For a brief period of time between 1993 and 1997, the rugged Land Rover Defender was available in America. Drivers (including enthusiasts at 3Birds Template) loved this capable body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle, and its time on our shores was all too short. Luckily, our prayers have been answered—the Defender is coming back to the U.S. with production models expected to arrive in showrooms in 2019.

Here's what we know about it at this point.

Lighter and safer than ever

The biggest upgrade to the new Defender is that it will sport an aluminum unibody construction that will reduce its weight and increase its safety. It's probable that it will share its platform with the new Range Rover (making it easier to produce) and feature the automaker's new Ingenium four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, though we don't have any specific performance numbers at this time.

The Defender 100

Some of what we know about the new Defender can be gleaned from images of the Defender 100 concept vehicle (pictured above), which debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Obviously, certain aspects will be different in the production model when compared to an eight-year-old concept, but we can expect styling to remain similar. According to Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern, the new Defender will be available in a number of body styles, and while it won't be retro, it will be "instantly recognizable as a Defender."

We can't wait.

Unfortunately, we'll have to, as this model won't become available until 2019. In the meantime, we have a wide variety of exciting Land Rover models to tide you over until it arrives. To learn more about them or to schedule a test drive, call, contact 3Birds Template online, or visit us in person at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 today.

Image Credit: Land Rover