We’re big fans of the Land Rover Defender here at BH — whether it’s bulletproof, convertible, or built with LEGO, it’s a name that conjures up images of all the rough ‘n’ ready adventures we want to embark upon. Naturally, news of the upcoming Land Rover Defender V8 OCTA — what promises to be the most powerful Defender in history — was a welcome announcement indeed.
Slated for release later this year, Land Rover has only offered a few teaser images and topline specs, but from what we can see, this new flagship vehicle promises to redefine the boundaries of high-performance exploration. The automaker went so far as to describe the Defender OCTA as the, “toughest, most capable and luxurious Defender ever.”
At the heart of the Defender OCTA lies an extremely potent V8 Twin Turbo mild-hybrid petrol engine sourced from BMW, which has been paired with a pioneering 6D Dynamics air suspension system. This powertrain is likely to translate to similar performance numbers found in the Range Rover Sport SV: at least 452kW/750Nm.
“Defender has been synonymous with all-terrain capability, with a bloodline tracing back to the Series 1 in 1948,” said Mark Cameron, Defender’s Managing Director.
“The New Defender OCTA will take this to another level, with a dramatic stance, innovative technology and unparalleled attention to detail.”
The innovative 6D Dynamics technology — featuring hydraulic interlinking, plus a unique pitch and roll control system — ensures the car maintains a nearly level posture during on-road accelerations, braking, and cornering. Off-road, it enhances wheel travel and articulation, further elevating the already impressive credentials of the Defender.
With more muscular wheel arches than we’ve seen before and a squared-off exhaust, the Defender OCTA is currently undergoing the most rigorous development regime in the model’s history. From the icy expanses of Sweden to the scorching deserts of Dubai and beyond, the team is testing it for anything you might want to throw at it.
We can expect a full reveal of the Land Rover Defender OCTA in the coming months, but as the new flagship, it’ll almost certainly be more expensive than the current $240,270 range-topping Defender 130 P500 V8.
