If you’ve ever doubted the capabilities of Land Rover’s latest-generation Defender, think again. Recent spy footage captured during testing sessions revealed the Defender OCTA’s impressive powersliding prowess, showcasing its dynamic performance on the track. While static shots provide a glimpse of its cool demeanor, it’s the thrilling action on the road that truly sets this model apart.

At the heart of the Defender OCTA lies a potent V8 engine, but not the familiar supercharged 5.0-liter mill from Jaguar Land Rover. Instead, Land Rover has turned to BMW’s arsenal, opting for a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged unit with mild-hybrid assistance. Reports suggest an impressive output of 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, marking a significant increase over the standard Defender V8.

With such formidable power under the hood, the Defender OCTA is expected to deliver exhilarating performance, sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in under 5 seconds and reaching a top speed of around 155 mph. Land Rover has not only enhanced the engine’s performance but also fine-tuned the suspension for improved cornering and agility, allowing for controlled drifts and dynamic handling.

Visually, the Defender OCTA commands attention with its flared wheel arches, tweaked grille, and distinctive accents that set it apart from its counterparts. Disc-like wheels inspired by rallying further emphasize its sporty demeanor, hinting at the model’s adventurous spirit and off-road capabilities.

While details about the interior remain scarce, Land Rover has teased a glimpse of the steering wheel featuring a diamond-like symbol, hinting at luxurious craftsmanship and attention to detail. The official unveiling of the Defender OCTA is set for this summer, with anticipation building for its arrival as a 2025 model.

As it prepares to enter the market, the Defender OCTA is poised to challenge rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and Ford Bronco Raptor, promising enthusiasts a thrilling driving experience that combines power, performance, and precision. With its bold design, exhilarating performance, and rugged capabilities, the Defender OCTA reaffirms Land Rover’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation and excellence.

Photo: Baldauf

Mansory’s latest creation, the Defender Black Edition, has arrived with a bang, offering a complete vehicle conversion that pushes the boundaries of style and performance. Designed for those who seek to stand out from the crowd, this supercharged V8-powered Land Rover Defender 90 is anything but understated.

From the moment you lay eyes on it, the Defender Black Edition demands attention with its striking bodykit. Every inch of this beast is adorned with carbon fiber, from the multi-level front lip spoiler to the widened arches, mirror caps, and even the rear spoiler. It’s a symphony of carbon, culminating in a design that is as bold as it is extravagant.

But it’s not just about looks. Underneath the aggressive exterior lies a beastly powertrain, with the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine receiving a significant boost in performance. Thanks to various drivetrain modifications and a quad-exit exhaust system, power output is bumped up to a staggering 641 horsepower and 642 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-62 mph time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, this spangly brick on wheels is not to be underestimated.

Of course, no Mansory creation would be complete without oversized wheels, and the Defender Black Edition is no exception. Sporting massive 24-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile tires, this Land Rover is ready to make a statement on the streets.

Inside, the carbon fiber theme continues, with the option to customize the interior with a variety of colors, leathers, and quilting styles. And for those who prefer a more subtle approach, the steering wheel with shift lights and the Mansory logo on the roof can be omitted upon request.

With only 10 examples of the Black Edition set to be produced, this exclusive model is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. And for those craving even more extravagance, Mansory has hinted at plans for a longer Defender 110 variant, leaving us to wonder what surprises they have in store for the monstrous 130.

In conclusion, the Mansory Defender Black Edition is not for the faint of heart. It’s a bold statement for the adventurous soul, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and luxury that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to encounter it on the road.

Critics and enthusiasts alike initially criticized Land Rover’s L663 series for its departure from the traditional body-on-frame design in favor of a unibody structure. Some voiced concerns that the Defender was becoming too upscale. However, it’s essential to recognize that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) responded to market demand and evolving consumer preferences in its product development.

JLR reports a significant uptick in full-year sales, with a surge of over 20 percent compared to the previous fiscal period. Notably, Defender sales saw a 5 percent increase in the past quarter, reaching 28,702 units worldwide. To maintain momentum and keep the Defender lineup fresh, extensive updates are underway. Among these updates, the OCTA trim level is poised to take the spotlight for the 2025 model year.

Named after the octahedron, the most common shape of natural diamond crystals, the Defender OCTA signifies a significant leap forward in performance and luxury. Departing from the conventional Jaguar Land Rover powertrains, the OCTA boasts a twin-turbo V8 engine sourced from BMW, designated as the S68. This engine, introduced in 2009, represents a departure from the era when Jaguar Land Rover’s powerplants were derived from Ford technologies.

