The highly anticipated flagship variant of the Defender, known as the OCTA, has been caught on camera during testing at the Nurburgring, showcasing its imposing presence with flared wheel arches and a broader track. Scheduled for its grand reveal later this year, the Defender OCTA is poised to compete head-to-head with formidable rivals like the Mercedes-AMG G 63, promising to blend rugged capability with luxury.
Despite its disguise in black-and-white camouflage, the distinct features of the Defender OCTA are unmistakable. Its wider stance is accentuated by beefier wheel arch flares, designed to accommodate larger tires and enhance stability on various terrains. Notably, the front fascia boasts additional openings, suggesting enhanced airflow for optimal engine performance.
While this sighting provides a sneak peek of what’s to come, Land Rover has already teased select images and divulged some key features of the Defender OCTA. Positioned as the pinnacle of the Defender lineup, this flagship variant will boast a potent mild-hybrid twin-turbo V8 engine, promising exhilarating performance on and off the road.
Although specific technical details are yet to be revealed, it’s widely speculated that the twin-turbo V8 will be sourced from BMW, known for its prowess in crafting high-performance powertrains.
Drawing parallels to the Range Rover Sport SV, which already benefits from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 by BMW, generating an impressive 467kW of power and 750Nm of torque (800Nm on over-boost), it’s anticipated that the Defender OCTA will deliver exhilarating acceleration, potentially rivaling the 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.8 seconds achieved by the Range Rover Sport SV.
This powerhouse engine represents a significant upgrade from the current flagship Defender engine, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 developed by JLR, which delivers up to 386kW and 625Nm of torque.
In addition to its formidable powertrain, the Defender OCTA is set to redefine all-terrain capability with its innovative hydraulic interlinked 6D Dynamic air suspension system, equipped with pitch and roll control. This cutting-edge technology ensures a stable and controlled ride on-road while optimizing wheel travel and articulation off-road, promising outstanding performance in diverse environments.
With the establishment of Defender as its standalone brand, JLR is signaling a strategic shift towards a new “House of Brands” approach, emphasizing the distinct identities of its iconic marques, including Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar, alongside the formidable Defender lineage.