JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) in 2022 launched a Defender equipped with a V-8but a more hardcore V-8 is still in development for the rugged SUV.
It was confirmed this week by JLR as the OCTA Defender, and prototypes have been spotted in the wild. It’s expected to debut later this year and we’ll likely see it arrive as a 2025 model if it arrives in the US
All JLR has said about the vehicle is that it will come with a twin-turbo V-8 and a version of the automaker’s 6D Dynamics suspension. Both resources are found in the related Range Rover Sport SVwhich generates 626 hp from a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8.
6D Dynamics suspension is a fancy name for a combination of interlocking hydraulic shock absorbers, height-adjustable air springs and tilt control. According to JLR, the setup is designed to keep the vehicle body nearly level during sharp turns or driving over rough terrain.
The prototypes reveal several additional details. These include titanium exhaust with quad tips, flared wheel arches, raised suspension, fender flares, and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Tires wrap around 20-inch wheels and measure 275/60 front and rear.
In case you’re wondering about the name, it probably refers to certain diamond shapes in geometry known as octahedra. It is likely that JLR wants to convey that the Defender OCTA embodies resilience similar to a diamond, the toughest natural substance on Earth. Teaser photos released alongside vehicle confirmation this week revealed small diamond logos.
JLR Special Vehicle Operations came close to launching a similar program SVX discovery hardcore a few years ago. It would be powered by a V-8 and equipped with off-road upgrades. It would have established a new off-road line for SVO, similar to the division’s track-focused SVR line and ultra-luxury SVAutobiography line. Although the Discovery SVX was cancelled, JLR never ruled out future vehicles like this.