- New Extreme specification Defender conversion to be offered by Belper-based off-road performance experts Bowler
- New model from the original creators of this style of Defender
- Conversions available on 90, 110 or 130 platforms using either customer-owned or Bowler-sourced donor
- Limited build-slots available each year
Bowler, the UK’s foremost performance Land Rover Defender experts, will showcase the new Bowler Extreme conversion at Caffeine and Machine this evening, Wednesday 29th June.
The conversion showcases the knowledge and expertise Bowler has gained from decades of off-road competition and joins the existing Bowler Fast Road Defender conversion.
Most noticeable is the Bowler Extreme’s stance, a combination of massive 35-inch BFGoodrich tyres with bead-lock performance alloys and bespoke front and rear suspension providing a 2 inch lift all round. The tyres are housed by Bowler’s new extended wheel arch kit. The front bumper is replaced with a lightweight Bowler bumper and finished with Bowler recovery points. An LED high-performance light package finished the front end makeover. An additional Lazer lights spotlight package can be added at the customer’s request.
External protection is added in the form of an external rollcage and rockslider steps. The classic Bowler sill protectors give the signature finish. The exterior is finished with upgraded hinges, LED rear lights and a Bowler rear step kit. The passenger cabin receives the same attention to detail and features a bespoke leather/performance fabric material makeover. Both external paint and internal leather can be specified by the customer. Upgraded audio equipment, Bowler gear levers and a Momo steering wheel finish the interior.
The Bowler Extreme also features the company’s signature Fast Road conversion, providing an increase in both torque and horsepower (175hp/450Nm) to match the aggressive stance of the car. The system uses a modified ECU and race intercooler. Braking is also improved with the addition of a Bowler big brake kit, utilising 4 piston calipers developed in partnership with Alcon and larger discs (334mm front, 297mm rear). The standard ABS and Traction Control systems are unaffected.
The Bowler Extreme is available on a commission-only basis, with limited build slots available each calendar year. The Bowler demonstration car is based on a 110 dual cab pickup, with conversions available on 90, 110 and 130 donors. The car will be built alongside Bowler’s legendary Bulldog at the company’s Belper workshop. Bowler are able to source a donor vehicle or utilise a car already owned by the commissioning customer. Price for conversion of a customer-owned car will be dependent on model year and condition.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATION AT A GLANCE
- Stage 2 Engine Package (including remap, intercooler and centre box delete piece)
- Fast Road Suspension Kit
- Bowler Big Brake package
- Deep offset 16” steel wheels with 35” tyres
- Bowler Bulldog wheel arch kit
- Bowler Lightweight 110 Side Rails, Bowler Lightweight Road Bumper
- BowlerLightweight Steering Guard, Bowler Lightweight Rear Step
- Bowler bonnet vents
- Leather MOMO Steering Wheel, Recaro Seats, Bowler black gearshifters
- Bespoke interior retrim with body colour contrast leather trim and alcantara headlining
- Double din infotainment unit with sat nav and DAB
- Soundproofing and carpets throughout
- X4 roof mounted sentinel Lazer lamps, x2 rear mounted utility lights
- Stainless steel bolt kit
- Full safety devices roll cage with additional roof rack system
- Uprated LED lighting all around
- Bowler signature headlight surrounds with additional DRLs
- Billet Aluminium accessories, hinges, handles and vents
For more information please contact Bowler at [email protected]
Find out more about Bowler Motors at bowlermotors.com
About Bowler
Bowler, found in 1985, is based in Belper, Derbyshire and pioneered the production of dedicated off-road competition cars in the UK.
It has achieved international success in rally raid events, having previously participated in the Dakar Rally, British Hill Climb Championship and French Baja with their Tomcat, Wildcat & Nemisis models, all of which were based on the heritage Defender 90 and 110.
Bowler provides its customers with competition racing events, to provide them with the driving skills and technical competition knowledge necessary to undertake international rally raid events.
Bowler has become synonymous with conversions and modifications of Defender models, designed to enhance power, handling, braking and comfort. These can be tailored to suit individual requirements and desires, including bespoke engineering requirements.
Since its inception Bowler has had a close affiliation with Land Rover, which was formalised with a brand partnership in 2012 that led to the creation of the popular Defender Challenge by Bowler rally series in 2014 – 2016.
The business was acquired by Jaguar Land Rover Group in December 2019 and forms part of Special Vehicle Operations.
Bowler’s motorsport heritage
1985 Drew Bowler begins making and selling competitive safari and trials cars from his home in Derbyshire
1991 Drew Bowler wins ARC National Comp Safari
2000 Bowler first competes in world-famous Dakar Rally in Africa, and races in central Europe
2004 Bowler vehicle wins British Hill Rally Championship
2005 Bowler’s largest ever Dakar entry means it’s the second largest factory team, and has highest finisher rate
2006 Bowler vehicles win both the British Baja National Championship and the French Baja
2012 Bowler agrees formal brand partnership with Land Rover across sponsorship, marketing and engineering
2014 Defender Challenge launched to prepare competitors for Dakar. Bowler moves into new production facility
2016 CSP development begins. Company founder Drew Bowler sadly passes away in November
2018 Bowler vehicles claim first, second and fourth overall on Tuareg Rallye
2019 Jaguar Land Rover acquires Bowler
2020 Bowler granted licence by Jaguar Land Rover to produce road-biased Defender Station wagon – codenamed CSP 575
Bowler is granted use of the Defender name under licence from Jaguar Land Rover.