Watch out Ineos, Bowler has been given the go-ahead to build “high-performance” road models based on the classic Defender shape.
Anything with a codename is cool, right. Running under the codename ‘CSP 575’, Bowler has been given the stamp of approval by its parent, Land Rover, to build a fleet of high-performance road vehicles using the classic Defender shape.
The new Bowler-developed Defender will be the first new Bowler since 2016 and while details are thin (full details are coming next year), we know it’ll run on Bowler’s own motorsport-derived chassis and use aluminium alloy Defender 110 Station Wagon body panels with Land Rover’s 423kW supercharged V8 under the bonnet. It’ll seat four people. The new model will be produced in limited numbers and aimed at key markets in the UK, Europe and “overseas”. Pricing is expected to be around £200,000 in the UK.
With Bowler engineers working with JLR’s special projects teams, Land Rover said the licence agreement was a natural progression of the relationship between the two brands.
Making the announcement, Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “We’re excited to announce the first major project since our acquisition of Bowler. The ‘CSP 575’ will combine Supercharged V8 performance and four-seat practicality with Bowler’s rally raid-proven CSP platform, broadening the appeal of the brand. This high-performance road-going model will sit alongside Bowler’s evolving range of rally raid models, which continue to enjoy success in the world’s toughest motorsport events.”
Calum McKechnie, General Manager, Bowler Motors, said: “The Bowler name has stood for innovation for 35 years. The licence agreement to produce vehicles with the classic Defender shape gives us a unique opportunity. We’re excited to combine our motorsport experience with the expertise available from Special Vehicle Operations to produce a thrilling competition-inspired Defender 110 Station Wagon for the road.”
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