Land Rover Defender Octa to be powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
Land Rover enthusiasts have something to look forward to later this year with the anticipated debut of the Defender Octa. Set to be the first in a line of “Octa” branded models from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), this new variant promises to bring a blend of power, performance and durability to the Defender lineup.
Initially thought to revive the SVX branding, the decision to opt for the ‘Octa’ badge signals a fresh direction for the range topping Defender models. The name itself draws inspiration from the octahedron shape of a diamond, symbolising strength and resilience, fitting attributes for a vehicle renowned for its rugged capability.
Under the hood, the Defender Octa is expected to pack a punch with a 4.4-litre V8 engine, a departure from the supercharged ‘AJ’ unit found in existing 8-cylinder Defender models. It is a BMW sourced powerplant seen in various Range Rover iterations, including the Sport SV. This twin-turbo V8 engine produces 618 HP and 800 Nm of torque in the Range Rover Sport SV and it goes from 0 to 100 km/hr in 3.8 seconds.
Further enhancing its dynamic capabilities, the Defender Octa is set to inherit the ‘6D Dynamic’ suspension system from the Range Rover Sport SV. This advanced system, which hydraulically links the dampers to control pitch and roll, ensures optimal wheel articulation without compromising comfort or on-road stability.
Rigorous testing across diverse terrains is currently under way from the icy landscapes of Sweden to the scorching deserts of Dubai.
Visually, the Octa distinguishes itself with bespoke Brembo brakes adorned with the special Octa diamond logo, hinting at its track-worthy potential. Inside, the emblematic logo finds its place on the steering wheel and side-pannier mounts, reinforcing the model’s exclusive status within the Defender lineup.
