By Otsile Kadiege

Land Rover is developing yet another new high-performance all-terrain Defender. Dubbed the Defender Octa, the new high-performance model will be powered by a twin turbo V8 engine. Land Rover hasn’t announced the Octa’s power and torque figures as yet but they do claim that it will be the most powerful Defender ever made. This means the Defender Octa will be more powerful than the Defender V8, which develops 386 kW and 625Nm from its 5.0-litre V8 engine.

Defender Octa 6D Dynamics suspension

Available for the first time on a Defender, 6D Dynamics is said to give the Defender OCTA an unparalleled breadth of capability, comfort and composure, whether on-road or off-road. The hydraulic interlinked 6D Dynamics technology features an innovative pitch and roll control system that will enable Defender OCTA to maintain a near-level stance during acceleration, braking and cornering on-road, while also maximising independent wheel travel and articulation across the most demanding off-road terrain.

Defender Octa exterior and interior

A new encircled diamond graphic symbolises the flagship Defender model. It features on a number of interior and exterior components, including as a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel. Titanium has also been chosen for its robustness and resilience to the elements in its natural state.

Availability

The Defender Octa is undergoing testing from the snow and ice of Sweden to Dubai desert, Nürburgring tarmac and Moab rock crawls. Ahead of its full reveal later this year, prospective clients will be invited to attend exclusive previews as part of a new global Defender Elements series.