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Land Rover Defender

Land Rover has pulled the covers off a hardcore new version of the Defender, engineered specifically to take on the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship and the famously punishing Dakar Rally. The model, officially named the Defender Dakar D7X-R, will compete in the “Stock” category and will be led by 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel, who takes on driving duties for the team.

Although the D7X-R is based on the already formidable Defender Octa, the rally variant has been pushed even further within the limits allowed by competition regulations. The body structure has been reinforced, cooling has been improved to cope with the extreme desert heat, and additional underbody protection has been fitted to cope with continuous impact and rough terrain.

The exterior leaves no doubt about its purpose. The car wears pronounced fender extensions, heavily cut bumpers and a vented bonnet, along with a larger air intake and twin snorkels designed for deep sand and dust. A full LED light bar on the roof is fitted for night stages, and the usual tailgate-mounted spare wheel has been deleted to shave weight. It also adopts a striking “Geopalette” livery inspired by desert landscapes.

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Land Rover telah memperkenalkan varian terbaharu dalam barisan Defender — Defender OCTA Black — sebuah SUV berprestasi tinggi yang menggabungkan ketangkasan off-road dengan sentuhan kemewahan dan gaya yang sangat mengancam. Ia bukan sekadar sebuah Defender, tetapi satu kenyataan berani tentang kekuatan dan gaya.

Bahagian luarannya diserlahkan dengan kemasan Narvik Black, iaitu warna paling gelap dalam palet Defender. Lebih 30 komponen luaran telah disusun semula dalam warna hitam, termasuk plat perlindungan hadapan, pelindung belakang dan outlet ekzos yang semuanya dikemaskan dalam Gloss Black dan Satin Black Powder Coat. Pelanggan juga boleh memilih untuk menambah filem pelindung matte bagi rupa lebih unik dan lasak.

Defender OCTA Black ditawarkan dengan pilihan rim tempa 20 inci atau rim aloi hitam berkilat 22 inci, lengkap dengan angkup brek Gloss Black dan tulisan “Defender” warna Shadow Atlas. Keseluruhan rupa luarannya memberi penampilan yang lebih garang dan penuh keyakinan.

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Land Rover has introduced the Defender OCTA Black, a striking new interpretation of its high-performance off-roader that blends extreme capability with heightened luxury and an unmistakably bold attitude.

This new variant of the Defender OCTA sets itself apart with a dramatic Narvik Black finish, the deepest shade available in the Defender palette. While a glossy finish comes standard, owners can opt for a Matte Protective Film for added personalisation. In total, more than 30 elements on its exterior have been redesigned in black, contributing to a more purposeful and aggressive presence.

Both the front undershield and rear scuff plates are now treated with Satin Black Powder Coat, while recovery eyes at both ends match in the same subdued finish. The tow eye cover at the front and quad exhaust outlets at the rear are rendered in Gloss Black, enhancing its visual symmetry.

Even the Land Rover grille emblem has been updated, featuring a dark silver script within a black oval. The underbody, including the exhaust silencer cover and the optional deployable towbar, also adopts a gloss or satin black finish.

Buyers can choose between 20-inch forged wheels or 22-inch Gloss Black alloys, both fitted with black centre caps and Shadow Atlas Defender script. Gloss Black brake callipers featuring Sentient Silver script complete the menacing exterior package.

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Land Rover sekali lagi memperkukuh reputasinya sebagai jenama ikonik dalam dunia pengembaraan apabila secara rasmi melancarkan Defender Trophy Edition 2026, varian khas bagi model Defender 110 yang direka untuk ekspedisi ekstrem dan cabaran luar jalan. Model ini bukan sekadar mengimbas kembali warisan Land Rover, malah mencerminkan komitmen jenama British itu terhadap eksplorasi yang bertanggungjawab dan mampan.

Defender Trophy Edition 2026 ditawarkan dalam dua warna ikonik — Deep Sandglow Yellow dan Keswick Green — yang membangkitkan semula nostalgia ekspedisi Land Rover zaman dahulu. Estetika luarannya diperkemaskan dengan pelekat trofi pada bonet dan tiang-C, lencana belakang eksklusif, serta treadplate ‘Trophy’ yang diterangi di bahagian ambang pintu. Kesemua ini mencipta penampilan yang teguh, bersedia untuk apa jua cabaran.

