STARTECH Land Rover Defender Series 3.1 Concept: That’s the name of a STARTECH (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 20 41 / 7744 555, fax + 49 / (0) 20 41 / 7744 544, internet www.startech.de) study combining innovative technology and classic vintage design that celebrates its world premiere at the 2012 ESSEN MOTOR SHOW. For this purpose STARTECH developed a design kit whose styling is reminiscent of the legendary Land Rover Series 3. The retro appearance includes 18-inch alloy wheels that evoke memories of the classic steel wheels of the original model, stainless-steel running boards and redesigned power mirrors. The STARTECH concept car also boasts an exclusive interior of perfectly crafted black leather with white decorative seams and an Alcantara headliner. But that’s not all: In cooperation with Sony Mobile, STARTECH developed a custom-tailored multimedia system for the Land Rover Defender with mirror link for Smartphones and two Sony tablet computers.

The Land Rover has been considered the granddaddy of off-roaders ever since its first unveiling at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. Enough reason for STARTECH to now create a concept car that lends the latest Defender a striking vintage look in the style of the unforgotten Land Rover Series 3, which rolled off the assembly lines from 1971 to 1984.

To achieve their objective the STARTECH designer modeled a new front component that transfers the design idiom of the classic role model and the unmistakable shape of its radiator grille to modern times, complete with state-of-the-art light technology. The STARTECH front component is fitted with two round 7-inch LED headlights that safely light the way even on nighttime excursions far from civilization. The smaller upper lights on either side function as daytime running lights; the turn signals just below them feature LED technology.

STARTECH also equips the Defender with larger power mirrors and stainless-steel running boards with integrated LED entrance lights, activated with the remote or by pulling on a door handle.

The STARTECH alloy wheels epitomize old-school design at its finest. They are modeled after the classic heavy-duty steel wheels of the vintage Land Rovers, but offer all the advantages of modern wheel technology. The size 8.5Jx18 wheels on the concept car are mounted with off-road tires in size 285/60 R 18.

The interior welcomes driver and passengers with an ambiance of luxury. The company upholstery shop crafted the STARTECH interior from especially soft and breathable black leather, adorned with white decorative seams sewn with pinpoint precision. The headliner is made from fine black Alcantara.

For maximum comfort in everyday driving and excellent support during tough off-road missions the concept car is equipped with Recaro sports seats whose back shells are painted white.

A redesigned center stack draws the eye in the cockpit and serves as the perfect backdrop for the multimedia equipment custom-developed for the English SUV.

The STARTECH center stack offers space for a device in double-DIN format. The Sony XAV-601BT plays audio CDs and MP3 discs, and also comes with the new mirror link function. This technology integrates Smartphones into the infotainment systems in cars and allows controlling all telephone functions on the 6.1-inch touch screen of the head unit.

For the rear passengers’ entertainment the system in the STARTECH study features two Sony tablet computers safely secured to the seat back shells, with internet access via the Sony XPERIA T Smartphone. The innovative system also provides an unparalleled sound experience thanks to Sony high-end speakers, subwoofer and power amps.

The STARTECH concept car is a near-production study that could see a limited production run for various markets given an appropriate customer response.