Above and beyond

What better way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Land Rover than to produce the fastest Defender yet — the most beloved model from the quintessential British marque? The new SUV will be fitted with a 5.0-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol V8 that produces 405PS, 515Nm of torque, and 400bhp — that’s 283PS, 155Nm, and 280bhp more than the original — as well as a 0–60mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 108mph. To help facilitate this new power, it will have an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission (with a sport mode!), uprated brakes, a handling kit, and 18in alloy wheels. Surprisingly, as only 150 will be produced, there will be eight standard body colours to choose from — and as traditionalists, we believe green would be the perfect contrast to the Santorini Black roof, wheel arches, and front grille. And although the interior has been updated with Windsor leather on the dashboard, door, panels, headlining, and Recaro sport seats, it will still have the classic infotainment system in the centre console. Both 90- and 110-wheelbase Defender Works V8s will be available, with prices starting at £150,000 for a 90. A release date has yet to be announced.

Photos: Land Rover