Skip advert
Advertisement

Bowler reveals classic Defender 110 will live on with V8 power

Derbyshire based Bowler developing road-going four-seat V8 powered Defender Station Wagon for first vehicle under JLR ownership

Off-road specialist Bowler has revealed its first project since its acquisition by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) late in 2019,. It’s a new addition - the first to the Bowler line-up since 2016 - that will see the old Defender shape continue in an official capacity.

The model being developed by Bowler goes by the codename CSP 575, and is a high-performance take on the classic Defender 110 that will be produced in limited numbers from 2021. It will be built at Bowler’s Belper headquarters in Derbyshire, and not at an existing JLR site.

Prices are set to start from around the £200,000 mark and though it will still be a highly-specialist off-road performance vehicle, Bowler says that the new Defender 110 Station Wagon ‘road-going’ model that will broaden the appeal of the brand beyond motorsport. To that end, alongside the full roll-cage, the CSP 575 will feature seating for four, and even creature comforts like air conditioning. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

According to these first official renderings (the car won’t be revealed fully until 2021), The CSP 575 combines the Defender 110’s original silhouette with a Bowler developed high-strength steel chassis. The widened tracks are highlighted by massively flared wheel arches, while power is provided by JLR’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8, here producing 567bhp.

Beyond the engine, the CSP 575 will integrate further components developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division - the long-standing relationship between Bowler and JLR prior to official tie up last year means that Bowler’s chassis is already compatible with a lot of the Land Rover parts catalogue. 

“There’s always been a demand from our customer base for something that takes a lot of our knowledge and experience out of the rally environment and out of the desert,” said Bowler General Manager Calum McKechnie. “This is an ideal opportunity to take on that demand in something that looks like an iconic Defender Station Wagon.”

“Bowler is still an independent entity with its own offices, its own staff, its own rules, its own balance sheet and we very much intend to run it that way,” said JLR Special Vehicles Operations boss Michael van der Sande. 

“Callum’s brief is very much to run Bowler as an independent business but with the support of Land Rover when that’s appropriate. And that’s what we are exercising here.”

What do you think of Bowler's Land Rover Defender plans? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best snow cars 2024
Best snow cars - header image

Best snow cars 2024

Don’t get caught out in extreme conditions this winter. We’ve picked 10 showroom buys that should keep you safe
Best cars & vans
11 Oct 2024
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2024
Best seven-seater cars - header image

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2024

We pick the best seven-seater cars across a wide range of price points
Best cars & vans
2 Oct 2024
Best diesel cars 2024
Best diesel cars - header image

Best diesel cars 2024

Diesel power strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, and these are the best diesel cars you can buy
Best cars & vans
24 Sep 2024
New Land Rover Defender Eivissa is going to Ibiza
Land Rover Eivissa 90 - front 3/4 static

New Land Rover Defender Eivissa is going to Ibiza

Just six of these special edition Land Rover Defenders will be built
News
23 Sep 2024

Most Popular

Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front

Ford Capri review

This is no sports car, nor even a retro reboot – rather a capable, refined and well-built EV that happens to sport a controversial name
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024
Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month
New Skoda Octavia vRS estate - front cornering

Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month

A fun to drive family favourite offers immense value for money at under £300 per month in today’s deal of the day
News
29 Oct 2024
New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV
Dacia Duster Hybrid - front

New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV

The first ever Dacia Duster Hybrid is a hit from behind the wheel, but better options exist in the small SUV’s range
Road tests
30 Oct 2024