Motoring: Yorkshire’s Twisted Automotive seeks to improve on Land Rover perfection
THE iconic Land Rover Defender may have entered its last full year of production but the definitive off-roader will forever remain a British classic.
That’s not to say that enthusiasts don’t ever want to try and improve perfection and there are several aftermarket companies around the UK which are more than happy to help owners try.
One of the more respected companies is Twisted Automotive, which specialises in helping to overturn the agricultural reputation of the Defender and turn it into a vehicle which might stand alongside its more prestigious stablemate, the Range Rover.
The Thirsk-based manufacturer has built an international reputation for quality engineering and a creative approach to meeting the needs of the most demanding customers.
Twisted specialise in taking the standard Defender and making extensive modifications, whilst keeping the essence of what the Land Rover should be. It can spend over 300 hours improving everything from simple bolts, to full engine rebuilds and luxury interiors designed around the customer’s individual requirements.
Land Rover will cease production of the classic model in December and Twisted has already seen a jump in orders from across the world keen to preserve the heritage of one of the most instantly recognised vehicles in the world.
People come to Twisted to have the vehicle tailored to their exact requirements and this can include 500hp V8 engines or a fully equipped bar for the shoot. Each vehicle leaves the Twisted factory as individual as a fingerprint.
Whilst there are four levels in the standard Twisted range, it has undertaken a number of special builds, such as the Alpine model, to provide petrol heads and enthusiasts with the ultimate Defender.
The Twisted Alpine undergoes an extensive conversion from a new standard 110 XS. The original model was built in 2008 and replicated in 2013 for Tony Hawk, the world famous skateboarder, to complete the Gumball 3000 rally across Europe. The event started in Copenhagen and travelled through 13 countries, before finishing at the Monaco Grand Prix a week later.
The Alpine is based on the top of the range T80 model, with the addition of a unique seating arrangement for complete comfort. The conversion to an automatic gearbox provides an easy drive. The power upgrades, from a 2.2 TDCI diesel engine, give rapid acceleration that isn’t normally present in a Defender, with much bigger brakes to cope with the enhanced performance.
The T80 comes as standard with Twisted’s own Progressive Suspension, which is designed to aid comfort whilst also giving a predictable driving outcome when pushing the Defender harder into corners. The first part of the suspension travel is softer, which hardens through the coil to provide better handling and manners.
A custom roof rack gives great practicality, while a reversing camera and European Sat Nav bring the Defender all modcons. Each Alpine comes with air conditioning, remote central locking, ABS, traction control and heated windscreen and front seats.
The stylish interior gains space for passengers through various alterations, and comes with a more useable steering wheel in hand trimmed leather, with front and second row Recaro seats. A full leather trim is applied to doors, window surrounds and the dashboard, modified Recaro seats are finished in black nappa, with perforated contrast yellow stitch. The Alcantara headlining includes visors and vanity mirror.
An Alpine Double Din Media Installation provides Sat Nav, camera, radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, which are fitted following extensive work on the panel alignment, interior sealing and full internal sound proofing.
The exterior of the Alpine comes with custom Twisted 18″ black zero offset sport alloys, fitted with BFG 285 all terrain tyres. The famous Twisted grille and vent upgrade come in Fuji White. The alloy steering guard and body coloured mirrors all come in white.
The Twisted Alpine makes a bold statement and provides a luxury driving experience for fans of the Land Rover Defender.
The Alpine starts at £77,856.42 + VAT
Visit http://www.twistedautomotive.com/
