LAND Rover’s television commercial for the new Defender demonstrates its capability on tough terrain. The commercial features an exclusive, behind the scenes look at what to expect from the new Defender in James Bond’s – No Time To Die.
The rehearsal footage included in the advert shows the Defender launching into the air, with multiple Defenders put to further extreme tests as the vehicle is driven at top speed through swamps and rivers.
“We pushed the Defender further than we believed possible to generate the maximum excitement, and to give fans an insight into the uncompromising challenge of producing an incredible chase sequence which you can look forward to seeing in No Time To Die,” stunt coordinator Lee Morrison Lee said.
“We developed a new test standard for Defender, the most challenging we’ve ever had and unique to this vehicle,” vehicle line director for Land Rover, Nick Collins, said.
“Physical strength and durability is measured by a number of different tests including a bridge jump test which gave us confidence to deliver what the stunt team needed to create for No Time To Die, with no modifications to the body structure except the installation of a roll cage.”
Putting these vehicles through their paces was the inspirational Jessica Hawkins, who Morrison handpicked from the Formula 3 W Series after spotting her potential. He wasted no time in giving her the opportunity to feature in No Time To Die.
“It doesn’t get any more exhilarating than being a stunt driver in a James Bond movie and it’s an honour to be a part of this incredible movie driving the new Defender,” Jessica said.
Land Rover’s design team have worked closely with Special Effects and Action Vehicles Supervisor, Chris Corbould, on the specification of the Defenders used in the film, which were the first cars off the production line at Land Rover’s Nitra factory in Slovakia.
Based on the Defender 110 X model in Santorini Black, with darkened skid pans, the movie vehicles ride on 20-inch dark finish wheels and professional off-road tyres.
Land Rover has enjoyed a long standing partnership with EON Productions on the Bond films, which began in 1983 when a Range Rover Convertible appeared in Octopussy.
This year’s film features some of Land Rover’s most prestigious vehicles. Alongside the Defenders, No Time To Die also showcases the Range Rover Sport SVR, the Series III Land Rover and the Range Rover Classic.
No Time To Die is in cinemas globally from 2 April 2020.
