Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is preparing to launch its first electric Range Rover, but that’s not the only exciting news coming from the company. JLR is also gearing up to reveal the most extreme V8-powered 4×4 it has ever produced: the Defender Octa. Set to be revealed on 3 July, the Octa will be a highly exclusive and extremely capable super-off-roader, featuring the twin-turbocharged, mild-hybrid 4.4-litre V8 engine from BMW, which is also used in the X5 and X6 M super-SUVs.
The Octa will be a limited edition vehicle, with only 1070 examples coming to the UK in its first year of production. JLR promises “tough luxury material choices, striking exterior and interior design enhancements, and options available to make every adventure epic.” This means that not only will the Octa be capable of tackling any off-road terrain, but it will also offer a level of luxury and comfort that is expected from a premium vehicle.
To ensure that the Octa lives up to its extreme billing, JLR has put it through “the most extreme” test program of any Defender variant yet. Engineers have conducted an impressive 13,960 additional tests on top of the standard Defender test program. The Octa has been tested on the Nordschleife, Michelin’s wet-weather handling circuit in France, Swedish ice, and some of the world’s most challenging off-road trails in Dubai and Utah. It has also conquered every extreme trail at JLR’s 4×4 test track in Herefordshire.
The Octa has been spotted testing several times, but now JLR has given the first official details of the new model. It will be the first car to wear the new Octa badge, which JLR says will be used for all future range-topping Defender models. The name Octa comes from the octahedron shape of a diamond, symbolizing the car’s durability and price.
While technical details remain largely under wraps, JLR has confirmed that the Octa will use a twin-turbocharged V8 engine instead of the supercharged ‘AJ’ unit in existing eight-cylinder Defender models. The predicted 4.4-litre BMW-sourced engine is already used in various Range Rover models, including the Sport SV, where it produces 626bhp and 590lb ft of torque. This powerful engine will provide the Octa with impressive performance both on and off-road.
JLR has also revealed that the Octa will use the same ‘6D Dynamic’ suspension system as the Range Rover Sport SV. This system hydraulically links the dampers front to rear and side to side, providing active control over the car’s pitch and roll without a physical anti-roll bar. This will ensure that the Octa can handle hardcore off-roading while still offering a comfortable and stable on-road driving experience.
In terms of pricing, JLR has not yet provided any details. However, based on the Octa’s limited production and extreme capabilities, it is safe to assume that it will be significantly more expensive than the current top-of-the-line Defender model, which starts at £114,975. The similarly conceived Range Rover Sport SV costs nearly £85,000 more than the luxurious Autobiography model, giving an idea of the kind of mark-up that could be applied to the Octa.
Overall, the Defender Octa is shaping up to be an impressive and highly sought-after vehicle. With its powerful V8 engine, extreme off-road capabilities, and luxurious features, it is sure to attract a lot of attention from off-road enthusiasts and luxury SUV buyers alike. JLR’s dedication to putting the Octa through rigorous testing ensures that it will deliver on its promises of extreme performance and durability. The Octa is set to make its full debut later this year, and it will be interesting to see how it compares to other high-performance off-roaders on the market.
