£150k price-tag for powerful Defenders

January 17, 2018

Advertisement

Land Rover has announced a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender, with up to 150 V8-powered examples re-engineered to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018.

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.

Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6sec, while top speed is increased to 106mph.

Advertisement

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.”

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. 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 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.

Latest News

Toyota Corolla

Toyota’s 5,000,000th milestone in the UK

Toyota is celebrating the five millionth car to be built at its Burnaston
[...]
Skoda Karoq

Skoda Karoq gains a new Edition trim

Skoda is ramping up customer value once again with a comprehensive refresh of
[...]
Kia EV3 boot liner The Ocean Cleanup

Kia boot liner made from ocean plastic

Kia has developed the world’s first car accessory made from plastic extracted from
[...]
Nissan Ariya NISMO

Buckle up for the Nissan Ariya NISMO

It’s time to buckle up because from this Thursday, 17 October, customers can
[...]
Renault 4 E Tech

New Renault 4 is a nod to its heritage

With a nod to the past, the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric has
[...]
GEM deer warning

Keep a look-out for deer on the road

Road safety and breakdown organisation, GEM Motoring Assist, is warning drivers to be
[...]
VW California

Pop-up fun with latest VW California

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has unveiled the UK specifications for the new California campervan,
[...]
Billy Monger

Toyota helps keep Paralympics moving

In recent weeks the Olympic and Paralympic Games have been a major highlight
[...]
Dacia Spring

Special deals for all-new Dacia Spring

The Dacia Spring – the UK’s most affordable new electric car – is
[...]
Honda HR-V

Fresh look for Honda’s popular HR-V

Honda has refreshed its HR-V e:HEV model line-up with a purposeful facelift across
[...]
Hyundai Inster

Hyundai Inster goes on showroom tour

British customers will get their first chance to see Hyundai’s new Inster model
[...]
MG ZS Hybrid+

Order books open for new MG ZS Hybrid+

MG Motor UK has opened the order books for the all-new MG ZS
[...]
Mercedes AMG PureSpeed

Mercedes-AMG tests out its PureSpeed

Mercedes-AMG is commencing the final phase in the development of the highly exclusive
[...]
VW Golf GTI Clubsport

New VW Golf trims are available soon

The highest-performing versions of the new VW Golf can be ordered from August
[...]
Hyundai Santa Fe Chabak

Hyundai gears up for outdoor fun

From tent pitching to fire making, camping has long been an activity for
[...]
Volvo EX30 Core

A new entry-level Volvo EX30 model

Volvo is extending its UK EX30 range with the introduction of a new
[...]