Land Rover Defender Gets the V-8 Power it Deserves

The legendary Land Rover Defender turns 70 years old in 2018, and in celebration of this landmark achievement, this rugged SUV is getting something special. No, I’m not talking about a special paint job and a cool name; I’m talking about a legit performance version that may give the Mercedes G-Class something to think about.

Known as the Defender Works V8, this mighty SUV will roll in boasting Land Rover’s mighty 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 powerplant that injects 405 PS (400 horsepower) and 515 Nm (380 pound-feet) of torque into this blocky SUV. This power will route through an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and out to all four wheels. This will allow the Defender Works V8 to hit 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and top out at a drag-limited 106 mph.

Land Rover Defender Works V8

In addition to more power, Land Rover will sink a little time into this special model’s handling. It’ll add upgraded brakes, a handling kit that includes upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, and 18-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels and 265/65R18 all-terrain tires.

Stylistically, the Defender Works V8 will have eight color options, all with a contrasting Santorini Black roof, machined aluminum door handles, fuel-filler cap and hood lettering, bi-LED headlights, Windsor Leather interior, and Land Rover Classic’s Classic Infotainment System.

The Land Rover Defender Works V8 will be available from Land Rover Classic in both 90 and 110 wheelbases, and prices will start from £150,000 ($209,152).