Di sebalik reka bentuknya yang lasak, Defender edisi ini dikuasakan oleh enjin diesel 3.0 liter turbo sebaris enam silinder yang menghasilkan 346hp, serta digandingkan dengan teknologi hibrid sederhana (mild hybrid) untuk kecekapan penggunaan bahan api dan tork tambahan. Ia dilengkapi rim aloi hitam berkilat bersaiz 20 inci bersama tayar semua rupa bumi, memberikan keyakinan penuh merentasi laluan lasak dan mencabar.

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Land Rover has introduced a new chapter in its legacy of exploration with the debut of the 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, an expedition-ready variant of the Defender 110 SUV that celebrates the British marque’s historic ties to global off-road challenges. Designed to meet the demands of serious adventurers, the latest Trophy Edition is inspired by the brand’s storied past while looking firmly to the future of purposeful travel and environmental stewardship.

Available in two classic colour finishes—Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green—the Defender Trophy Edition evokes the aesthetics of vintage Land Rover expeditions. This distinctive model comes equipped with a suite of expedition-specific enhancements, establishing it as a formidable companion for off-road exploration.

Under the bonnet lies the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, producing 346hp and incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The vehicle rides on gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, while exterior additions such as gloss black wheel arch protection, a dark rear scuff plate and a black front undershield contribute both to aesthetics and functionality.

Subtle but telling design flourishes mark the Trophy Edition’s unique identity. Trophy decals adorn the bonnet and C-pillars, with dedicated rear badging completing the exterior branding. The interior features illuminated ‘Trophy’ treadplates and Ebony Windsor leather seats, adding a refined touch. A colour-coordinated cross-car beam, finished with laser-etched Trophy badging on the end caps, reinforces the edition’s bespoke character.

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Land Rover has unveiled a comprehensive refresh of its Defender range for 2025, introducing significant powertrain upgrades, enhanced off-road technology, and subtle design revisions aimed at solidifying its position as the go-to SUV for adventurous motorists.

The headline update is the introduction of the new P425 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, which produces 425hp and 550Nm of torque. This powerhouse replaces the P400 inline-six petrol variant and is now available in both the Defender 90 and 110. The addition marks a substantial performance boost for both models.

Also joining the Defender family is the D250 mild-hybrid diesel, which delivers 245hp and a robust 570Nm of torque. In the updated line-up, the Defender 90 can now be specified with either the new V8 or the D250 diesel, while the larger Defender 110 finally gains access to both. A new trim, dubbed S D250, adds electronic air suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 18-inch steel wheels offered as a no-cost option for those preferring a more utilitarian setup.

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Walaupun industri automotif semakin menuju elektrifikasi, Land Rover Defender generasi terkini terus menjadi simbol kehebatan enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE), mencerminkan permintaan kukuh untuk kenderaan dengan kuasa tradisional. Berikut adalah sebab utama Defender semasa kekal dengan ICE dan hibrid plug-in, serta apa yang diharapkan untuk masa depan:

Mengapa Defender Semasa Bukan Elektrik Sepenuhnya

1. Kekangan Platform D7x

  • Dibina untuk Ketahanan Luar Jalan: Platform D7x, yang menyokong Defender L663, direka khusus untuk mengutamakan kekuatan dan ketahanan dalam situasi luar jalan yang ekstrem.
  • Bukan untuk EV: Menurut Lennard Hoornik, Ketua Pegawai Komersial JLR, platform ini tidak mampu menyepadukan bateri dan motor elektrik sepenuhnya kerana reka bentuk gandarnya dan fokusnya pada utiliti lasak.

2. Elektrifikasi Hibrid Plug-In

  • Pilihan Sementara: Varian hibrid plug-in (PHEV) empat silinder menyediakan sedikit elektrifikasi, mengekalkan keupayaan luar jalan Defender tanpa mengubah struktur asasnya.
  • Had Teknologi: Walaupun PHEV memenuhi keperluan tertentu, platform D7x tidak cukup fleksibel untuk menampung EV sepenuhnya tanpa reka bentuk semula besar-besaran.

