DEFENDER LIVES ON: LAND ROVER LAUNCHES V8 EDITION TO CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY

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We are continuing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Land Rover with another exciting announcement: a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender. Up to 150 V8-powered examples will be re-engineered, paying homage to the early high-powered engines in the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders.

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 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.

Land Rover intends to continue the Defender lineage and will use its technology, pioneering engineering capability and design expertise to ensure the longevity of the Defender name.

All enquiries from prospective Defender Works V8 clients should be directed to Land Rover Classic: info@classic.landrover.co.uk / +44 (0) 203 601 1255