The company says that the name ‘Octa’ is derived from the octahedron shape of a diamond, the hardest naturally occurring mineral on Earth.The Defender Octa will be limited to just 1,070 units in its first year of production and JLR says it will feature “tough luxury material choices, striking exterior and interior design enhancements, and the options available to make every adventure epic”.
As per the latest images released by the company, we can see the Octa being tested in various extreme conditions such as taking countless laps of the Nordschleife, tackling Michelin’s wet-weather handling circuit in France, testing its traction control on Swedish ice and on most challenging off-road trails in Dubai and Utah. JLR claims it has conducted 13,960 additional tests on top of the standard Defender test programme.
The company has not revealed any technical details of the SUV but the company has confirmed that the Octa will be powered by a mild-hybrid twin-turbocharged V8. In comparison, the existing lineup of Defender uses a supercharged ‘AJ’ unit. The Octa is expected to get BMW BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 which also powers up the Range Rover Sport SV. The engine puts out 618hp of power and 800Nm of torque and has a claimed 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of over 280 kph.
Jeep Wrangler Facelift Review Daddy of off-road SUVs now better| TOI Auto
The Defender Octa will also get a ‘6D Dynamic’ suspension system which can also be found in the Range Rover Sport SV. It’s a hydraulic system that connects dampers across the vehicle, enabling active management of pitch and roll without a traditional anti-roll bar. This setup ensures sufficient wheel articulation for demanding off-road conditions while maintaining on-road performance and comfort.
The Octa will also get a new diamond-shaped badge placed on areas like the steering wheel and side panelling. The teaser image also reveals that it will get a bespoke set of Brembo brakes. Full details such as pricing and specifications will be announced later this year and the Octa will be the new flagship model in the Defender’s line-up.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: “Defender OCTA will be synonymous with mastering epic adventures in heightened luxury. That adventure starts with the Defender Elements events. Each venue and experience reflects the iconic Defender DNA in an authentic and original way and I can’t wait to welcome the first clients to begin their Defender OCTA journeys with us.”