Shropshire Star

Land Rover launches 400bhp V8 Defender to celebrate 4x4’s 70th birthday

Land Rover has built the most powerful Defender ever, which will be limited to just 150 examples

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The most powerful Land Rover Defender ever to roll off the production line has been revealed and will be limited to just 150 examples.

The Defender Works V8 is a nod to early V8-powered Defenders, which started with the Series III Stage 1 in 1979 using a 90bhp Rover engine.

(Land Rover)
(Land Rover)

Built to celebrate the iconic off-roader’s 70th anniversary, the 2018 Defender V8 has 400bhp, 515Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds. The power plant is fitted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which has a sport mode to make the most of the new performance.

Other upgrades include uprated brakes housed within exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. There’s also a handling kit, which comprises new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Exterior styling cues include a choice of eight body colours to complement a black roof, wheel arches and front grille. Meanwhile, the door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering are made from machined aluminium.

Inside, Windsor leather covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats, while the infotainment system is the standard Land Rover Classic unit.

(Land Rover)
(Land Rover)

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.”

(Land Rover)
(Land Rover)

The Defender Works V8 is available to order in both 90 and 110 wheelbase variants directly from Land Rover Classic. Prices start at £150,000 for the 90 in the UK.

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