Following Lexus’ surprising IS 500 reveal earlier this week, V8 enthusiasts have plenty to cheer about. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as Land Rover is now introducing an eight-cylinder option for the 2022 Defender. It’s delightful when speculations and sneak peeks turn into reality. Previously, the revived Defender was only offered with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter straight-six engine.
Unveiled in both the two-door 90 and four-door 110 body styles, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 boasts a powerful 5.0-liter supercharged engine producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain propels the boxy British off-roader from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds, ultimately reaching a top speed of 149 mph, solidifying its title as the fastest and most potent production Defender to date.
Land Rover
Land Rover
The introduction of the V8 is not merely an engine swap; Land Rover has equipped the hot-rod Defender with unique chassis settings, tailored gearbox tuning, specific spring and shock absorber rates, thicker anti-roll bars, and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential with Yaw Controller. Furthermore, a V8-exclusive Dynamic drive mode has been incorporated into the terrain select system, enhancing throttle response, stiffening the Continuous Variable Dampers, and improving the V8’s sound, likely simulated through speakers.
Besides claiming the title of the swiftest and most potent Defender, Land Rover asserts that the V8 variant is the most “capable and dynamic” among all Defenders. The quad exhausts uniquely angled downwards (reminiscent of an inverted Jaguar F-Type R), 22-inch wheels, and blue brake calipers gripping 15-inch front discs all contribute to making a statement. An Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel featuring satin chrome shift paddles serves as a subtle reminder to the driver of the exceptional vehicle they are in, complementing the “enhanced” and supercharged V8 engine sounds.
Hopefully potential enthusiasts adore tints because, strangely, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 only comes in white, gray, or black. Those desiring a vibrant purple variant will need a wrap. Even with a fixed anime waifu design on this new V8-powered Defender, it would still exude coolness. Apart from V8-induced awe, the 2022 Defender also features an expanded 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment, standard wireless charging, and several fresh trims, including one dubbed Carpathian, for reasons unknown.
Update: Friday, February 26th, 2021, 12:19 p.m. ET: Land Rover disclosed pricing details for the 2022 Defender. The 90 V8 two-door model will kick off at $98,550 whereas the 110 V8 four-door edition will have a starting price of at least $101,750.
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