Charting new territory for the British adventure brand, its all-new Defender will feature a “trick” 6D Dynamics suspension and electrified twin-turbo V-8.
Some of the most capable off-road SUVs on the market bear the Defender nameplate, but according to Land Rover, its new Defender OCTA will be “the toughest, most capable, and luxurious Defender vehicle ever.” Set to debut later this year and named after an octahedral diamond, the OCTA will be powered by an electrified twin-turbocharged V-8 and feature Land Rover’s award-winning and very sophisticated 6D Dynamics air suspension. Available for the first time on a Defender vehicle, hydraulic interlinked dampers and height-adjustable air springs control pitch and roll to keep the SUV at a near-level stance during spirited bouts of acceleration, braking, and cornering across all types of demanding off-road terrain.
Although Brembo brakes from the 6D Dynamics suspension package will be included, details regarding specs – such as trim packages and which twin-turbocharged V-8 engine will power the vehicle – remain under wraps, although with the current Defender 110 putting out 518 horses and some predicting the powertrain will feature the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 as the 2024 Range Rover Sport SV, the OCTA is sure to put a massive smile on the face of existing and prospective Defender clients.
Defender OCTA: A New High-Performance Hero
Teaser images released by JLR depict the new encircled diamond graphic which is featured on several interior and exterior components, including machined and sandblasted titanium discs on each Signature Graphic panel. Defender's Managing Director Mark Cameron says the graphic is representative of the vehicle’s strength, resilience and desirability.
“The new signature graphic is particularly significant as it will be the first time it is seen on a Defender vehicle – and will identify all flagship Defender models in the future,” he shared via the official release. “With its astounding performance and a bold new attitude, the new Defender OCTA will enable our clients to master epic adventures in heightened luxury.”
Ahead of its full reveal later this year, prospective buyers will be invited to attend exclusive previews as part of a new global Defender Elements series. For now, though, the snow and ice of Sweden, Moab rock crawls, Dubai desert and the Nürburgring will all put the OCTA through its paces.
