Land Rover previews Defender OCTA
Land Rover have revealed what they’re calling the toughest and most capable Defender yet – the ‘OCTA’. Based on the Defender 110, the OCTA features a new engine, strengthened driveline components, upgraded suspension, larger front brakes, a new driving mode and changes to both the exterior and interior.
The OCTA made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in July and will go on sale there later this year, followed by an Australian release early in 2025.
The OCTA name is taken from diamonds, specifically the octahedral (eight-sided) 3D shape that gives diamonds their distinctive appearance and durability. The shape also inspired a new graphic for this premium Defender, in the form of a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc.
“With Defender OCTA, we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It is the very definition of breadth of capability and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.
“With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable.”
BMW Power
Currently, the most powerful Defender uses a supercharged 5.0-litre V8, but the Defender OCTA will usurp that with a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 sourced from BMW. Incorporating a mild hybrid system, the 4.4 V8’s 467kW and 750Nm make the OCTA the most powerful Defender yet, topping the 386kW and 625Nm produced by the supercharged 5.0 V8 in the Defender 110 P525. Torque from the twin-turbo V8 increases to 800Nm when Dynamic Launch Mode is activated, while 0-100km/h time is listed at 4.0 seconds and top speed is 250km/h.
Some qualifiers around this performance include the use of 22-inch wheels with all-season tyres, instead of the standard 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres.
The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, with drive going to all four wheels. High and low range, plus electronic locking centre and rear diffs are standard.
To accommodate the increased performance, driveline components have been strengthened and front disc brakes have been upsized to 400mm diameter, with the pads improved, too.
New Suspension, More Capability
Making its debut on the Defender OCTA is ‘6D Dynamics’ suspension technology that incorporates interlinked hydraulic dampers designed to improve performance on-road and off. This network of continuously variable semi-active dampers independently modulate compression and rebound damping.
By transferring fluid from front to rear or side to side as required, 6D Dynamics virtually eliminates pitch under acceleration and braking, as well as body roll when cornering at speed on the road, keeping the OCTA stable. Off road, 6D Dynamics eliminates the constraints caused by anti-roll bars, allowing for greater wheel articulation, ensuring optimum traction over rough terrain and when negotiating obstacles.
Suiting off-road use, the OCTA stands 28mm taller than the existing Defender 110 and the track is wider by 68mm. More importantly, wheel articulation is increased by 100mm to 550mm and wading depth by the same amount to 1,000mm. Ground clearance is 323mm.
The OCTA’s taller stance, along with redesigned bumpers, improves approach/departure/breakover angles to 40.2, 42.8 and 29.0 degrees, respectively.
Wider wheelarches allow for the fitting of 33-inch tyres (the largest ever offered on a Defender), while improved underbody protection is standard.
OCTA Mode
To match the new V8 and 6D Dynamics suspension, the Defender OCTA gains an exclusive OCTA driving mode that includes off-road launch control, plus off-road ABS adjustment that automatically switches ABS calibration to suit surface conditions. OCTA mode also maintains high levels of damping when on rough surfaces and can shift power to the rear wheels as needed. When activated, OCTA mode also alters the digital instrument display.
The Defender’s existing Dynamic mode has been enhanced, increasing roll resistance and maximising pitch control, increasing steering weight and response, while also opening the exhaust valves for a more aggressive engine note. The aforementioned 4.0-second 0-100km/h time is achieved when Dynamic Launch is activated.
Terrain Response modes carry over, with specific calibrations for Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass/Gravel/Snow and Rock Crawl. These are assisted by off-road driver aids, such as ClearSight Ground View, which improves visibility immediately ahead of the vehicle by making the bonnet ‘transparent’.
Exterior Tweaks, Interior Luxury
Externally, the Defender OCTA retains the familiar Defedner 110 shape, but there are the revised bumpers and extended wheelarches already mentioned, along with a modified grille to improve airflow to the engine.
Available colours include the existing Charente Grey and Carpathian Grey, but Petra Copper and Faroe Green metallic shades are new and exclusive to the OCTA. All colour options come with a black roof and gloss Narvik Black tailgate, while the front skidplate has a graphite finish and tow hooks are picked out in Phosphor Bronze.
Inside, Burnt Sienna leather with Kvadrat textile trim in Ebony is standard. Ebony leather and Ultrafabrics synthetic leather in Light Cloud and Lunar are optional. New Performance Seats up front feature additional bolstering, while the ‘Body and Soul Seat’ is a Defender first.
Developed in collaboration with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University in the UK, the Body and Soul Seats allow driver and front passenger to feel, as well as hear, the music by sending vibrations through the seats in sync with the beats.
Additionally, six “wellness programmes” are also available to help relax occupants or improve cognitive responses when driving.
Special Launch
Following past Land Rover practice, the Defender OCTA will launch with a high-spec limited-edition – Defender OCTA Edition One – that will only be available for the first year of production. This is offered exclusively in Faroe Green, with new ‘Chopped Carbon Fibre’ detailing, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres and a Khaki and Ebony Ultrafabrics interior trim.
Indicative (but not confirmed) Australian pricing for the Defender OCTA is $291,542 (plus ORCs) which is almost $100K over the list price for the existing Defender 110 P525. The Edition One is priced at $317,592 (plus ORCs).
Land Rover dealers should be taking orders by the time you read this, with the first units expected in Australia early next year.
