New Octa most powerful Defender yet
Land Rover has announced a new flagship Defender which it says will be the toughest, most capable and luxurious model in the line-up. Called the Octa, it’s also the most powerful Defender ever, its twin-turbo petrol V8 twin-turbo mild-hybrid possibly producing more than 600bhp. Its suspension is the same hydraulic interlinked 6D Dynamic system that debuted in the Range Rover Sport SV – it’s an innovative pitch and roll control system that enables the Octa to maintain a near-level stance during acceleration, braking and cornering on-road, while maximising independent wheel travel and articulation, to make the Defender even more capable off-road.
Its name is inspired by the octahedron-shaped diamond, said to represent the vehicle’s luxury credentials. The diamond motif features on a number of exclusive interior and exterior touches, including a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel, and it will identify all future flagship Defenders.
Land Rover claims that the Octa is undergoing the most exhaustive development regime in Defender history, ‘from the snow and ice of Sweden to Dubai desert, Nürburgring tarmac and Moab rock crawls’.
Potential buyers can register their interest now and there will be a series of exclusive previews for them ahead of the Octa’s general launch before the end of the year. Deep pockets will be needed: the first batch of cars are rumoured to be priced in excess of £200,000.