The Landrovers
Classic character. Modern control.
The Landrovers rebuilds classic Land Rover Defenders into bespoke V8 and electric vehicles. With GOcontroll controllers, displays and engineering support, the team brings modern vehicle functions to an iconic design — with the freedom to adapt each build to its owner.
More information about The Landrovers
The challenge: every Defender is different
At The Landrovers in Amsterdam, vehicles are stripped back to the chassis and rebuilt around the customer’s requirements. Interiors, drivetrains and controls can vary from one vehicle to the next.
That individuality also shapes the electronics. Digital instruments, infotainment and comfort functions must work together, while leaving room for requirements that emerge during development. For Job and the engineering team, freely programmable software and adaptable hardware provide the flexibility to keep developing each vehicle.
Digital instruments and infotainment
GOcontroll supports The Landrovers with controllers, instrument-cluster displays and infotainment displays. Electric Defenders combine these components to provide modern vehicle information and controls. Digital instrument clusters are also used in the V8 models.
The collaboration includes the development of the Moduline HMI1 and display-specific driver boards, alongside support with system architecture and basic programming.
The interface can be tailored to individual preferences. When one customer needed larger digits on the display, The Landrovers could adapt the screen layout to meet that requirement.
GOcontroll’s contribution:
- Development of the Moduline HMI1
- Development of display-specific driver boards
- Basic programming for digitalisation of the Land Rover Defender driver interfaces
Body control tailored to the vehicle
Behind the displays, the compact Moduline M1 operates as a body control module. The Landrovers uses it for functions including heating, the blower, seat heating and windscreen wipers.
With freely programmable software, the team can configure the control logic around each vehicle. Job’s team uses Simulink to develop and adapt these functions.
The modular hardware also leaves room for additional features. When a new requirement calls for more outputs, the team can add a suitable module.
“By adding a module, you can easily create extra outputs that do exactly what you need them to do.”
Job Hennekes · Head of EV Engineering & R&D, The Landrovers · translated from the Dutch interview
PANTERRA | Electric Defender
GOcontroll also supports The Landrovers’ electric Defender programme. The Moduline L4 has been used during development to provide flexible I/O and communication interfaces, alongside consultancy on system architecture.
From test setup to production vehicle
The value extends beyond the final vehicle configuration. The team uses GOcontroll controllers for temporary in-vehicle setups and stationary tests.
For example, when investigating a cooling circuit with multiple sensors, engineers could connect the sensors to a controller and read the measurements. This helps the team investigate individual functions before committing to a final configuration.
GOcontroll’s contribution:
- Supply of Moduline controllers
- System architecture consultancy
- Basic programming for digitalisation of the Land Rover Defender
Connecting classic signals to modern displays
For the digitalisation of classic instrument clusters, GOcontroll developed a custom cluster I/O interface. With two CANbus interfaces, ten inputs and three high-side outputs, it connects vehicle signals to the digital instruments and provides outputs for relays or other actuators.
Together with the HMI and Moduline controllers, this hardware helps The Landrovers integrate modern electronics into a classic vehicle architecture.
GOcontroll’s contribution:
- Development of custom hardware.
- System architecture consultancy
- Basic programming for digitalisation of the Land Rover Defender
A platform that can evolve
For The Landrovers, the collaboration combines adaptable hardware, programmable software and direct access to technical support. The team can discuss new requirements with GOcontroll, configure additional functions and reuse hardware across development tasks. That flexibility supports both individual customer builds and ongoing vehicle development.
“Easy to configure, also for the long term.”
Job Hennekes · Head of EV Engineering & R&D, The Landrovers · translated from the Dutch interview
What do you want to control?
Developing a bespoke vehicle or electrification project? In a technical fit check, we explore your required functions, interfaces and room for future expansion.