The Defender Octa, the brand's most powerful and off-road capable Land Rover Defender ever. And reportedly by a decent margin. For when the 'regular' Defender V8 is too mild for you.
Text: Jorrit Niels Images: Land Rover
Recently, Land Rover launched the in all respects impressive Defender Octa launched. An all-new model that is both robust, extremely fast and luxurious.
The technical details are impressive, such as the 635 hp power coming from the twin-turbocharged four-litre V8. A so-called 'mild hybrid' powerplant. That makes for a 0-100 time of less than four seconds and 750 Nm of torque. In launch mode, that's even 800 Nm.
Specifications that sound like they belong in an exotic supercar, not an off-road SUV. Because even though you have the V8 and an active exhaust system, the engine is still mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with high and low gearing. And the brakes are specially calibrated for driving on loose gravel.
On the tarmac, the active suspension then comes in handy for lowering the Defender (in the longer 110 version, by the way), making for better handling.
Equipped with an advanced 6D Dynamics air suspension, the Defender OCTA is equipped with height-adjustable air springs and hydraulic interconnected active dampers that allow it to maintain an almost continuous horizontal position. Handsome for such a beast, as it does this whether you are accelerating, hard into the anchors or cornering. Both on- and offroad.
Although it is instantly recognisable as a new-generation Defender, the Octa has a few striking exterior modifications. The wings have been greatly widened to create space for the larger wheels. The underside of the vehicle is also covered with a metal under shield with a unique graphite coating.
With the Defender Octa, Land Rover puts more than a powerful engine with some extras on the road. The most capable Defender ever has been carefully developed to ensure optimum performance. Ultimately, the Defender OCTA underwent almost 14,000 tests where it went all out. From high-speed off-road durability tests to road tests. The end result is a British-built off-road-ready super-SUV. A desert racer that does not hold back in any way.
Land Rover Defender Octa
Price: €275,000 (upwards)
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