Words: Gentleman's Journal
The Land Rover Defender is an icon in its own right. But, this year, the carmaker look set to add to heritage of this brand within a brand by releasing a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender, with 150 V8-powered examples being produced.
The Defender Works V8 will pay 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. It will also be the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created.
The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm), and the Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6sec, while top speed is increased to 106mph.
"This year, the carmaker look set to add to heritage of this brand within a brand by releasing a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender..."
And the car, whilst keeping the traditional styling, is also keeping things fresh. 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 exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time.
“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.”
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 high-performance 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, fast-road suspension and braking kits.
Learn more about the Land Rover Defender Works V8 here
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