Land Rover Announces V8 Option for 2022 Defender
February 25, 2021
2022 Land Rover Defender to feature 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine option
Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 for 2022 model year as part of the expanded Defender 90 and 110 lineup, along with a range of enhancements to the award-winning 4×4 family.
The new 518hp Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.
The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage – spanning the original Stage I V8 of the 1970s, North American specification models of the 1990s, and powerful Defender Works V8 as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium engines.
The Defender V8 builds on the rugged 4×4’s outstanding capability, delivering new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining a powerful 518hp 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.
“The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it,” said David Hemming, Chief Product Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover. “We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender lineup with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
New Defender V8
The new Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of the Land Rover brand’s toughest 4×4 and recalls the rich heritage of eight-cylinder Land Rover vehicles dating back to the 1970s. The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body styles and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising capability.
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine, which produces 518hp, 461lb-ft of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender 90 V8 accelerates from 0- 60mph1 in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h1 in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph1 (240km/h1).
Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response® system3 – only available on V8-powered Defender vehicles. It helps drivers to exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the 518hp model on tarmac and loose surfaces. Engineered to be the fastest and most engaging production Defender ever, it delivers unrivalled agility and driver appeal.
“The 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine further enhances the unique character of the Defender. It sounds fantastic and delivers incredible performance – providing new levels of driver appeal,” said Iain Gray, Senior Manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover. “Our engineering focus has been to optimize powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising the Defender vehicle’s all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
Larger-diameter solid anti-roll bars are designed to help reduce body roll in cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the cornering attitude of the Defender V8. Careful calibration of the new Dynamic program in Terrain Response® gives Defender V8 a more agile, playful and responsive character. In this setting, a sharper throttle response and bespoke tuning for the Continuously Variable Damping combine with the stiffer suspension bushes for immediate steering responses. Working in harmony with the Torque Vectoring by Braking technology, Traction Control Systems and new Yaw Controller, the Defender V8 is faster, more engaging and more controllable than ever.
OutdoorX4 Magazine will be featuring more on the V8 Defender once it becomes available to the U.S. market so stay tuned.
OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
