Spied: Land Rover Defender 110

The next-generation Land Rover Defender is starting to take shape.

It's been nearly a year since we've seen Land Rover putting its next-generation Defender through its paces, but the rugged SUV surfaced once again on Wednesday testing near the company's UK factory.

The Defender development program is apparently progressing on track, with the prototype spotted today wearing production-intent body work; when we last saw the Defender testing it was clad in the body panels of a Range Rover Sport.

The Defender has also sprouted a couple extra doors since it was spotted in January. That model was likely a mule for the upcoming Defender 90, while today's sighting previews the longer-wheelbase Defender 110.

Most of the Defender's styling details are still covered by camouflage, but it's clear the new version of Land Rover's iconic off-roader will retain a classic two-box design. In fact, 'box' is a pretty accurate description of the Defender -- the Defender is awash in flat surfaces and 90-degree angles, with bulging fender flares and a raked windshield being the only real deviations from that boxy devotion.

Although the Defender's styling will have plenty throw-back cues, the SUV will ride on a thoroughly modern platform complete with four-wheel independent suspension and all of Land Rover's latest electronic off-road wizardry.

On the powertrain front, the Defender is expected to use a 2.0L diesel, but other engine offerings will likely join the mix. Land Rover is also rumored to be working on a hybrid system for the Defender, which could eventually be included as standard equipment across the range.

Land Rover hasn't revealed when or where it will unveil its new Defender model, but expect to see the SUV sometime during the 2019 auto show season.