Top Defender Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Land Rover has released its most cable Defender yet, the Octa, which is set to launch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next week. It was previewed in March of this year.

Octa features a V8, natch

Powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo mild hybrid V8, the Octa is the most powerful Defender to date, with 474kW and 750Nm (800Nm temporarily on boost) endowing it with a 0-100km/h claim of 4.0 seconds. Peak torque is available from 1800rpm through to almost 6000rpm. An eight-speed auto has a high and low transfer case. Top speed is a stated 250km/h.

More competent on and off road

New to Defender is hydraulically-interlinked suspension technology, alongside extensive hardware and geometry changes. This translates to a fun drive on-road and off. 

Defender Octa sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, for superior ground clearance and stability. Revised suspension components include longer and tougher wishbones, and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. It also features uprated 400mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for quick and precise responses.

Linked continuously variable semi-active dampers curtail pitch and body roll on-road, while the 6D Dynamics system ensures top ride comfort and refinement. On rough terrain, the new suspension set-up enables greater wheel articulation.

Octa mode is the first dedicated Defender off-road driving setting with a performance focus. It ensures ultimate control and driver confidence in off-road situations. Octa mode also enables an Off-Road Launch setting and ABS calibration for optimum acceleration and braking on loose surfaces.

The familiar Terrain Response modes remain (Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass Gravel Snow, and Rock Crawl), assisted by off-road driver aids such as a transparent bonnet for improved visibility off the beaten track.

Tougher look

The exterior is bolder, with a wider stance, big hoops and wheel arches extended. Redesigned bumpers mean improved approach and departure angles. Extra underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further. And this top Defender will wade deeper too, through up to one metre of water.

Steve Kenchington, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) New Zealand, said “The OCTA embodies everything we admire about Defender – toughness, capability, and a sense of adventure, with exquisite finishes and unique detailing. 

“The high levels of interest we’re seeing from Kiwi customers for the Defender OCTA highlight its exceptional appeal. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of capability and luxury, designed to conquer both rugged terrain and city streets with equal flair.”

New Defender’s name evidently comes from the octahedral shape that gives diamonds their distinctive appearance. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic. Octa could also refer to cylinder count, though LR doesn’t mention that. 

First Edition

Octa Edition One with a “curated specification” is available in the first year of production. It features a new Faroe Green paint hue with a khaki and ebony Ultrafabrics synthetic leather and seamless knit interior. Other items include chopped carbon fibre detailing and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of all-terrain or advanced all-terrain tyres. 

All Octa models feature a contrast roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black. Other exterior features include 33-inch tyres, a bigger grille for better air entry, a new rear bumper incorporating a four-exit active exhaust system, tougher underbody protection and exposed front and rear recovery points.

Defender Octa front seat occupants perch on new performance seats which feature tactile transducers for added bass sense. 

Defender Octa debuts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11–14 July. The Octa order books open soon, although pricing is not yet available. Customers interested in registering for this model should contact their LR retailer.