Land Rover Defender Archives

400bhp Land Rover Defender V8 Announced!

Land Rover UK 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 70^th 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 50^th 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 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6sec*, while top speed is increased to 106mph.

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 70^th 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.

Malaysia’s Commemorative Edition of the Defender

In commemorating the anniversary celebration of the iconic Defender, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has released the last lot of Double Cab Defenders in limited commemorative special colours. The last 12 units of Defenders in Malaysia sport contrasting black roof and rims for the Sicilian Yellow and Montalcino Red whilst contrasting silver roof and rims are paired with the Baltic Blue double cabs. Coloured stitching for the leather gear knob, steering wheel and seats are matched to the exterior paint. The headlining of the commemorative edition defenders in Malaysia have also been upgraded to provide a luxurious feel to the overall cabin.

The commemorative edition is retailed at MYR198,800.00 (inclusive of GST but excludes road tax, insurance and registration). It is powered by a 2.2l Diesel engine and paired with a 6-Speed manual transmission.

TECHNICAL DATA	LAND ROVER DEFENDER WORKS V8 – 70^TH EDITION
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Engine capacity (cc)	4,999
Cylinders	V8 naturally-aspirated petrol (EU5)
Power PS	405 @ 6,000rpm
Torque Nm	515 @ 5,000rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic with Pistol Shifter, All-Wheel Drive, two-speed transfer box, heavy-duty front and rear differentials, torque-biasing centre differential
CHASSIS
Front and rear suspension	Front: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and Radius arms. Anti-roll bar Rear: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. ‘A’ frame and Trailing Links. Anti-roll bar.
Front brakes	Servo-assisted 335mm discs, four-piston calipers
Rear brakes	Servo-assisted 300mm discs, four-piston calipers
Wheels and tyres	18in diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels, 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres
Steering	Recirculating ball, power-assisted
PERFORMANCE & ECONOMY
0-60mph (sec)	5.6 (*90 Station Wagon)
Top speed (mph)	106 (limited)

MARKET AVAILABILITY

Defender Works V8 is available in the United Kingdom, and MENA markets on a personal import basis. European market availability is also on an individual import basis, subject to rules on importation of vehicle conversions.

V8 DEFENDER HISTORY

V8 powertrains in the Land Rover Defender and its production predecessors started with the Series III Stage 1 V8 of 1979. The carburetted 3.5-litre Rover V8 produced 90bhp.
The Land Rover One Ten from 1983, and Ninety from 1984, used the same 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine as the Series III Stage 1 V8, but in 113bhp form, uprated to 135bhp from 1987.
For North American Specification (NAS) Defender 90s and 110s only, from 1992, a 182bhp fuel-injected 3.9-litre version of the Rover V8 was fitted, along with a four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1998, the fuel-injected 190bhp 4.0-litre V8 from the second-generation Range Rover was fitted to a limited run of 50^th Anniversary Defender 90s, with a four-speed automatic transmission.
0-litre naturally-aspirated 2018 Defender Works V8 is the first official V8-powered Land Rover Defender to be introduced since 1998.

For the FULL press release on the Land Rover Defender 70th Anniversary Edition, click here: LAND ROVER LAUNCHES V8 EDITION TO CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY (Global Release)

Land Rover launch programme to demonstrate capabilities of iconic Defender

Land Rover is offering an incredible experience for those who appreciate the outdoors and are avid fans of the brand. It has launched a new Experience Centre Heritage Program to celebrate the history and legacy of its most iconic vehicle, the Defender.

This programme will allow consumers to experience the capabilities of the Defender by taking it off-road at Land Rover Experience Centers across the U.S.. Besides the Defender, the public can also experience other vehicles from the Discovery and Range Rover families as well.

Despite it being phased out to make way for a new and more capable vehicle, the Defender’s legacy will continue to endure though the Defender Driving Experience. Starting from this month, enthusiasts will be able to experience it first-hand at Experience Centers in California, Vermont, and North Carolina.

At these locations, the Defender will be able demonstrate its off-roading capabilities as participants of the programme take it through grass, mud, ruts, water crossings, and more with personal coaching from expert Land Rover Experience Instructors. It’s an experience any off-roading fan wouldn’t want to miss.

Regarding the programme, Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America, said, “Recognized as one of our most iconic vehicles, the Defender has conquered some of the world’s most demanding terrain.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing that experience to consumers through the Land Rover Experience Center Heritage Program,” said . “Brand loyalists and new fans alike now have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a piece of history and continue to celebrate this historic Land Rover icon,” he later added.

The Defender Driving Experience will be made available at all its Experience Centres which are the Quail Lodge in Carmel, Calif., Equinox Resort in Manchester, Vt., and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

Participants will not only be able to enjoy the great outdoors and develop off-roading skills, but they will also get to test the capabilities of Land Rover vehicles, both past and present. The programme will be made available as half-day or full-day events with the former costing $1,200 and the later coming up to $1,500.

For more information on Land Rover’s Heritage Centres, take a look at the following website: landroverusa.com/experience

Kahn Design to introduce bespoke Land Rover Defender

Kahn Design is a world-renowned British vehicle designer who takes pride in building some of the most unique vehicles in recent memory. This time around, the design house will be building a one-off version of the Land Rover Defender which will be unveiled at the London Motor Show 2017 in May.

In line with Kahn’s successful track record in vehicle design, the company will pay homage to the off-roader by bringing together subtle influences to recreate a Defender with a modern feel.

Alec Mumford, Chairman of The London Motor Show, said: “It is a pleasure to have Kahn Design at The London Motor Show this year. Creating a truly outstanding tribute to one of the world’s most iconic cars, this immersive display is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser in Battersea Park. It goes without saying the Kahn Design’s unique and bespoke builds optimise the very best of British ingenuity.”

Mr Kahn, chief designer of Kahn Design said: “For The London Motor Show 2016, I designed a vehicle that celebrates the history and unique personality of the Defender. My designs are known for their attention to detail, so I do not want this Defender to be any different.”

Kahn Design have added their touch to a number of supercars and other vehicles by combining luxury, style and performance. Kahn Design has a showroom in Chelsea, London, where potential buyers can go to order their vehicles.

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