• Modenese coachbuilder ARES reveals limited-edition ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec. 1.2

• Exterior features include carbon fiber bodywork and panoramic roof

• Luxurious handcrafted interior with leather and carbon fiber throughout

• Enhanced V8 powerplant and 6-speed transmission

Luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES Design has released details of its bespoke Land Rover Defender Spec. 1.2 detailing its high level of customization and luxury, creating a modern-day tribute to the timeless off-road icon.

Designed by the company’s Centro Stile, the exterior sports a carbon fiber bonnet, widened wings and is devoid of all visible body bolts. While the front-end LED-powered lamps are housed in a new one-piece carbon fiber front end the rear sports new style circle LED tail lights.

Rounding off the customised exterior are larger tinted windows, including a high-grade panoramic roof and 18” ARES designed rims giving the vehicle a commanding modern appearance.

Inside, the company designers and artisans have combined their talents to produce a stunning bespoke interior. Expertly finished, the finest leather and carbon fiber trim extends to every part of the cabin, from the instrument panel through to the rear bench seats giving a sensation of luxury and quality throughout. Additionally, its new infotainment system, revised and upgraded air conditioning unit and four electrically operated windows assure interior comfort and luxury.

Once behind the wheel the driver will begin his journey with a simple start/stop button, and with modern-era levers controlling lights and wipers at this finger tips their journey will be uncomplicated and fun. For colder weather the vehicle has adjustable and heated side mirrors with an incorporated indicator ensuring the swiftest of departures on the coldest of days.

Underneath the newly defined exterior ARES’ extensive engineering work has been undertaken. The coachbuilder has replaced the original 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a 4750cc V8 engine capable of delivering 280hp and a torque of 440Nm all supported by a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Additional strengthening on transmission and axle shafts and CV joints supports the higher speed and power delivery while the braking system sports larger performance discs and 6-piston calipers. Ensuring the smoothest of drives the ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 has an electronically adjustable suspension with a soft and sport setting.

Dany Bahar, ARES Design CEO, explained: “We created our first Defender Ultra V8 in 2018 so we have a great knowledge of the vehicle and that has led us to create a second edition with an even more distinctive style and refined finish. Powered by the same V8 engine, the ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 retains the characteristics of the new Defender design but beautifully reimagined to express modernity and luxury.”

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