If you think the V8 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 was made to fit in the limelight alongside Ford Bronco, you are probably not viewing the new competition. Although we are still waiting for a high-performance Bronco, the costly Land Rover Defender V8 is available now.
This is an off-roading beast which is available in both 2-door 90 and 4-door 110 configurations. Land Rover disclosed the 2022 Defender lineup recently. Although many updates and tweaks are given to the vehicles, the highlight of the lineup is definitely the brand new V8. It is optimized for both the on-road and off-road prowess. If you want to sell any car in Dubai, CarSwitch should be your priority platform.
Power and off-roading abilities
Are you wondering where the significant change is visible? It is in the heart of the V8 aka the engine. Under the hood, there is a supercharged 5 liter V8 engine which belongs to the other performance derivatives in the JLR lineup.
This engine pumps out 518 horses and 625 Nm of torque and is backed up by the 8-speed automatic transmission. The V8 pummels through 0-100 kph in only 5 seconds and the top recorded speed is a generous 240 kph.
In order to match this extra power, the vehicle receives additional spruce-ups in the shape of a new yaw controller and heavier anti-roll bars in the electronic active rear differential.
This is not all because the terrain response system obtains a new Dynamic driving setting which changes the stiffness in suspension and the throttle response. All of this information makes it obvious that the performance is not derived from the big engine only as both the transmission and suspension are finely tuned.
The brand new Dynamic driving setting initiates the traction control, “bespoke spring and damper rates” and torque vectoring. All of this is achieved while simultaneously boosting the steering response. This transforms the V8 Defender into the most rugged off-roader of the automotive world.
Exterior details
In order to distinguish between the Land Rover Defender V8 from the usual group, subtle tweaks to the design are given. For instance, the Xenon blue brake calipers are seen through the huge 22 inches wheels whereas the rear is designed by the quad exhaust pipes.
The three available body colors are Yulong White, Carpathian Grey and Santorini Black. The Chief Product Engineer of Jaguar Land Rover, David Hemming said: “The new Defender V8 represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it.”
Cabin
A massive update to the cabin is given by the Ebony Windsor leather upholstery. This upholstery consists of Robustec and Miko Suedecloth accents whereas the four-spoke steering wheel sports satin chrome paddle shifters is surrounded by Alcantara.
This steering wheel is a unique touch to the Defender V8. In case you choose the Defender V8 Carpathian edition, it will immerse the body in Carpathian Grey along with Narvik Black on the tailgate, roof and bonnet.
Another noteworthy addition to this model is the satin protective film which makes it ultra resistant to scratches The Carpathian edition is actually the “peak” and although the mechanical engineering is the same, it is nevertheless a cosmetic package.
Technology
When it comes to technology, the Defender V8 receives a bigger but optional 11.4 inches touchscreen for the Pivi Pro infotainment system. Navigation system is improved which utilizes self learning to offer excellent routes and automatically knows when to reject voice commands to the driver in familiar regions.
The standard features include 10 inches touchscreen and wireless charging. This device charging contains a signal booster to refine Wifi signal and network reception in the complete Defender lineup.
Menus are designed in such a way to permit the driver easy access with minimal touches to reduce distraction. Similar updates are offered to the rest of the Defender lineup, not just the Defender V8.
For instance, the brand new XS edition is introduced to be a replacement for the First Edition Defender. This adds body colored lower cladding, 20 inches of satin grey wheels and wheel arches. As for the cabin, it gets the 12-way adjustable, heated and cooled front seats.
Moreover, the interior gets Ebony Grained leather and Woven Textile upholstery as well.
You can expect these models to arrive in the UAE and GCC showrooms in the second half of the year.
