ECD Automotive Design, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECDA) announced the launch of Project Wrangler, a new Defender 110 Soft‑Top that blends classic Land Rover styling with a 6.2‑liter LT1 V8 engine and a close‑ratio Magnum T56 six‑speed manual transmission. The vehicle is finished in Arles Blue with Narvik Black accents and is equipped with Brembo brakes, ECD Air‑Ride suspension, and a Borla stainless Sport Dual‑Plus exhaust, positioning it as a high‑performance, driver‑centric classic car.
Pricing and availability for Project Wrangler have not been disclosed by the company. The vehicle is expected to target the premium classic‑car market, where bespoke builds typically command high price points, but potential buyers will need to contact ECD for detailed quotations and delivery timelines.
The 6.2‑liter V8 engine delivers substantial power, but the company has not released fuel‑consumption or emissions data for the new build. As a result, environmental impact metrics are currently unavailable, and buyers should be aware that the vehicle will likely produce emissions comparable to other high‑performance V8s in its class.
Safety ratings for Project Wrangler are not yet available. ECD has not yet submitted the vehicle to any safety‑testing agencies, so prospective owners will need to rely on the company’s own safety features, such as the backup camera with blind‑spot monitoring, until formal ratings are issued.
ECD’s launch of Project Wrangler comes amid significant financial headwinds. The company has faced Nasdaq delisting risk due to a failure to meet minimum bid‑price requirements, and its recent financial statements show negative operating and net margins and high leverage. The new product line is part of a broader strategy to diversify beyond Land Rovers and Jaguars, but the launch alone is unlikely to reverse the company’s liquidity challenges.
CEO Scott Wallace emphasized the experiential focus of the new build, stating, “The feeling of driving a manual, open‑top, V8‑powered Defender is a visceral connection to classic automotive heritage that we believe will resonate with enthusiasts who value engagement over convenience.”
While the Project Wrangler launch may attract a niche customer base that prizes mechanical engagement and open‑air driving, the broader market reaction is tempered by ECD’s ongoing financial difficulties. Investors and customers will likely weigh the vehicle’s premium positioning against the company’s liquidity concerns and the lack of disclosed safety and environmental data.
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