It’s the fastest Defender ever with 405 factory horsepower
Land Rover wasn’t satisfied sending off the Defender without a proper special model, so here it is: the Defender Works V8, the fastest of its kind ever to leave the factory.
It packs a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 405 naturally aspirated horsepower and 515 Nm / 380 lb-ft torque which can send it to 100 km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 170 km/h / 106 mph.
According to Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, “The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender… the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”
Only 150 examples are to be made (in both 90 and 110 wheelbases) and all will come with the V8 hooked up to an eight-speed ZF autobox, uprated brakes, uprated springs, dampers and roll bars) as well as 18-inch alloy rims wearing 265/65 R18 all terrain tires.
Inside, Land Rover will give all examples full Windsor leather extending to the dash, door cards, headliner and seats.
Land Rover says it will also begin offering a line of high-performance upgrades “inspired” bu the Defender Works V8 and these will be made available “soon.”
Prices for the model will kick off at £150,000 for a 90 in the UK, which is around €169,000 or $206,700.
Check out our video and written road test review of the latest Land Rover Discovery