Jaguar Land Rover’s relentless testing of the Defender OCTA at the famed racetrack continues to impress. In a recent video from CarSpyMedia, the test driver showcases the vehicle’s prowess, sliding through corners with smoking rubber, a remarkable feat considering its tall stature and all-terrain tires.
The Defender OCTA, touted as the most potent road-going Defender ever, carries forward the legacy of JLR’s engineering excellence. While precise weight figures for the Defender OCTA remain elusive, it’s likely comparable to the Defender 110 equipped with the soon-to-be-retired AJ133 supercharged V8 engine.
Introduced in 2009, the AJ133 boasts a 5.0-liter displacement, direct injection, and variable camshaft timing, delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet (625 Nm) of torque in the Defender V8. With its rugged enhancements, including lifted suspension, knobby tires, and widened arches, the Defender OCTA could tip the scales at over 2,700 kilograms (5,952 pounds).
However, weight is no hindrance for the Defender OCTA, thanks to its BMW-sourced V8 engine. Housing the potent M-specific S68 powerplant with a 4.4-liter displacement and twin-turbochargers, the OCTA churns out over 600 horsepower.
This formidable engine, also found in the Range Rover Sport SV, promises exhilarating performance, surpassing the AJ133-powered Defender 110 in acceleration and top speed. While specifics on top speed are pending, Jaguar Land Rover is likely to electronically limit the Defender OCTA due to its BFGoodrich all-terrain tires and substantial weight.
Nevertheless, with its advanced 6D Dynamics air suspension, borrowed from the Range Rover Sport SV, the OCTA ensures exceptional ride quality both on and off the road. Anticipation mounts for the debut of the Defender OCTA, rumored to be part of the upcoming Defender Elements series, promising an exhilarating driving experience with a price tag reflecting its unparalleled capabilities.
