Ever heard of an octahedron? Well, now you have and in the future your brain will associate this term with a Defender. The brand – yes, it is a separate brand these days – has shown some images from far away before, but now it is really here: the Defender Octa. It is named after the shape of a diamond, which in Dutch is called octahedron. You will encounter the tetragonal bipyramid (or the little diamond) on a special badge on the car.
The Defender Octa is not just any model. No, this is the best that Defender has to offer at the moment. The Octa has approximately the same dimensions as the Defender 110. It has new bumpers, the ride height has been increased by 28 millimeters and the track width has increased by 68 millimeters. Together, this should ensure less roll and a wading depth of one meter. A Defender has never been able to drive through a puddle of water so deep.
Defender Octa Specifications
In terms of power, this is also the pinnacle of Defender. The Octa has a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that is assisted by mild hybrid technology. The powertrain produces 635 hp and 750 Nm, which is increased by 100 Nm of torque in Dynamic Launch Mode. A sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes at least four seconds and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Of course, the eight-speed automatic transmission gets high and low gearing for off-roading. In addition, there are 22-inch rims and all-terrain tires. But the biggest adjustments for off-roading are the chassis. For this, Defender borrows the 6D Dynamics wheel suspension from Range Rover. It is the first time that a Defender has this hydraulic independent suspension. With this, the Octa should not only lie wonderfully on the asphalt, but also be able to overcome ‘extreme obstacles’. We are very curious.
Launch control on a gravel road? No problem
To take things even further off-road, the Octa gets its own driving mode. The Octa mode is a special off-road mode in addition to the existing sand, grass or rock off-road modes. First of all, you activate the ‘Offroad Launch Control function’ for ‘the fastest possible acceleration on loose surfaces’. In addition, braking should also go smoothly thanks to a separate ‘Offroad ABS’ that is also included in the Octa mode.
The new Defender Octa will be on display for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11 to 14 July. If you saw it there and you like the new Defender, feel free to put aside three hundred grand. Defender reports that the indicative price starts at 275,000 euros. The luxurious Edition One, which is the first available, will even go for at least 295,000 euros. Quite a bit of money for a Defender, but remember: it has to be the very, very best Defender for the time being.