After more than three years of testing in some of the world’s toughest conditions, the new Land Rover Defender OCTA is set to be unveiled on 3 July 2024. This “ultimate Defender” will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will tackle the famous 1.16-mile hillclimb.
The Land Rover Defender OCTA has undergone extensive testing on various terrains, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife race circuit, the rock crawls of Moab, Utah, a French rally stage, and the deserts outside Dubai. Engineers conducted nearly 14,000 additional tests beyond the standard car’s testing regime to ensure the OCTA’s durability and performance.
Prospective buyers had the opportunity to attend exclusive ‘Defender Elements’ events held at private locations around the world to place their orders. Only 1,070 Defender OCTAs will be available to UK customers in the first year of production.
Described as the “toughest, most capable, and luxurious Defender ever,” the Defender OCTA will be equipped with a twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 engine sourced from BMW. While specific power figures have not been confirmed, it is expected to offer impressive performance.
The exterior of the Defender OCTA features subtle updates, including a new front bumper, wider wheel arches, new wheels, and a revised exhaust system. Inside, the vehicle will boast unique updates, such as the OCTA drive mode selectable from the steering wheel.
Power from the V8 engine will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed transmission and Land Rover’s latest generation four-wheel-drive system. The Defender OCTA will also feature the 6D Dynamics suspension system, which enhances off-road capabilities by adjusting the suspension actively based on the terrain.
Given that the existing V8-powered Defender starts at over £100,000, the Land Rover Defender OCTA is expected to be priced closer to the £160,000 mark, similar to the Mercedes G 63 version of the G-Class.
The Land Rover Defender OCTA promises to be the most powerful and capable Defender ever produced, combining luxury with off-road prowess. Stay tuned for the official unveiling on 3 July 2024 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.