Originally, the Defender started as a body-on-frame 4×4, but in 2019 for the 2020 model year, it transitioned into a unibody design. Retaining its remarkable off-road capabilities, the top-selling Land Rover of 2023 will introduce a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and advanced suspension upgrades this year.
Referred to as OCTA, the new Defender’s name derives from the octahedron shape of a diamond, symbolizing luxury despite Land Rover’s luxury division being Range Rover. Formerly known as the Defender SVX, the OCTA variant has been spotted testing on challenging racetracks, showcasing its prowess.
Despite its high-riding SUV nature, the Defender OCTA boasts a 6D Dynamics hydraulic interlinked suspension system, enhancing stability both on and off-road. Visually, the camouflaged prototype exhibits muscular fender flares and rectangular exhaust finishers, distinguishing it from previous models.
Underneath its hood lies a twin-turbo V8 engine with mild-hybrid support, sourced from BMW, replacing the previous AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0. Anticipated to surpass the price of the Defender 110 Carpathian Edition V8, which starts at $118,600 in the US, the Defender OCTA promises a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine and advanced suspension system.
