Land Rover adds thumping V8 to Defender line-up

JAGUAR Land Rover (JLR) Australia has unveiled its MY22 Defender line-up the place the large information is the addition of the group’s iconic supercharged 5.0-litre V8 in each 90 and 110 physique types, every being accessible from $200,540 and $205,500 plus on-road prices respectively.

With 386kW of energy and 625Nm of torque on faucet, the brand new P525 twins go straight to the highest of the desk because the quickest and strongest Defenders up to now, launching from 0-100km/h in a sportscar-scaring 5.2 seconds (90).

Extra than simply an engine improve, the P525s characteristic distinctive spring and damper charges, stiffer suspension bushes, strong anti-roll bars and a brand new digital lively rear differential with lively yaw management.

Moderately than make the hi-po twins black-top specialists, the P525 additionally includes a new Dynamic program inside the Terrain Response system to assist keep their off-road capabilities.

In case the V8 soundtrack slips below the radar, JLR has adorned the V8 Defenders with a sequence of unique styling cues together with bespoke exterior badging, quad exhausts and distinctive gray 22-inch alloy wheels, behind which peek out Xenon Blue entrance brake callipers and 20-inch rotors.

Simply three colors shall be provided on the P525s – Carpathian Gray, Yulong White and Santorini Black – whereas commonplace tools highlights embrace Ebony Windsor leather-based with Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, Alcantara-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel, satin chrome gearshift paddles, leather-based gear lever and sprint trim in addition to illuminated ‘V8’ treadplates.

In response to JLR powertrain superior engineering senior supervisor Iain Grey, the bent eight enhances the “distinctive character” of the Defender and offers “new ranges of driver enchantment”.

“Our engineering focus has been to optimise powertrain calibration for Defender to ship each responsive on-road efficiency and superb management off-road – all with out compromising Defender’s unstoppable all-terrain functionality and wading capacity,” he mentioned.

The brand new flagship V8s are usually not the one new additions to the vary for the 2022 mannequin 12 months nevertheless with the mid-range Launch Version being changed by the P400 XS Version which begins from $110,640 for the 90 and $113,580 for the 110.

Powered by the now acquainted 294kW/550Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, the XS Editions will be singled out by their body-coloured decrease cladding and wheelarches in addition to a singular set of 20-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels.

Slotting into the vary above the SE variants, commonplace tools highlights on the XS Editions embrace heated 12-way energy adjustable seats with reminiscence operate, grained leather-based upholstery, Matrix LED headlights with signature daytime operating lights and Clearsight rearview mirror.

As for the remainder of the vary, there have been few different adjustments as a part of the MY22 rollover save for some value will increase throughout the board of as much as $7600 relying on the variant, the brand new non-obligatory 11.4-inch Pivi Professional infotainment display screen and the addition of three new exterior packs – Shiny Pack, Prolonged Shiny Pack and Prolonged Black Pack.

JLR chief product engineer David Hemming mentioned with the expanded line-up afforded by the brand new variants and exterior packs, there was now really “a Defender for everybody”.

The native arm of JLR bought 158 Defenders final month, accounting for an excellent 9.0 per cent of the $70,000-plus massive SUV market, a section it shares with each the Vary Rover Sport (171/9.8%) and Velar (46/2.6%).

2022 Land Rover Defender pricing*

*Excludes on-road prices

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