Set to make its grand debut on July 3, 2024, the new Defender OCTA emerges as a high-performance, all-terrain marvel from the esteemed British brand, Defender. This unveiling follows a meticulous series of exclusive previews for clients and a rigorous testing phase.
Towards the end of March, news struck that a new V8 Twin Turbo mild-hybrid petrol Defender would be arriving, set to be Land Rover’s meanest all-terrain model yet. In anticipation of the worldwide launch, the brand is offering the chance for prospective buyers to secure their place at one of the seven exclusive Defender Elements events. These events are set in various private venues across the globe, including the UK, Germany, Italy, the United States, Dubai, and Japan, catering to the first year’s allocation of the Defender OCTA.
At these events, attendees will gain early access to what Land Rover touts as the most rugged, capable, and luxurious Defender to date.
Related: Land Rover announces V8 Twin Turbo ‘Defender OCTA’
Participants will embark on a guided exploration of the groundbreaking features that elevate the Defender OCTA’s performance on the most challenging terrains. This includes the state-of-the-art 6D Dynamics suspension system, which has received attention and applause for its innovation, alongside a selection of premium materials, enhanced design elements, and various customisation options.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director at Defender, expressed his enthusiasm about the new model, stating, “The Defender OCTA epitomises the pinnacle of luxurious adventure-seeking. These initial gatherings—the Defender Elements events—perfectly encapsulate the quintessential spirit of the Defender brand, and I eagerly anticipate initiating our clients into the exciting journey that lies ahead with the Defender OCTA.”
The V8 Twin Turbo mild-hybrid petrol model of the Defender OCTA promises unmatched versatility, comfort, and stability across all driving conditions, with this model having undergone the most comprehensive testing in the history of the Defender series to ensure its top-tier status.
A newly released film on the testing and development offers a glimpse into the diverse environments and challenging conditions faced by the Defender OCTA team during the past three years. These rigorous evaluations were designed to affirm the model’s robustness and longevity as a standout in the legendary Defender lineup.
Beyond standard testing, the Defender OCTA has been subjected to over 13,960 additional trials, including high-speed manoeuvres on Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, traction tests on wet asphalt in Ladoux, France, icy paths in Sweden, gruelling rally raids in Lastours, France, sandy terrain in Dubai, rock crawls in Moab, Utah, and the notorious trails at JLR’s Eastnor testing ground in the UK.
A limited release of the Defender OCTAs will also be available in South Africa. Interested buyers are encouraged to reach out to their local retailers soon to inquire about purchasing one of the first units. For retailer information, visit www.landrover.co.za/dealership-locator.