JLR isn’t any stranger to SUVs with beefy engines, and its subsequent will likely be a hardcore Defender that may introduce the brand new Octa designation. Prototypes have been testing for greater than a 12 months and this week JLR confirmed the debut for July 3.
The Defender Octa arrives as a 2025 mannequin and getting your fingers on one will not be a simple job, not less than within the first 12 months. Just like the launch final 12 months of the Vary Rover Sport SV, manufacturing of the Defender Octa will likely be restricted for the primary 12 months and patrons will likely be chosen. Anybody might want to register and presumably attend a particular preview occasion. JLR will host seven of them world wide, together with right here within the U.S.
JLR is brief on specs for the Defender Octa however stated the car will include a twin-turbocharged V-8 with a mild-hybrid system, in addition to the automaker’s new 6D Dynamics suspension. Each options are discovered within the associated Vary Rover Sport SV, which generates 626 hp from a BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8.
The 6D Dynamics suspension is a mix of hydraulic interlinked dampers, height-adjustable air springs, and pitch management, which in accordance with JLR can hold the car’s physique at an virtually stage stance throughout arduous cornering, or when traversing tough terrain at pace. That is spectacular contemplating the system additionally eliminates the necessity for standard anti-roll bars.
Teaser for Defender Octa debuting in 2024
Prototypes had been additionally seen carrying Brembo brakes, a titanium exhaust system, and 20-inch wheels with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. All of the prototypes so far have been primarily based on the Defender 110 physique model.
The testing, which is ongoing, has spanned all kinds of situations together with racetracks, rally levels, rock crawls, and excessive climate. A few of that testing has taken place on Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack and on the rocky trails of Moab, Utah.
In case you are questioning concerning the Octa title, it seemingly refers to sure diamond shapes in geometry often called octahedrons. It is seemingly JLR needs to convey that the Defender Octa embodies resilience akin to a diamond, the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. A diamond form will function as a brand on the Defender Octa, as seen within the teaser picture above.
