisted, the friendly, Yorkshire-based modifier of classic Land Rover Defenders (and now owner of a marine division as well), has started offering a Volkswagen Beetle Baja Bug restomod too. (If it starts doing Hillman Imps, our respective garages will look even more alike.) Unsurprisingly, the TBug looks somewhat nicer than my Baja Bug, because Twisted are people who are used to doing things properly. The interior looks trimmed beautifully, the stance is just so (I'm tempted to have a word with the front end of mine and a grinder) and there's a reinforced chassis, a new engine, new electrics and LED lights that don't look daft. The power output has been about doubled over the original, but it's still making less than 80bhp, so it isn't a fast car – but that doesn't matter a bit. 'What makes the TBug special is that it makes you smile every time you slide behind the wheel,' says Twisted founder Charles Fawcett. 'In a world of increasingly serious and complex vehicles, there's something wonderfully refreshing about that.' As they might have said in the 1970s, I can dig that. Unlike Twisted Defenders and Suzuki Jimnys, this car exists in the 'special projects' bit of the company's offerings. Lots of personalisation and customisation is on offer and it's the sort of thing you could get lost for days in with the designers – although Twisted has made three for sale already to its thinking, in grey, green and yellow. You can spend around £95,000.
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
The Twisted TBug is a classic Baja racer reborn
UK-based tuning specialist Twisted has built its reputation on custom Land Rover Defenders and Suzuki Jimnys, but now it's taking a bold detour with the launch of its latest project: the TBug — a reimagining of the iconic SoCal Baja Bug for the modern era. Each TBug starts life as a carefully chosen air-cooled VW Beetle from the 1960s to 1980s. The chassis is stripped back to bare metal before being restored, rebuilt and strengthened for added rigidity. From there, it's fitted with classic Baja-style bodywork, long-travel suspension and chunky BFGoodrich tyres for enhanced off-road grip. Power comes from a modified original air-cooled engine tuned to produce about 60kW. That may not sound like much, but it's more than enough for some proper old-school fun. 'It's about the connection between driver, machine and terrain,' says Twisted founder Charles Fawcett. 'That sensation of working with the vehicle rather than merely sitting in it. Modern cars have isolated us from the driving experience — the TBug brings it back in its purest form.' Additional upgrades include modern LED lighting for night runs, a beefier braking system for improved stopping power and updated electronics for greater reliability. Inside you'll find a hand-finished cabin designed to blend heritage charm with everyday comfort. As with all Twisted builds, personalisation is central — each TBug is built to individual spec, ensuring no two are exactly alike. The TBug will make its public debut at Twisted's Kensington Mews showroom in London on May 29, during an exclusive preview event.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
ECD Unleashes Its Most Powerful Defender Yet
KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the global leader in custom Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8, now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, also as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds. This engine isn't a gimmick. It's a direct result of client demand—bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700HP option sets a new benchmark for what's possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today. 'We've worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,' said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD. 'The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.' A Power-First, Client-Driven Evolution Rather than reinventing the wheel, ECD built on a trusted foundation—leveraging their extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar. Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include: Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender—or a Range Rover Classic—with untamed acceleration and unmistakable sound have a new option that fits seamlessly into the company's bespoke process. Designed for Drivers Who Want More This offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design. Whether it's cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection, the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. 'It's not about chasing numbers,' added Humble. 'It's about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.' Now Available for New Builds The 700HP BLUEPRINT engine is now available for Defender 90, 110, and 130 commissions—as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, this new option is expected to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike. View images of the Blueprint engine being installed About ECD Auto Design ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin Kastner Chief Revenue Officer [email protected] 407-738-1056 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ECD Unleashes Its Most Powerful Defender Yet
700+ Horsepower. American Muscle. Built by Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the global leader in custom Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8, now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, also as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds. This engine isn't a gimmick. It's a direct result of client demand—bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700HP option sets a new benchmark for what's possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today. 'We've worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,' said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD. 'The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.' A Power-First, Client-Driven Evolution Rather than reinventing the wheel, ECD built on a trusted foundation—leveraging their extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar. Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include: New front-end rotating assembly to house the integrated supercharger Enhanced cooling systems to manage added thermal load Upgraded transmission, transfer case, and differentials to handle the increased torque Refined ECU tuning and throttle mapping to maintain smooth drivability Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender—or a Range Rover Classic—with untamed acceleration and unmistakable sound have a new option that fits seamlessly into the company's bespoke process. Designed for Drivers Who Want More This offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design. Whether it's cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection, the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. 'It's not about chasing numbers,' added Humble. 'It's about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.' Now Available for New Builds The 700HP BLUEPRINT engine is now available for Defender 90, 110, and 130 commissions—as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, this new option is expected to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike. View images of the Blueprint engine being installed About ECD Auto DesignECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin KastnerChief Revenue Officerkastnerk@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
