Land Rover’s flagship Defender Octa debuts with potent V8
Dubbed as the most powerful Defender yet, the Octa’s exterior is bolder and tougher.
Land Rover has introduced a new flagship for the Defender family, the New Defender Octa. The brand claims it to be the toughest, most capable, and most luxurious model in the 4×4 family.
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Jumping straight to it, the Octa (as the name implies) is powered by a 4.4l Twin-Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, dubbed as the most powerful Defender yet, with 467kW and up to 750N.m of torque enabling 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with high and low-range gears.
“With [the] new Defender Octa we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It is the very definition of breadth of capability and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable,” says Mark Cameron, MD of Defender.
The Defender Octa’s exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. The ride height is raised by 28mm, its stance is widened by 68mm, and the wheel arches are extended for a more imposing presence. Redesigned bumpers boast improved approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. It can also wade through up to one metre of water, making it a true off-road champion.
Land Rover took inspiration from the toughest mineral on earth, the diamond, to design the Octa. The name is a reference to a diamond’s octahedral shape, which contributes to its strength and durability. This inspiration is also reflected in the new signature graphic that adorns the Octa, signifying its position as the pinnacle of the Defender range. Every Defender Octa features this graphic, which incorporates a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.
The interior of the Defender Octa is designed to match the exterior’s boldness. Offering new performance seats with more supportive bolsters and integrated headrests, Land Rover has also integrated innovative Body and Soul Seat audio technology for the first time in a Defender, further elevating the in-cabin experience. Developed in collaboration with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University, this technology allows the driver and front passenger to feel the music, not just hear it. Six wellness programmes are available to help occupants relax or improve cognitive function depending on their needs.
Two highly durable Ultrafabrics PU options are offered, providing a 30% weight reduction compared to traditional leather. The Defender Octa Edition One comes standard with this material in a Khaki and Ebony duo-tone with a 3D-knit textile for a modern and seamless finish. The standard interior for the Defender Octa features new Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather with KvadratTM textile trim in Ebony. Customers can also choose from Light Cloud and Lunar UltrafabricsTM PU or Ebony semi-aniline leather.
Related: Land Rover Defender OCTA Set to Power Onto Goodwood Stage
Available only in the first year of production, this special edition boasts a curated selection of features. The exterior is finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint colour. Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing adds a touch of sophistication, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in either all-terrain tyres or specially developed Advanced All-Terrain Tyres for superior off-road grip.
Land Rover introduces world-first hydraulically-interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology, along with extensive hardware and geometry changes, to take off-road performance to new heights. The OCTA sits 28mm higher than the standard Defender and boasts a 68mm wider stance, for superior ground clearance and stability. To ensure exceptional handling on any terrain, the suspension features revised components, including longer and stronger wishbones, and unique active dampers with separate accumulators.
These enhancements provide maximum wheel articulation for off-road driving while minimising body roll on paved roads. The Octa is also equipped with uprated 400mm front brake discs with Brembo callipers and the fastest steering ratio ever offered in a Defender, delivering immediate and precise responses.
Land Rover’s engineers developed a rigorous testing and development programme specifically for the Octa, encompassing over 13 960 additional tests, including high-speed off-road durability evaluations.
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