As Land Rover prepares to reveal the largest and most luxurious version of its reborn Defender 4×4, our spy photographers have photographed a test mule featuring an aggressive quad-exit exhaust, which all but confirms that the top of range will get a range powered by a V8-topper.
The new Land Rover Defender 130 has been extensively tested ahead of its reveal – which is expected to take place in the coming months – and patent images have already given a good look at its final design, but that’s the first time we’ve seen strong signs of a V8 model.
Like the existing Land Rover Defender V8 – launched last year in 90 and 110 forms – it will likely get a chassis overhaul from JLR’s Special Vehicles division to go with its extra power, but it remains to be seen whether it will will use the same ‘AJ’ supercharged 5.0-litre V8 as those cars, or the BMW-derived twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre unit used by the new Land Rover Range Rover. The former would mean 518bhp, a 0-62mph time of around 5.5 seconds and a top speed of around 145mph, while the latter would boost power slightly to 523bhp and could improve line pace with the most powerful Range Rover.
This extended wheelbase variant will be the third body style in the resurgent Defender range, positioned as a luxury-focused flagship to rival the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 in Europe – and segment stalwarts including the Cadillac Escalade and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the United States.
The model was previously photographed near Land Rover’s headquarters in Warwickshire. The two sightings give a glimpse of the longer car’s final styling and an indication of its readiness for production, before sketches posted on the European IP website reveal its basic design.
A precise launch date for the high-end Defender has yet to be confirmed, but ahead of the 2019 unveiling of the Defender 90 and Defender 110, a leaked internal presentation confirmed that it will arrive in 2022 with eight seats – one more than the current five. -door model.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-05 13:54:00
