Land Rover is set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise by competing in the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge using a Defender 90 that wears a 007 livery.
The vehicle — which will be used in the competition's North Wales leg on March 26 — will be driven by three-time British Rally Champion and Bond stunt driver Mark Higgins and co-driver Claire Williams. Higgins has been in four James Bond films namely Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die.
The competition-prepped Defender 90 features the trademark black-and-gold Bond livery and a special 007 60th logo on its roof and sides.
“The new Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line and I’ve seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of No Time To Die. With the race ready enhancements made by the Bowler team and with Claire by my side we are confident we can have a great result,” Higgins was quoted as saying.
The vehicle is based on the current Defender 90, which is powered by the P300 Ingenium power mill.
The rally-ready Defender received safety modifications that include a full roll cage, enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission, sports exhaust and rear roof spoiler.
Further, the 007-inspired Defender sports strengthened 18-inch Bowler wheels with all-terrain tires and a bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness.
Regulated by the Motor Sports Association, the Bowler Defender Challenge is designed to act as a feeder series for global rally-raid competitions including the annual Dakar rally.
The competition will run over seven rounds in United Kingdom and is open to both veterans and those with no competition experience.
In a statement, the Challenge will continue to focus on delivering a fun environment that fosters the development of driving and competition skills yet retains the involving, engaging feel of a real motorsport family starting 2022 and beyond.
In the Philippines, the Coventry Motors Corporation handed over the keys of a Land Rover Defender to its 200th owner late last year.
Photos from Land Rover
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