Land Rover Defender returns with an upgrade

    The off-road icon’s 70th birthday sparks plans for a limited-run model with a 5.0-litre 404hp V8; other performance upgrades to be offered this year.

    Published On Jan 18, 2018 09:52:00 AM

    20,620 Views

    Jaguar Land Rover is re-engineering up to 150 Defenders with V8 engines, to celebrate the model’s 70th birthday. The 5.0-litre V8 Defender will be the most powerful and fastest yet made, with the 90in wheelbase model hitting 60mph from rest in 5.6sec. The upgraded Defender – tagged 'Defender Works V8' – will produce 404hp and 515Nm of torque, while the standard Defender made just 122hp and 360Nm of torque.

    The British carmaker said it pays homage to early high-powered engines such as the Series III Stage V8 and the 50th Anniversary Edition. The Defender Works V8 is the first official V8 Defender to be launched since 1998. The re-engineered Defenders use an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, along with uprated brakes, a handling kit consisting of springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, and exclusive 18-inch alloys with 265/65 tyres.

    Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 models will be available, with prices starting from approximately Rs 1.4 crore. JLTR has said other high-performance upgrades inspired by the Defender Works V8 will be offered this year, including power upgrades for the TDCi diesel engine, fast-road suspension and braking kits.

    Eight colours will be offered for the Defender Works V8 with contrasting black wheel arches, grille and roof. Machined aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and bonnet lettering will also be featured. The interior will have a leather dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats; as well as the use the Land Rover Classic heritage arm’s infotainment system.

    “The idea of a V8 Defender was discussed in 2014, when we were still building the Defender," said Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, Tim Hannig. "We knew there was demand for a powerful and fast Defender.”

    The Defender Works V8 begins a year of 70th anniversary celebrations for the model, culminating later this year with the unveiling of an all-new Defender.

    Also see:

    Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition launched at Rs 50.20 lakh

    New cars for 2018: Upcoming SUVs

    Land Rover introduces 2018 Discovery Sport in India

    Jaguar Land Rover to roll out new petrol engine in India

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.49%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.28%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.35%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.89%

    Total Votes : 1547
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe