Land Rover has ripped the cover off the monstrous Defender Octa, their most powerful and off-road capable Defender yet. This new flagship variant arrives just ahead of its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and promises to redefine expectations for the iconic 4×4.
Unleashing the Beast: Power Under the Hood
The heart of the Defender Octa lies in its formidable engine. Land Rover equips it with the same 4.4-liter BMW-derived V8 found in the Range Rover, but with a significant power boost. Tuned to deliver a staggering 635 horsepower and 750Nm of torque, the Octa matches the might of the Mercedes-AMG G63. This translates to earth-shattering performance for an SUV, propelling the 2,510kg behemoth from 0-96 kph in a supercar-shaming 3.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 kph. This puts it in the same territory as the Range Rover Sport SV in terms of raw acceleration and leaves the standard Defender V8 in the dust, boasting 108hp more muscle.
Built to Conquer: Unmatched Off-Road Prowess
While the on-road performance is certainly impressive, the true purpose of the Defender Octa lies in its unparalleled off-road capability. Land Rover engineers have meticulously crafted the Octa to surpass any Land Rover before it in conquering the most challenging terrain. To validate its durability and adaptability, the Octa underwent a grueling testing regime, enduring 13,960 tests and accumulating over 1 million kilometers across diverse and unforgiving landscapes. From the sand dunes of Dubai to the icy circuits of Sweden, the unforgiving Nürburgring track, and even the punishing Dakar Rally proving ground, the Octa has been pushed to its limits and emerged victorious.
The Secret Sauce: Advanced Chassis Technology
The key to the Octa’s remarkable versatility lies in its sophisticated chassis setup. Borrowing the 6D Dynamics suspension system from the Range Rover Sport SV, the Octa employs a network of hydraulically linked dampers that connect the suspension units front-to-rear and side-to-side. This ingenious system actively stabilizes the cabin, eliminating the need for a traditional anti-roll bar and ensuring a smooth ride even on the most uneven terrain.
The engineers didn’t stop there. The Octa boasts longer and more robust wishbones, enhanced underbody protection, and the fastest steering rack ever seen on a Defender, guaranteeing precise response times over extreme terrain and on the track. Land Rover has also included a dedicated “Octa” drive mode alongside the standard options. This mode not only optimizes the SUV for the harshest trails but also integrates a specific off-road launch control function.
Enhanced Off-Road Stats: Numbers Don’t Lie
The physical modifications translate into impressive off-road credentials. New front and rear bumpers have increased the Defender’s approach angle to 40 degrees (up from 37.5 degrees), departure angle to 42 degrees (up from 40 degrees), and breakover angle to 29 degrees (up from 27.9 degrees). The ride height has also been raised by 28mm compared to the Defender 110 V8, resulting in a maximum ground clearance of 319mm. Wading depth has seen a 100mm improvement, allowing the Octa to conquer up to 1 meter of water with ease. Maximum wheel articulation has also received a significant boost, reaching 569mm – a substantial increase from the standard 110’s 430mm.
To maximize the off-road potential, Land Rover collaborated with Goodyear to develop bespoke all-terrain tires specifically designed for the Octa. These tires are mounted on specially crafted 20-inch rims and feature a unique tread pattern optimized for superior grip and performance on challenging surfaces. However, this specialized rubber comes at a cost – a reduced top speed limited to 160 kph. Land Rover does offer a less extreme alternative tire that provides a balance between the bespoke all-terrains and the standard road-focused all-seasons, allowing the Octa to achieve a top speed of 210 kph.
Design and Features: Standing Out from the Pack
While the core modifications focus on performance, the Defender Octa doesn’t neglect aesthetics. It distinguishes itself from the standard Defender with several visual cues. Flared wheel arches, exclusive alloy wheels, and a more prominent ride height announce its enhanced capabilities. The front grille features a new, more open design, and a diamond-shaped Octa badge adorns its C-pillar. All Octa models come with a gloss black roof and tailgate for a touch of sophisticated elegance.