Tag Archives: Defender Octa

NEWS

Land Rover Defender Octa to compete in Dakar Rally, W2RC next year

The Land Rover Defender Octa is undeniably powerful, boasting 635 PS and 750 Nm on tap. But that’s on paper – does it have what it takes to perform in the real world?

To test the true capabilities of the Defender Octa, Land Rover has announced that it will participate in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) starting next year.

The automaker said it will run a two‑vehicle entry of competition‑spec Defenders in W2RC under the ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles, and a three‑vehicle entry in the Dakar Rally.

Competing in the Stock category means the Defender Octa will retain its engine, transmission, drivetrain, and body design as per the production model.

Racing with a standard powertrain may sound dull, but new regulations set to be implemented by 2026 will make said category significantly more competitive.

Launched in July 2024, the Defender Octa is the fastest Defender ever produced by Land Rover. It is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the SUV features a D7x architecture based on a monocoque aluminium construction, which is said to be three times stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs.

The suspension system comprises semi-active dampers designed to reduce pitch and body roll while maximising suspension articulation, allowing it to tackle more extreme terrains.

NEWS

Land Rover Defender Octa is the toughest, most powerful Defender yet

The Land Rover Defender 110 lineup has now been expanded with the introduction of a new variant called the Defender Octa.

According to Land Rover, the Octa is the most powerful Defender ever produced. It is powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine, producing a healthy output of 635 PS and 750 Nm of torque.

With Dynamic Launch Mode selected, the torque figure is bumped to 800 Nm to allow the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds with the assistance of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The strengths of the Defender Octa are not limited to sheer power alone, as the chassis is also comprehensively enhanced through what Land Rover calls a 6D Dynamics system.

Utilising hydraulically-interlinked continuously variable semi-active dampers, the system reduces pitch and body roll, and maximizes suspension articulation to enable it to tackle more extreme terrains.

Compared to other Defender variants, the Octa sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, for superior ground clearance and stability.

Combined with 33-inch diameter tyres, this improves approach and departure angles, and allows the Octa to wade through water up to a meter deep.

Furthermore, the new model also gets longer and stronger wishbones, 400 mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers, and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate, precise, responses.

In addition to the Comfort and Dynamic modes, the Defender Octa comes with an Octa driving mode specifically tuned for high-speed off-road driving.

Of course, the Terrain Response system with Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass, Gravel, Snow, and Rock Crawl modes is included, along with ClearSight Ground View.

The exterior appearance of the Defender Octa can be distinguished through off-road-optimised bumpers, a unique grille for increased under-bonnet airflow, extended wheel arches, and a four-exit active exhaust system.

It also comes with underbody protection including an aluminium alloy front under shield with graphite finish and exposed Phosphor Bronze-finished front and rear recovery points.

The interior features Performance seats with integrated Body and Soul audio technology that enables the driver and front passenger to feel, as well as hear, the music.

Order books for the Defender Octa will open soon, with prices starting from £145,300 (RM869k) in the United Kingdom.

As for Malaysia, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia says registration of interest for the Defender Octa is now open at
https://www.landrover.com.my/defender/defender-octa/overview. Customers can also reach out to Jaguar Land Rover sales advisors at Land Rover Malaysia, Ara Damansara at 03-76512000.