A specially modified Land Rover Defender will star in Paramount Pictures' eagerly anticipated live-action adventure movie "Tomb Raider," which opens in the U.S. and Canada on June 15. Actress Angelina Jolie, in the title role of Lara Croft, will use the "Tomb Raider" Defender to drive her out of danger. The vehicle provides her with access to remote and rugged locations during her fearless quest across the globe.
Lara Croft's V8 Defender is based on a high-capacity pickup version of the Defender 110 - that has been specially modified by Land Rover Special Vehicles in conjunction with Paramount Pictures. Bonatti Gray in color with aluminum tread plates and bumpers, this unique, open-top Defender is fitted with a "Heritage"-type grille and four Safari driving lights mounted on the front of the roof rack. Extra accessories to aid Lara in her adventures include an expedition tool kit, fender-mounted shovel and axe, winches at the front, rear and sides, a dash-mounted notebook computer, a GPS navigation system, a GSM telephone and emergency kill buttons.
Simon West, film director of "Tomb Raider," said, "The Defender was the perfect choice to star as Lara's vehicle. The entire theme of the film is based on action and adventure, so Lara's vehicle had to be one rugged enough to cope with all the challenging stunts."
The Defender is not the only Land Rover vehicle featured in the movie. "Tomb Raider" and Land Rover fans will see the complete Land Rover product lineup, which includes the Discovery Series II, Range Rover and upcoming Freelander models. The Range Rover plays a supporting role as the vehicle driven by Lara's wealthy arch-enemy Powell. The Discoverys are driven by Powell's evil henchmen.
The "Tomb Raider" movie is inspired by Lara Croft, the most successful interactive video game character in history. "Tomb Raider" and Lara Croft are trademarks of Core Design Ltd. All rights reserved. Paramount Pictures will release the film theatrically in the U.S. and Canada on June 15, 2001.
The "Tomb Raider" Defender was specially created for the film and is not available for sale yet although it has been rumoured that a 'Limited Edition' Tomb Raider defender may be produced for some markets. Defender vehicles are not sold in the U.S. or Canada, however their stablemates, Range Rover, Discovery Series II and the New Freelander all share Defender's off-road capability.
See the Limited Edition Tomb Raider Defenders HERE
