Land Rover has unveiled the new Defender V8 as part of a variety of enhancements being implemented on the range.
The new V8 along with the new flagship, the V8 Carpathian Edition, improves off-road capabilities over the rest of the line-up through the fitment of a bespoke chassis.
In addition, a new XS edition, fresh exterior design packs, and an improved infotainment system is also introduced to the Defender line-up.
The new Defender V8
The new V8 engine is available in both the 90 and 110 body designs, and delivers higher performance and driver engagement than the rest of the motors, said Land Rover.
Power is delivered via a 5.0-litre, V8 supercharged engine which produces 386kW of power and 625Nm of torque.
Drive is sent is sent to all four wheels, and managed with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The powerful new engine allows a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 240km/h.
Claimed fuel consumption then comes in at 14.5l/100km.
The V8 variants receives unique suspension and transmission tuning, as well, along with bespoke spring and damper rates connected to a new electronic active rear differential.
This, said Land Rover, provides more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control.
A new Dynamic program within the terrain response system then helps the V8 become the fastest and most engaging production Defender ever.
Larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars help reduce body roll, while the electronic active rear differential introduces a “Yaw Controller” that allows fine control of the Defender V8’s cornering capabilities.
The induction and exhaust system also get treated to a special acoustic tune, and can be enhanced through selecting the V8-exclusive Dynamic program.
Exterior
The new Defender V8 features several unique exterior appointments that make it instantly recognisable.
Bespoke exterior badging, a quad exhaust, and 22-inch wheels with blue brake calipers are fitted as standard.
Customers have a choice of three exterior colours – Carpathian Grey, Yulong White, and Santorini Black – with a contrast roof in Narvik Black.
Shadow Atlas exterior detailing then completes the new Defender V8’s exterior updates.
Inside, it features Ebony Windsor leather seats with the exposed cross-bar finished in satin black.
The multifunction steering wheel is dressed in Alcantara with satin chrome gearshift paddles, and leather covers the airbag housing and gear lever.
Carpathian Edition
“The exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is the ultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range,” stated Land Rover.
It is finished in Carpathian Grey and distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, bonnet, and tail door.
Additional exterior highlights includes Carpathian Edition badging, Satin Black towing eyes, and distinctive Xenon Blue brake calipers.
The exterior is then covered with Land Rover’s satin protective film to give it a semi-matte finish.
Inside, the Carpathian Edition features seats finished in Miko Suede Cloth and Robustec accents, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
XS Edition
The new XS edition replaces the First Edition, and slots in right above the SE model.
It features a unique exterior and interior treatment and is available in both 90 and 110 body styles.
From the outside, it is identified by body-coloured lower cladding and wheel arches, and 20-inch, diamond-turned alloy wheels finished in Satin Grey.
A choice of four exterior colours is available, too – Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone, and Santorini Black.
Inside, there are 12-way electrically adjustable, heated seats fitted up front, and illuminated metal tread plates placed in the door opening.
Standard specifications include:
- Adaptive dynamics
- Electronic air suspension
- Configurable terrain response
- Pivi Pro infotainment system
- 10-speaker Meridian sound system
- Rear view mirror with reverse camera display
- Matrix LED headlights with daytime running lights
The XS Edition is available with a choice of multiple powertrains, including the 2.0-litre D240 diesel, and 3.0-litre P400 petrol motors.
New infotainment system
The latest evolution of the Pivi Pro infotainment system was also detailed, and is available with an 11.4-inch touchscreen for the first time.
A simple menu structure supports easy navigation and the interface is customisable depending on the individual driver preferences.
The system features advanced navigation that uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimise routing.
Navigation mapping is kept up to date thanks to over-the-air software updates, and intelligent learning analyses regularly-travelled routes and will warn the driver if a more optimal route suddenly becomes available.
New exterior packs
Greater personalisation is afforded to the customer through the introduction of three new exterior packs – Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack, and Extended Black Pack.
The Bright Pack is available on all Defender models, and features a Noble Chrome finish for the front and rear skid plates, grille bar, and badging.
The Extended Bright Pack then adds Ceres Silver to the lower body cladding and wheel arches.
The Extended Black Pack, on the other hand, is only available for the Defender X, Defender X-Dynamic, and Defender V8 models.
It provides a Gloss Black finish for the front and rear skid plates, grille bar, bonnet, badging, lower body cladding, and wheel arches.
South African pricing for the New Defender V8 and XS models will be confirmed closer to the time of launch, expected towards the end of 2021.
Land Rover Defender V8 – Photos
Keyword: New Land Rover Defender V8 for South Africa – Everything you need to know