Land Rover introduced the Defender V8 earlier this year and it appears an even more extreme variant is in the works. According to MotorTrend, the company is working on a Defender SVR and it will be quite a bit different than the aforementioned V8 model. In particular, the publication suggests the SUV will trade the current supercharged 5.0-liter V8 for a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. While that remains to be seen, the model is rumored to have more than 600 hp.
That would be a sizable increase over the Defender V8, which has 518 hp and 625 Nm of torque. It enables the Defender 90 variant to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 240 km/h.
Little else is known about the model at this point, but the publication says it will have “sportier design elements” and a unique suspension to deliver improved driving dynamics. That’s pretty vague, but the Defender V8 has a host of changes including a Terrain Response system with an exclusive Dynamic mode for a more “agile, playful and responsive character.”
The model also sports a revised suspension with larger anti-roll bars to reduce body roll when cornering. Other highlights include torque vectoring technology and a unique Electronic Active Rear Differential with a Yaw Controller. The high-performance Defender is also distinguished by a four-tailpipe exhaust system and 22-inch wheels that are backed up by 15-inch discs.
If everything pans out, the Defender SVR could be introduced next year and cost around US$ 125,000. That’s pretty pricey as it represents at US$ 27,800 premium over the current Defender 90 V8.
