Defender not too long ago made the leap from a nameplate within the Land Rover portfolio to a standalone model throughout the JLR group. The primary SUV the corporate will launch after gaining independence is a high-performance evolution of the Defender named Octa making its debut in July 2024.
Whereas this is not our first take a look at the Octa, the brand new pictures launched by Defender give us a greater concept of what to anticipate from the off-roader. Tall and extensive, it stands out from the present Defender variants with an even bigger grille, extra air intakes chiseled into the entrance bumper, and what appears like a taller bulge on the hood. The large wheel arch flares cowl up a wider monitor, and it rides on particular wheels wrapped by off-road tires. We additionally spot a pair of purple tow hooks poking out from the rear finish and, in a single image, beefy skid plates alongside the underbody.
Skid plates are wanted, as a result of it sounds just like the Octa is being developed for severe off-roading. It should come customary with the 6D Dynamics suspension system already out there on the Vary Rover Sport SV, which is a hydraulic-based expertise that retains physique roll, pitch, and squat in test whereas growing wheel journey. Engineers have triple-checked the Octa’s off-roading capabilities by testing prototypes in among the harshest environments on the planet, together with the deserts exterior of Dubai and on off-road programs close to Moab.
It is not all about off-pavement efficiency; the Octa must be fast and succesful on the pavement as properly. The dual-turbocharged V8 will tick the “fast” field, whereas the 6D Dynamics system ought to give it higher on-road efficiency than the bottom clearance suggests. Defender notes that prototypes have been additionally examined on the Nürburgring monitor in Germany, which is the benchmark for high-performance automobiles.
Defender will unveil the Octa on July 3, 2024, however a hand-picked group of purchasers may have the possibility to order one earlier than the mannequin makes its public debut. Availability hasn’t been introduced but, however the British model notes {that a} restricted variety of automobiles might be out there in the course of the first 12 months of manufacturing. That does not essentially imply it is a limited-edition mannequin, nevertheless it alerts the Octa will initially be laborious to come back by.
