Land Rover has released the first details of a flagship, high-performance and highly capable version of the Defender 4×4.
Called the Octa, the ultimate Defender will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 with mild-hybrid technology.
It will be the first vehicle in the Land Rover range to wear the new Octa badge, intended for use on the toughest off-roaders.
Plenty of V8 power
Land Rover promises the Octa will be the ‘most capable and luxurious model in the line-up’, while also being the most powerful version of the Defender yet.
The mention of a twin-turbo V8 suggests the Octa will use a version of the existing 4.4-litre engine. Fitted to the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, this BMW-supplied unit has the potential to offer more than 600hp.
Such a heady output would surpass the thunderous 525hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 used in the fastest Defender currently on sale.Â
Land Rover will also equip the Defender Octa with its 6D Dynamic suspension, already fitted to the Range Rover Sport. This is intended to control pitch and roll on the road, while still retaining the Defender’s famous off-road prowess.
Real tough mudder
The Octa name is apparently inspired by the octahedron shape of a diamond. As the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, Land Rover feels it is the right name for this toughest Defender.
A new Octa badge will be used inside and outside the range-topping model, featuring a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc.
Land Rover is still testing the Octa, in environments from the snow and ice of Sweden to the deserts of Dubai. A trip to the Nürburgring circuit in Germany is also on the cards, to ensure the Octa performs on a track.
Land Rover will reveal more details of the Octa later in 2024, along with prices. Expect it to cost substantially more than the £108,885 charged for the existing Defender V8.
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