Under the bonnet, new curved inner wheelbase gave much better access something learned from the stage 1 V8 project. The Stage 1’s bonnet and grille panel could be used, with only slight modification. For a new front end look, the simple solution was three plastic panels, the round cornered pressing from stage one still visible behind the stage 2’s straight grille lines. Windscreen swept area regulation forced an upward extension to the glass, giving an unbalance look to the glazing but making the interior much lighter.
The tropical two skin roof fitted to some utilities was dropped in favour of internal insulated lining, resulting in a smoother appearance. Doors tried to look different with diagonal split glass but, in reality, were still basically Series III. Shamefully, it would be a while before wind up windows arrived. The V8 had a four speed gearbox and permanent four wheel drive, while the 4 cylinder petrol and diesel got a five speed gearbox and performance four wheel drives. A selectable two four wheel drive version was an option but, in the end, permanent 4WD was so improvements but though development was planned to do what was necessary, it very largely avoided doing anything too costly or complicated.
Vehicle were tested, new parts made, then another batch built and test ed. When components were judged to be satisfactory they’d be production intent parts.
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