Automotive lighting specialists Glohh unveil the highly anticipated GL-2, a world-first bespoke taillight for the iconic Land Rover Defender L316 (1990 – 2016). Available in two distinct styles, GL-2 features a deep red lens for enthusiasts of the original Defender aesthetic, while GL-2x offers a darkened lens for a modern, minimalist look. Both versions provide a modern-day enhancement, elevating the Defender’s iconic character without compromising its storied legacy.
“The Defender market is incredibly dynamic, with new products for contemporary customisation appearing regularly. In fact, internal analysis discovered over 73% of Defenders are modified internationally, with many undergoing powertrain conversions and exterior alterations. Following over 10,000 owners registering interest in the GL-2, we are surprised a lighting system introduced over 70 years ago remains largely unchanged,” explained Dr. Faheem Rafiq, Lead Engineer at Glohh. “Working on the GL-2 was both a challenge and an opportunity; every surface came under great scrutiny. Our focus was on delivering a modern design aging as timelessly as the vehicle itself.”
With over 2 million Series/Defenders produced since 1948, and over 400,000 still being driven today, a global community of enthusiasts exists, including in the UK, USA, Australia, and various countries in Africa and Europe, who seek ways to integrate the convenience of modern technology into the soul of the Defender.
Drawing on years of experience creating innovative lighting solutions within the Range Rover market, Glohh played to their strengths to introduce a host of new features, providing an edge over a variety of environmental terrains. These specifications include an all-new dual light impact for increased visibility, a fully integrated LED unit incorporating all core features, and utilitarian yet modern design details seamlessly integrating with the Defender.
Design:
The GL-2 seamlessly integrates into the vehicle’s signature identity, maintaining a classic three-light configuration that feels familiar yet unmistakably new. For the first time, a single large unit incorporates all core functions, characterised by four symmetrical scintillators working in harmony, enclosed in a striated based structure contributing to its utilitarian hardware style. Drawing inspiration from the geometry of nature, the unit’s intricately sculptured concave lens creates a visually deep design. This biomimetic approach seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology to guide light along fluid lines, achieving optimal short and long-range beams while maintaining iconic Glohh design motifs.
Staying true to its original spherical identity, the design includes two additional companion lights carefully created to mirror the main unit’s concave structure, maximising the compact surface area to enforce a sense of expressiveness. Offering enhanced position, brake, and turn signal features, the additional units are available to be personalised to individual preferences. The indicator can be installed within the upper mount for a sleek, modern configuration, or interchanged with the lower brake light for a timeless, classic look.
Dynamic Start-up Display:
Hallmark Glohh features are not forgotten with the GL-2, as it introduces the iconic Dynamic Start-up Display (DSD) to the Land Rover Defender. This expressive cycle of light activates on ignition, gradually illuminating the inner edge scintillators, pulsating from crescent to semicircle until revealing the final light identity, checking the 24 individual light diodes while creating a powerful first impression.
Safety:
Glohh sets new standards in Defender taillight functionality, prioritising safety in challenging environments. The GL-2 introduces dual-impact lighting for enhanced visibility across indicator, reverse, fog and brake lights, ensuring optimal performance in any terrain. Moreover, the lamps utilise independent left and right 5,000 Kelvin reverse lights and brighter fog lights with double the wattage and wider angle coverage. These advancements enhance surface terrain visibility, offering a comprehensive lighting solution meeting the demands of modern driving conditions.
Materials:
The GL-2 taillight underwent rigorous winter testing in the extreme and varied climates of Iceland, where the harsh conditions provided foundations for a durable design capable of enduring journeys expected from a Defender. Designed with toughened Polymethyl Methacrylate and a corrugated architectural structure, the GL-2 enhances structural integrity, providing resilience against impacts and vibrations. Additionally, water resistance is tested to exceed IP67 requirements, ensuring the GL-2 units resist elemental damage when travelling off-road. These features ensure reliability and longevity, making the GL-2 an ideal choice for adventurers seeking dependable lighting solutions in challenging environments.
“The Defender’s impact transcends its production end in 2016; its legacy continues to shape the automotive industry with release of vehicles like the INEOS Grenadier, underscoring the unmet demand for a modern-day Defender,” says Dr Faheem Rafiq, Lead Engineer at Glohh. “This desire has resulted in a successful worldwide launch, despite the challenging economic climate, with hundreds shipped to over 90 countries, marking the GL-2 our largest release to date.”
Universal acclaim of the GL-2 has ignited an unprecedented demand for a front lighting option to complement its rear counterpart. Glohh is set to unveil a matching turn signal and side light for the front in the coming months, displaying a commitment to needs of the Defender community. Additionally, with the growing North American market, Glohh is looking into the implementation of a NAS GL-2 option to appease customers within this region.
The taillight is a direct plug-and-play replacement for the Land Rover Defender L316 (1990 – 2016). No additional wiring or components are needed to complete the installation for OEM systems. The GL-2 meets international ECE and DOT requirements and is priced at £489.00, while the GL-2x is priced £539.00. Both taillights are available worldwide now via https://glohh.com/pages/gl-2-taillight-product-range and authorised Glohh dealers.
