The Land Rover Defender family boasts impressive diversity and now welcomes a new addition, the most powerful and fastest Defender model ever. This new model is named OCTA
The name OCTA derives from its unique powertrain. While the traditional model features a 5-liter supercharged V8 engine, the OCTA utilizes a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from BMW, combined with a mild hybrid system. This powertrain generates 626 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, which can rise to 800 Nm when launch control is activated.
Moreover, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, making it the fastest Defender ever. However, the Defender has never aimed to deliver stunning performance on the road; instead, it has become an icon for its durability and prowess off-road. Land Rover has not forgotten this goal with the OCTA models. This new model is 28 mm taller and 68 mm wider than lower-spec Defenders. It features a longer and more robust body to enhance wheel movement and is equipped with new 6D Dynamics suspension technology, which includes semi-active hydraulic dampers that Land Rover claims reduces body roll and sway on the road.
Land Rover has also equipped the new model with a system that automatically detects the surface being driven on and optimizes the Defender's performance accordingly. Drivers can also manually adjust steering, throttle, and suspension settings. There is also a new driving mode called “OCTA,” which enables launch control for off-road driving, and adjusts the ABS system to be more effective on unstable surfaces. It retains the same terrain response modes found in other Defender models, including settings for sand, mud, gravel, snow, and rock crawling.
The OCTA comes with a distinctive design featuring 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. It boasts large wheel arches, a completely revised front end, a new rear bumper, and quad exhaust outlets. All OCTA vehicles will feature a two-tone paint scheme with a flame-black roof and tailgate, and owners can choose a matte protective coating for the body. Changes also extend to the interior, where two new Ultrafabric upholstery options are available, alongside Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather.
The starting price of the vehicle in the USA is $152,000, while the exclusive Edition One models will start at $167,800.
