Land Rover`s tradition is supporting rugby competitions dates long ago, so the new Defender created especially for the Rugby World Cup 2015 is no surprise. It is a modified 110 Station Wagon created to transport the Webb Ellis Cup on the 100-day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour across the UK and Ireland.
The Rugby World Cup 2015 110 Defender Station Wagon was developed and built by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division at its headquarters in Ryton, UK. Land Rover unveiled the vehicle in spectacular fashion at Tower Bridge in London where it emerged, from a giant rugby ball, driven by Land Rover Ambassador and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner, Lewis Moody.
The 8.2m high ball floated 25 miles up the River Thames from Tilbury Dock on Thursday, passing iconic London landmarks such as the Thames Barrier and Canary Wharf along the way.
The most important part of the car is the bespoke Trophy cabinet to the rear of the vehicle. A one-of-a-kind Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender App has been developed specifically for the purpose of controlling the high-specification technology within the Trophy cabinet – making sure that conditions are just right.
Lighting, temperature, the locking mechanism that secures the Webb Ellis Cup and the 40-inch flat-screen Toshiba television are all controlled through the App on a 10 inch Toshiba Windows Tablet which acts as the interface. The Trophy cabinet is also protected with toughened security glazing.
The passenger interior is based on the Defender Autobiography edition and offers a high level of personalised design touches. Black Windsor Leather seats have been embellished with gold contrast stitching and Rugby World Cup 2015 blue piping whilst the contrast stitch extends to the dashboard and doors. The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour logo takes prominent position being embroidered onto the front headrests.
Powered by Land Rover’s old and popular 2.2-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission, this vehicle also features a front winch, aluminium sump guard, side and rear steps, modified raised air intake and expedition rack. These are rounded with Rugby World Cup 2015 graphics to the exterior. Vehicle spot lights illuminate the immediate surroundings while the broader 16 inch off-road tyres complete the look.
