The new flagship Defender will serve as a competitor to trucks like the Mercedes-AMG G63 and Ford Bronco Raptor
April 13, 2024 at 7:55 am
- The OCTA will be the most powerful production Defender ever and will feature a 626 hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine from BMW.
- It will feature advanced suspension and braking systems for both on- and off-road performance.
- The new model is scheduled to celebrate its world premiere in July this year, with sales following shortly afterwards.
For the second time since Land Rover confirmed the launch of a new flagship version of the popular Defender, our spy photographers have captured the new Defender OCTA during high-speed testing at the Nürburgring. Although the sight of a widebody off-roader on the world’s toughest racetrack is a bit strange, it will allow Land Rover to test the most powerful production Defender to its absolute limits.
These spy photos offer a detailed look at the Defender OCTA’s striking exterior, a perspective missing from the recently released teasers. The prototype, wrapped in black and white camouflage, differs from smaller variants primarily due to its flared wheel arches at the front and rear. Additionally, Land Rover made adjustments to the grille to improve cooling.
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We can see more changes to the sides, including a set of attractive rally-style Aerodisc wheels. While it’s still too early to say whether these wheels will go into production, we’re keeping our fingers crossed. The rear of the Defender OCTA looks particularly beefy thanks to the widened arches and twin tailpipes.
While the exterior of this new model will indeed be distinctive, the most significant changes will occur beneath the surface. These start with a new engine. The last time the Defender had a V8, it used JLR’s previous 5.0-liter supercharged powerplant, producing 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
Soon on
The OCTA will up the ante by using a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with mild hybrid technology. We’ve confirmed it will make an impressive 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, matching the output of the Range Rover SV. Not only is it more powerful (and probably more fuel-efficient), but it’s also 30 pounds lighter than the SVR’s previous V8. Modifications over BMW’s 4.4-liter V8 include a Land Rover-specific control unit, intake and exhaust system.
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The British company also equips the Defender OCTA with its 6D Dynamics suspension system, which forgoes traditional anti-roll bars and instead combines the Sport’s air springs with hydraulically networked dampers that feature semi-active electro-hydraulic flow valves.
Land Rover says this system allows the Defender to maintain a near-level stance when accelerating, braking and cornering on the road, while maximizing independent wheel travel and off-road agility. In addition, it is equipped with powerful Brembo brakes.
Land Rover
We haven’t gotten a look at the interior of the upcoming flagship Defender yet, but a teaser has revealed one notable feature: an illuminated, diamond-shaped symbol on the steering wheel that indicates its special status.
The new model is scheduled to be launched in July this year and will hit the global market later this year. It will be available in the US as a 2025 model year, with Land Rover offering exclusive previews to interested customers as part of its Defender Elements event series. For further details you can contact your local Land Rover dealer.
- To update: This article has been revised to include the latest information we have about the Defender OCTA, as well as a number of new spy images. Additional reporting by John Halas.