View Photos of the Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
The Bowler-customized rallying Defender can swiftly tackle rough terrain but could use more power.
The Bowler Challenge is a rally-prepared Defender, and up to 12 identical cars will be competing in a six-round championship in the U.K. next year.
Power comes from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the basic P300 Defender and is delivered through the street version's eight-speed automatic transmission and open differentials. It also uses standard brakes.
The big changes are structural, with a welded-in roll cage plus fire extinguisher and battery-isolation systems.
Bowler has added a single paddle shifter. Push it to downshift, pull to upshift.
Rally cars crash, and the Bowler Challenge has been designed to be easily repairable with a single-piece fiberglass front bumper and 2.8 inches trimmed from the base of the doors
he suspension uses taller and stiffer springs and remote-reservoir dampers from Fox Racing.
Bowler has been creating race-prepared versions of Land Rover products since 1985, and the company is now part of JLR's Special Vehicle Operations division.
U.K. pricing makes the Bowler version almost exactly the same price as the new Defender V8, and that figure includes entry into a six-round championship series next year.
Bowler is hoping to create Challenge championships in other countries, with the U.S. at the top of the list.
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
Land Rover Bowler Defender Challenge
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