The recent arrival of the new Land Rover Defender in the United States has caught the attention of SUV enthusiasts. Despite the saturated SUV market in the country, the Defender stands out due to its off-road capabilities. However, unlike some other Land Rover models, the Defender lacks a feature that many Americans appreciate—an available V8 engine.
A peculiar prototype has been recently sighted, fueling speculation that it may be equipped with a V8 powertrain. The spy images raise more questions than answers. The distinct square-shaped quad exhaust tips at the rear hint at something unique propelling this Defender, prompting curiosity about the specific V8 engine concealed beneath the hood.
CarPix
There are two potential V8 candidates that come to mind. The first is Jaguar Land Rover’s in-house 5.0-liter V8, which already powers some of their vehicles. The second contender is BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, commonly found in their high-performance sedans and SUVs. The latter option gains traction due to reported production challenges faced by JLR with their in-house V8, which was previously manufactured by Ford at a Welsh facility. Despite the plant closure by Ford, JLR retained the engine tooling and shifted production to another facility.
Interestingly, recent reports indicate that Land Rover is experimenting with fitting BMW V8 engines in their upcoming Range Rover models.
Putting the V8 speculation aside, the exciting news is that the most potent engine option for the Defender will likely be available in the two-door 90 version, not just the four-door model. This means that if you opt for the two-door Defender 90 instead of its larger counterpart, you will not only have the looks but also enjoy the fulfilling experience of driving a powerful V8 engine. However, with the impending ban on new gasoline-powered vehicles in the UK by 2030, this might mark the end of an era for V8-powered Land Rover Defenders. Let’s anticipate the selection of the right powerplant for future models.
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