JLR (previously Jaguar Land Rover) in 2022 launched a Defender outfitted with a V-8, however a extra hardcore V-8 grade continues to be within the works for the rugged SUV.

It was confirmed this week by JLR as the Defender OCTA, and prototypes have been noticed within the wild. It is set to make a debut later this 12 months, and we’ll seemingly see it arrive as a 2025 mannequin ought to it attain the U.S.

All JLR has stated concerning the car is that it’s going to include a twin-turbocharged V-8 and a model of the automaker’s 6D Dynamics suspension. Each options are discovered within the associated Vary Rover Sport SV, which generates 626 hp from a BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8.

The 6D Dynamics suspension is a elaborate identify for a mix of hydraulic interlinked dampers, height-adjustable air springs, and pitch management. In accordance with JLR, the setup is designed to maintain the car’s physique at an virtually degree stance throughout arduous cornering or driving over tough terrain.

Prototypes reveal quite a few further particulars. These embody a titanium exhaust with quad ideas, together with flared wheel arches, a raised suspension, mud flaps, and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The tires are wrapped round 20-inch wheels and measure 275/60 entrance and rear.

In case you are questioning concerning the identify, it seemingly refers to sure diamond shapes in geometry referred to as octahedrons. It is seemingly JLR needs to convey that the Defender OCTA embodies resilience akin to a diamond, the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Teaser images launched alongside this week’s affirmation of the car revealed tiny diamond logos.

JLR’s Particular Car Operations got here near launching an analogous hardcore Discovery SVX just a few years again. It was going to be powered by a V-8 and fitted with off-road upgrades. It could have established a brand new off-roading vary for SVO, much like the division’s SVR track-focused vary and SVAutobiography ultra-luxury vary. Whereas the Discovery SVX was in the end canceled, JLR by no means dominated out future autos prefer it.