Price: R2 317 000 Engine: V8, supercharged, petrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 386 kW @ 6 000 r/min Torque: 625 N.m @ 2 500-5 500 r/min0-100 km/h: 4,90 seconds* Top speed: 250 km/h* Fuel consumption: 14,70 L/100 km CO ² : 332 g/km Rivals: Audi SQ7, BMW X5M, Mercedes-AMG G63
+performance; comfort; off-road ability
thirsty; expensive; fiddly Dynamic mode selector
Over 20 years ago, I was in a Land Rover dealership in Cape Town’s CBD getting my Discovery serviced when I noticed a slightly different Defender waiting to go up a ramp. Further investigation revealed it to be a left-hand-drive model belonging to a Swiss owner.
Aside from a bespoke interior, the thing that grabbed my attention was a discreet V8 badge. You couldn’t buy a Defender V8, that’s why I had to go for the Discovery … well, that, and because my partner at the time didn’t like the Defender. We’re not together anymore for obvious reasons.
Technically, Land Rover made a Series III V8 in the 1970s and there was a Defender V8 available in North America in the ‘90s but we never saw either of these. The closest you can get to one is buying a brand-new Classic Works Defender V8 but you’ll pay a small fortune for it.
That was the old Defender though and now, in this era of eco-consciousness and electrification, Land Rover has decided to give us, yup … a new Defender V8. And the crowd goes wild. Cue terms and conditions voiceover person, “We should point out that Land Rover is also introducing a Defender plug-in hybrid and you might want to read on for that.”
This story is from the October 2021 edition of CAR.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of CAR.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RED-LETTER DAY
After a 50-year absence, there could be no better way to celebrate the centenary of the world's greatest endurance race, than victory by one of the most revered names in racing
Citroën C3 Feel 1,2 manual
There's a lot to like about the new, India-sourced Citroën C3 package, not least its compelling price point
Silk road
Two brands debuting in South Africa also happen to compete in the same segment. Here's our verdict on the new Omoda 5 and BAIC Beijing X55
GWM P Series 2,0 LTD 4X4 Auto
On the back of impressive market inroads for this budget-friendly double-cab, GWM has upped the ante by introducing a more rugged P-Series LTD derivative. Can its competence match its stronger presence?
Boardroom brawl
One of performance motoring's favourite inter-brand battles is back. But step aside, Merc C63 and BMW M3, it's time for the middleweights to spar
ΚΟΜΒΙ COMRADES
Car collectors Anton Lubbe and Werner Viljoen let us in on what makes their friendship so special
If it ain't broke...
Subaru's updates to its popular raised-ride-height XV include a new name. Meet the Crosstrek
Defenders, assemble
The already comprehensive Land Rover Defender range has welcomed a new eight-seater 130 edition
Wicked viking
With 300 kW on tap and a trendy sloped-roof design, the Volvo C40 takes the fight to its German EV rivals - and then some
LIFTED LAMBO
The Bolognese Raging Bull has unleashed arguably the wildest take yet on its mid-engined V10 supercar: the rugged-looking Huracán Sterrato
