We’ve seen quite a few builds from East Coast Defender, but one recent model – named Project Punisher – was built with a focus on luxury.
First and foremost, Project Punisher is powered by a brand new 5.3-liter LC9 Vortech V8 engine matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain comes with a 2-year/50,000-mile warranty from General Motors. Though it might not be the most powerful, the smaller displacement might prove to be more efficient than, say, a 6.2-liter LS3.
Now then, the tuned up Land Rover Defender retains the off-road capability notorious of Defends, ECD designed this particular build to offer more luxury. As such, it features all of the finest quantities we’ve come to expect from the shop’s builds. The interior has been overhauled and fitted with high-quality materials, such as a Puma dashboard.
“Each custom Defender that rolls out of the Rover Dome is the ultimate in custom SUV workmanship,” says Tom Humble, East Coast Defender Co-owner. “What separates our team from other custom builders is our relentless pursuit of improving our workmanship and materials. Each Defender we build represents a new approach or material that furthers our place as the leader of custom Defender builds. Projects Ironhorse and Punisher are simply the latest in the evolution of our best-in- class standards.”
Pricing for Project Punisher hasn’t been announced yet, though we imagine it will be a bit more expensive than the ‘typical’ ECD Rover, which are almost always in the six-figure range.
Comment
Ah the LS. First time I drove one I could swear it was a time machine. I thought there was a direct connection between the gas pedal and the speedometer needle. Hard to keep the vette straight at even triple digits, the Boxter in the rear view where it belongs.
But GM should be American. I was born American in a foreign place, and my rancher father in law was from south of the border. Even in his last years I don’t think I could have kicked his ass in an honest fist to fist, had he been one to resort to violence. The only time I think I offended him was when, just to make conversation, i asked him him if he had received the state financial aid that was available to Colorado ranchers in 07 due to the harsh winter. He asked me why I would think that he would take money from the government, and that he knew how to make money, and if he didn’t make money, that would be his own fault. I will admit he relied on DMAX power when he overloaded his trucks and the hogs only asked for more, but why can’t an American car company be more like him?
You see, you are not American by birth, many people who vote for socialists are American, and the Las Vegas shooter was born here; you are only one by virtue.