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Internal combustion engines (ICEs) have outlasted many predictions of their demise, with vehicles like the Land Rover Defender remaining a stronghold of traditional powertrains. Despite JLR’s commitment to electrification, the Defender’s current generation, built on the D7x platform, wasn’t designed to go fully electric. Here’s why and what to expect moving forward:

Why the Current Defender Can’t Go Electric

Platform Limitations:

  • The D7x platform, introduced with the L663 Defender, was optimised for off-road capability and durability, but it lacks the design flexibility needed for a fully electric drivetrain.
  • Lennard Hoornik, JLR’s Chief Commercial Officer, acknowledged the difficulty of integrating the required battery and motor systems due to axle packaging constraints and the platform’s focus on rugged utility.

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Due to the success of small off-roaders like the Jeep Renegade and Ford Bronco Sport, JLR (previously Jaguar Land Rover) will join the trend with a smaller model that will be a member of an extended Defender family.

2022 Land Rover Defender

Although the ‘baby’ Defender has been discussed for a number of years, JLR CEO Adrian Mardell officially revealed plans for one at a recent investor conference. He stated that the company’s new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform created for small SUVs will give rise to a Defender-badged model.

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In 1962, Ursula Andress came out of the sea and was greeted by the late Sean Connery acting as James Bond Agent 007 in ‘Dr. No’. Who would have imagined that the movie franchise would continue with another 24 more right up to the 21st century?

60 years for a movie franchise is certainly a long time and to celebrate the anniversary this year, Land Rover is entering a rally-prepared, liveried Defender 90 in the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge with Mark Higgins competing in the North Wales leg this weekend.

Higgins is not only a 3-time British Rally Champion but has also been a stunt driver in Bond movies. His driving skills were used in ‘Quantum of Solace’, ‘Skyfall’, ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. He will make his return to rallying with co-driver Claire Williams on March 26

The Defender 90 the duo will use features a trademark black and gold Bond livery. The stealthy looking vehicle, like those in ‘No Time to Die’, also features a special 007 60th logo on its roof and sides.

“The New Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line and I’ve seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of ‘No Time To Die’,” said Higgins. “With the race-ready enhancements made by the Bowler team and with Claire by my side, we are confident we can have a great result.”

The competition-ready Bond Defender is based on a current Defender 90, powered by the P300 Ingenium powertrain. It is equipped with a number of safety modifications, including a full roll-cage, enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission, a sports exhaust and new rear roof spoiler.

Other enhancements include strengthened 18-inch Bowler wheels with all-terrain tyres and a bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness.

“To celebrate Land Rover’s long-running association with the Bond franchise, our very own special agent will showcase the durability and all-terrain capability of Defender with a nod to its special appearance in ‘No Time To Die’,” said Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director.

Regulated by the Motor Sports Association and operated by Bowler, the 12-team 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge is designed to act as a feeder series for global rally-raid competitions including the annual Dakar rally.

The first time a Land Rover model had a noticeable presence was in ‘Octopussy’ (1983) and it was a Ranger Rover convertible. Thereafter, various models of the 4×4 brand would appear in ‘The Living Daylights’ (Series III/Range Rover), ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (Range Rover), Casino Royale (Range Rover Sport), ‘Quantum of Solace’ (Range Rover/Defender 90), Skyfall (Defender), ‘Spectre’ (Defender, Range Rover and Discovery Sport).

No Time to Die’, the final movie of the Daniel Craig series, saw some spectacular action with the Defenders flying through the air in pursuit of Bond. It was the first movie to have the New Defender which was launched in 2019. Based on the Defender X model in Santorini Black, with darkened skidpans, 20-inch dark finish wheels and professional off-road tyres, they were also the first Defenders to be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s new production facility in Slovakia.

Land Rover Defender in No Time to Die

The New Defender 110 has been available in Malaysia since last year and Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia recently gave a sneak preview of the Defender 90 which is the shorter version with two less doors. To know more about the Defender or to purchase one, visit www.landrover.com.my.

Land Rover’s New Defender is now available in Malaysia, priced from RM798,800

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