Land Rover to build 150 units of 5.0L V8 Defender

Land Rover is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. As a part of the celebrations, the company has launched a limited edition of the Defender called the Defender Works V8. Land Rover Classic, which restores limited edition classic cars made by the company, will re-engineer a total of 150 Defenders in both 90 and 110 wheelbase versions and fit them with a V8 powerplant.

The Defender Works V8 will be powered by a 5.0-litre, naturally aspirated, V8 petrol engine that makes 399 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 515 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. The SUV will sport an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode and a two-speed transfer box to operate the four-wheel drive system. It will also be equipped with front, rear and a torque-biasing centre differential. Land Rover claims a 0-97 km/h time of 5.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 171 km/h for the SUV.

The company also claims that the Works V8 will also get updated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Braking duties will be handled by 335 mm disc brakes at the front and 300 mm discs at the rear.

The SUV will retain the Defender's classic shape and get a black roof, wheel arches and radiator grille. It will be offered in a choice of eight exterior colours. The Works V8 will also be equipped with bi-LED headlights, aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and sport Defender lettering on the bonnet. The car will ride on 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels shod with 265/65 profile all-terrain tyres.

On the inside, the Works V8 will get leather trim that covers the dashboard, door panels and headlining along with Recaro sports seats. It will also be equipped with an infotainment system by Land Rover Classic.

The Defender Works V8 can be purchased from Land Rover Classic at prices starting from GBP 1,50,000 in the UK.