It is one of the toughest 4x4s, and now it is getting stronger ΓÇö the 1997 Defender 90 gets a shot in the arm with a 4.0-liter V8 with 182 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque at a low 3000 rpm. This new engine also comes with a new 4-speed automatic transmission and 2-speed transfer gearbox with manual locking center differential.
For 1997, the Defender is available with a hard top or soft top. Interior styling is bland but functional, but you do get front bucket seats and a center console with cupholders. If the Defender is just a shade too pedestrian you can dress it up with options like a six-CD changer, 5-spoke alloy wheels, 8,000-lb capacity winch, side runners, brush bars and lamp guards.
However you like your Defender, it is the model that best meets Land RoverΓÇÖs original concept of a vehicle that could ΓÇÿwork like a tractor, haul like a truck and drive like a carΓÇÖ.
