I drive a Land Rover Defender, but unlike drivers of the powerful OCTA Defender, I have to panic and shuffle my weight in my seat when overtaking a long truck, even on a downhill. The thing is, my Defender was built in 2002 and features the breathless TD5 turbo diesel, which is burdened with a whopping 122 horsepower from the factory. At the heart of the Defender OCTA lies a V8 Twin Turbo mild-hybrid gas engine, delivering 626 horsepower—5.13 times more power than I can ever hope to coax from my old Landy!
The new Defender OCTA flagship model promises to redefine the boundaries of toughness, capability, and luxury within the Defender family. Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, states,
“Defender has always been synonymous with unparalleled all-terrain prowess, tracing its heritage back to the iconic Series 1 in 1948. The New Defender OCTA represents a bold leap forward, boasting a striking design, cutting-edge technology, and an unmatched level of craftsmanship. With its remarkable performance and a fresh, assertive demeanor, it will empower our customers to conquer extraordinary adventures in elevated comfort and luxury.”
The innovative and award-winning hydraulic interlinked 6D Dynamics air suspension technology incorporates a sophisticated pitch and roll control system (Best Technical Innovation: 2024 Automobile Journalists Association of Canada for the Range Rover Sport SV 2024). This technology enables the Defender OCTA to maintain exceptional stability during acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads while optimizing wheel articulation and independent travel on rugged off-road paths.
In a nod to its luxurious character, the name OCTA is inspired by the octahedral shape of a diamond, renowned for its remarkable strength and rarity. A distinctive encircled diamond graphic serves as the emblem of this flagship Defender model, adorning various interior and exterior elements, including a gloss black diamond set within a crafted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.
Cameron elaborates,
“The name and signature graphic of the Defender OCTA embody the vehicle’s resilience, strength, and desirability, drawing inspiration from its diamond-like toughness and luxury. This graphic holds particular significance as it marks its debut on a Defender vehicle, serving as the hallmark of all future flagship Defender models.”
The Defender OCTA is undergoing rigorous testing across diverse environments, from the icy terrains of Sweden to the arid deserts of Dubai, the demanding tarmac of Nürburgring, and the rugged landscapes of Moab. Ahead of its official launch later this year, prospective buyers will have the opportunity to attend exclusive previews as part of the global Defender Elements series.
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