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Nick Dimbleby
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover launches special Defender Works V8 70th Edition
Iconic Defender revived for V8 special edition.
TWO YEARS AFTER production of the iconic Defender creased, Land Rover has given us one last chance of owning this icon of the motoring world.
As the name implies, this special edition Defender is powered by a V8 engine. Under that bright red bonnet is a colossal 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine which delivers 405hp and 515Nm of torque. That a massive increase over the last production models which had 120hp and 360Nm of toque from a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel unit.
It is paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive transmission which helps propel the V8 monster from zero to 100km/h in around 5.6 seconds and on to a modest top speed of 175km/h.
The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.
This Defender Works V8 70th Edition is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created and is the first official V8-powered Land Rover Defender to be introduced since 1998.
There will be a choice of 90 (short-wheel base) and 110 (long-wheel base) models to choose from, all of which will have special 70th Edition badging on them. Also marking them out from other models will be 18-inch diamond-tuned Sawtooth alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, machined aluminium door handles, bi-LED headlamps and ‘Defender’ lettering on the fuel cap and bonnet.
You can have your Defender in a choice of eight different colours including two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel arches and front grille.
Climb into the cabin and you’ll be grated with a full Windsor leather interior that covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats. The Land Rover Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Just 150 units of the special edition commenting the 70th anniversary of the Defender will be made so you’d want to be quick and get your order in soon.
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