Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its 4x4 family.
The new 525PS Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a "unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on- and off-road", according to a press statement issued in Doha by Alfardan Premier Motors Co, the official retailer of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Qatar.
"The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage – spanning the original Stage I V8 of the seventies, North American specification models of the nineties and powerful Defender Works V8 – as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains," the statement notes.
The V8 petrol engine isn’t the only introduction. There's also a new XS Edition, fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalisation potential and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen.
Defender’s personalisation potential has also been expanded with the introduction of new exterior packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack feature bespoke exterior trim to enhance Defender’s unmistakable silhouette.
David Hemming, chief product engineer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender line-up with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
New Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of Land Rover’s toughest 4x4 and recalls the rich heritage of eight-cylinder Land Rovers dating back to the 1970s. The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body designs.
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 525PS, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph (240km/h) and delivers fuel consumption of up to 19.5mpg (14.5l/100km) with CO2 emissions from 327g/km.
Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic programme within the Terrain Response system – only available on V8-powered Defenders. It helps drivers exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the 525PS model on tarmac and loose surfaces.
Iain Gray, senior manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, added: “Our engineering focus has been to optimise powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising Defender’s unstoppable all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
Larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars help reduce body roll in extreme cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the Defender V8’s cornering attitude as it reaches and exceeds the limit of grip.
The exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is the ultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range. Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, it is distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, bonnet and, for the first time on New Defender, taildoor.
The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover’s Satin Protective Film. Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.
The new XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition. Positioned above the SE models, it features a unique exterior and interior treatment and is available in both 90 and 110 body designs.
Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics and Configurable Terrain Response.
The XS Edition is available with a choice of powerful and efficient powertrains, including the P400 petrol, P400e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and D250 Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle diesel.
New for the 2022 model year, Defender is available with wireless device charging, which features a signal booster for optimised network reception and Wi-Fi signal. Connectivity is also enhanced by the latest evolution of Pivi Pro infotainment, available with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen for the first time.
The advanced navigation uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimise routing, while Smart Voice Guidance knows to cancel audio instructions in familiar surroundings. Navigation mapping is always up-to-date thanks to Defender’s Software-Over-The-Air technology.
Defender V8 90
The interior of the new Defender V8
"The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage – spanning the original Stage I V8 of the seventies, North American specification models of the nineties and powerful Defender Works V8 – as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains," the statement notes.
The V8 petrol engine isn’t the only introduction. There's also a new XS Edition, fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalisation potential and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen.
Defender’s personalisation potential has also been expanded with the introduction of new exterior packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack feature bespoke exterior trim to enhance Defender’s unmistakable silhouette.
David Hemming, chief product engineer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender line-up with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
New Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of Land Rover’s toughest 4x4 and recalls the rich heritage of eight-cylinder Land Rovers dating back to the 1970s. The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body designs.
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 525PS, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph (240km/h) and delivers fuel consumption of up to 19.5mpg (14.5l/100km) with CO2 emissions from 327g/km.
Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic programme within the Terrain Response system – only available on V8-powered Defenders. It helps drivers exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the 525PS model on tarmac and loose surfaces.
Iain Gray, senior manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, added: “Our engineering focus has been to optimise powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising Defender’s unstoppable all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
Larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars help reduce body roll in extreme cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the Defender V8’s cornering attitude as it reaches and exceeds the limit of grip.
The exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is the ultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range. Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, it is distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, bonnet and, for the first time on New Defender, taildoor.
The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover’s Satin Protective Film. Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.
The new XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition. Positioned above the SE models, it features a unique exterior and interior treatment and is available in both 90 and 110 body designs.
Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics and Configurable Terrain Response.
The XS Edition is available with a choice of powerful and efficient powertrains, including the P400 petrol, P400e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and D250 Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle diesel.
New for the 2022 model year, Defender is available with wireless device charging, which features a signal booster for optimised network reception and Wi-Fi signal. Connectivity is also enhanced by the latest evolution of Pivi Pro infotainment, available with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen for the first time.
The advanced navigation uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimise routing, while Smart Voice Guidance knows to cancel audio instructions in familiar surroundings. Navigation mapping is always up-to-date thanks to Defender’s Software-Over-The-Air technology.
