Land Rover has announced a limited edition of up to 150 V8 powered Defenders, issued to celebrate the brand’s 70th anniversary. The cars will be works engineered with the V8-engine shoe-horned into them. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivers 122PS and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6sec, while top speed is increased to 106mph (170km/h).
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time.
“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.”
The V8 Defenders will also get eight-speed ZF gearboxes, beefed up suspension and 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres. Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic, with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK.
We suggest you check with the local importer for availability, since they may end up being snapped up by serious collectors.
