Hmmmm, it would appear that word of the Land Rover Defender’s demise might have been premature, Jaguar Land-Rover announcing in January that they are going to produce a limited-edition (just 150) high-performance V8 version to celebrate the marque’s 70th anniversary.
The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.
The limited edition 2018 Works V8 will in fact be the most powerful and fastest Defender Land Rover has ever created, its 5.0-litre petrol V8 powertrain set to produce 297kW (405PS) and 515 Nm of torque and provide 0-100km/h (60mph) acceleration capability of just 5.6sec, and a top speed of just over 170km/h (106mph).
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”
The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 specially-selected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70th Edition, complemented by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.
Eight standard body colours include two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel arches and front grille – finished with machined aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering. And a comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps.
Full Windsor Leather interior trim covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats. Land Rover Classic’s own Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic, with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK.
A select number of upgrades inspired by Defender Works V8 will also be available to purchase soon from Land Rover Classic, including power upgrades for the TDCi diesel engine, high-performance suspension and braking kits.
In a not-so-subtle dig at anyone thinking about filling what they see as a gap in the market created when Land Rover ended volume production of the Defender, the company stated that it had every intention of continuing the model’s lineage and will use its technology, pioneering engineering capability and design expertise to ensure the longevity of the Defender name.
To read every story in the March 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (Feb 16) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.
