Limited to 150 vehicles, the Defender Works V8 70th Edition pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition introduced in 1998.
The legend returns more powerful than ever with enhanced performance, refined luxury and a V8. Re-engineered to mark Land Rover’s 70th anniversary in 2018, the limited-edition Defender Works V8 70th Edition is the most powerful and fastest version of the iconic Defender that Land Rover has ever created, and is a true Land Rover Classic which will be highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain in the Defender Works V8 produces 400 bhp (405 PS) and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm) and will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds for the 90 station wagon reaching a limited top speed of 106 mph. Not exactly staggering, but for a farm vehicle with about as much aerodynamics as a fully loaded milk float, and probably weighing as much, that’s quite decent.
“The legend returns more powerful than ever with enhanced performance, refined luxury and a V8.”
“The legend returns more powerful than ever with enhanced performance, refined luxury and a V8.”
The V8 powertrain is complimented by an advance ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox with sport mode and quickshift response (completing each gear change in 200 milliseconds), dual-speed transfer box with automatic torque biasing centre differential (shifts up to 90% of torque to the front or rear axle as required), uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.
The Defender Works V8 will be made available with eight standard body colours including two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel arches and front grille – finished with machined aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering with a select number of upgrades inspired by Defender Works V8 to be available in the near future including high-performance suspension and braking kits. A comprehensive lighting upgrade which includes bi-LED headlamps offering a modern touch as well as improved on-road safety.
Inside, full Windsor Leather interior trim covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats with Land Rover Classic’s very fitting, Classic Infotainment System.
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic, with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK.
To put that into perspective, that’s just £9,000 less than Lamborghini’s new first ever Super SUV – the Lamborghini Urus.Now which one would you rather have?
Key Performance Figures
[vcas_spec spec_title=”Engine capacity” spec_description=”4,999 cc – V8 naturally-aspirated petrol (EU5)”][vcas_spec spec_title=”0-60 mph” spec_description=”5.6 sec (90 Station Wagon)”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Top speed” spec_description=”106 mph (limited)”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Power” spec_description=”399 bhp (405 PS) @ 6,000 rpm”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Torque” spec_description=”515 Nm @ 5,000 rpm”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Transmission” spec_description=”8-speed automatic with Pistol Shifter, All-Wheel Drive, two-speed transfer box, heavy-duty front and rear differentials, torque-biasing centre differential.”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Front and rear suspension” spec_description=”Front: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and Radius arms. Anti-roll bar.Rear: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. ‘A’ frame and Trailing Links. Anti-roll bar.”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Front brakes” spec_description=”Servo-assisted 335mm discs, four-piston calipers”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Rear brakes” spec_description=”Servo-assisted 300mm discs, four-piston calipers”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Wheels and tyres” spec_description=”18in diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels, 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres”][vcas_spec spec_title=”Steering” spec_description=”Recirculating ball, power-assisted”]
