Land Rover has revealed its most powerful Defender ever – a V8-powered, 400bhp version of the British brand’s iconic 4x4.
Limited to just 150 units, the Defender Works V8 is a last hurrah before an all-new generation arrives later on in the year. Here are six things that you need to know about the £150,000 swansong Defender.
V8 power
A throwback to the early V8-powered Series III Stage 1 from 1979, the Defender Works V8 produces 400bhp and 515Nm of torque from a 5.0-litre V8 engine. Sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, it can hit 60mph in just 5.6 seconds.
Though we know the power outputs, we have yet to be told the official economy details. However, given the car’s power output and high performance, don’t expect this Defender to be the last word in efficiency.
Upgrades extend beyond the engine
To cope with the Defender Works V8’s high power output, other mechanical elements of the car have been updated too. As such, uprated brakes help bring the car to a stop more effectively, while large 18-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres contribute to better traction levels.
In addition, new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars should give the Defender improved on road handling and better suit it to higher driving speeds.
Exterior changes have been applied too
How do you tell the Defender Works apart from a more run-of-the-mill example? Well, aside from the burbling engine note, there is a variety of exterior changes to keep an eye out for. You’ll find the roof, wheel arches and front grille finished in black paint, while the door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering are all made from machined aluminium. All this does make the car stand out, with the large alloy wheels in particular giving it plenty of presence.
A high-end lift inside
Not only has the exterior of the Defender been given a range of highlights, the interior has been worked over as well. Now, Windsor leather has been used to trim the dashboard, door panels and headlining. It’s also been applied to the Recaro sport seats, giving them a far more luxurious look. In addition, an infotainment system with satellite navigation and media functions has been fitted, bringing the interior of the Defender firmly up to date.
It’s not cheap
Owing to its limited numbers and powerful engine, the Defender comes with a rather daunting price tag - £150,000 in fact.
Available in both 90 and 110 wheelbase layouts, the Defender is, as mentioned, limited to just 150 examples – so it’s likely that they’ll become collectors’ items as soon as they’ve been snapped up.
It’s been a long time coming
Apparently, the idea of a building a more powerful Defender has been around a few years, according to Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director. He said: “The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull.
“We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender – the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”