The S68 engine, developed by BMW as the successor to the S63, is engineered with hybridization capabilities. In its mild-hybrid configuration, it delivers a formidable 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, promising exhilarating performance akin to the Range Rover Sport SV.

Teased in March 2024, the Defender OCTA is anticipated to match the SV’s power output and offer the sophistication of 6D Dynamics air suspension. Spy photographers recently captured camouflaged prototypes undergoing rigorous testing at the Nurburgring, demonstrating the OCTA’s prowess in handling and performance.

The 6D Dynamics suspension system not only enhances cornering stability but also ensures a level stance during braking and acceleration. Designed for dynamic driving conditions and off-road adventures alike, this system optimizes wheel articulation and travel across varied terrain, promising unparalleled capability.

Trials in diverse climates and terrains, from the sub-zero conditions of Sweden to the arid deserts of Dubai and the rugged trails of Moab, underscore the Defender OCTA’s versatility and robustness. Adorned with widened arches and fitted with all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels, this iteration of the Defender embodies Land Rover’s commitment to off-road excellence.

Amidst speculation surrounding its debut, rumors suggest a reveal date of July 11. While details about the Defender Elements series remain scarce, the OCTA is positioned as the inaugural model in this new lineup. Interestingly, the OCTA was initially expected to bear the SVX designation, a nod to Jaguar Land Rover’s past concepts and aspirations for high-performance variants.

The SVX designation, previously associated with models like the Land Rover Discovery SVX concept, hints at the OCTA’s pedigree and ambition. With the cancellation of previous SVX projects, the OCTA represents a new chapter in Land Rover’s pursuit of innovation and performance excellence.

In summary, the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA represents a bold leap forward for the iconic off-road marque. With its cutting-edge technology, formidable powertrain, and relentless testing regimen, the OCTA is poised to redefine expectations for luxury SUVs in the modern era.

Photo: SH Proshots

The latest generation Land Rover Defender has become a canvas for numerous tuners, each leaving their distinctive mark on this iconic 4×4. From widebody conversions to bespoke interiors, the aftermarket options are vast, easily accessible with a few clicks on the internet. Among these tuners, Mansory stands out, known for its bold and aggressive builds.

Mansory’s influence on the Land Rover Defender is unmistakable. Previously, they presented a modified Defender 90, and now, attention turns to the longer wheelbase variant, the Defender 110, receiving a similar makeover but tailored to its extended proportions.

Although no longer officially dubbed the Black Edition, this Defender 110 exudes a menacing presence with its all-black exterior. The enhancements are evident, with muscular fender flares, additional attachments throughout the body, supplementary lighting integrated into the front bumper and above the windshield, a redesigned hood, and a distinctive roof-mounted wing.

The tuner’s branding is prominently displayed across various exterior elements, including the hood and rear spare wheel holder, as well as on the new wheels, albeit ones that seem more fitting for a luxury marque like Rolls-Royce. Clad in low-profile rubber band tires (295/30) and featuring reduced ground clearance, this Defender sacrifices some of its off-road prowess for a more urban-centric appeal.

True to Mansory’s style, carbon fiber accents abound, extending into the cabin where lightweight materials adorn various surfaces. Bronze accents add a touch of flair, complemented by special badges, black suede upholstery with orange piping, and other exclusive touches, culminating in a bespoke interior tailored to discerning tastes.

Despite the tuner’s silence regarding the powertrain specifics, it’s widely speculated that this Defender 110 is propelled by the formidable supercharged V8 engine. With output figures potentially boosted from the stock 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque to a staggering 641 hp and 642 lb-ft, performance sees a significant improvement. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is reportedly slashed to 4.7 seconds, while the top speed edges higher to 155 mph, cementing its status as a potent performance SUV.

While opinions may vary on the aesthetic choices made by Mansory, there’s no denying the impact of their modifications on the Land Rover Defender 110. Transforming it into a veritable 4×4 predator, this bespoke creation exemplifies the fusion of luxury and performance, catering to enthusiasts seeking exclusivity and dynamism in their off-road adventures.

Photo: Instagram | Mansory

Apocalypse 6×6, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, has gained widespread acclaim in the aftermarket world with its impressive roster of custom builds, including the Hellfire, Juggernaut, Nirvana, and more. Known for their six-wheeled creations, the company initially focused on Jeep Gladiator-based pickups before expanding to include models like the Ram 1500 TRX and Ford Bronco.

Continuing their innovative streak, Apocalypse recently ventured into the realm of luxury SUVs and electric vehicles with projects like the Lamborghini Urus Apocalypse Inferno and the Rivian-based Nirvana. However, their latest endeavor marks a departure from their usual six-wheeled extravaganzas – the world’s first and only fully lifted nine-inch-above-stock Land Rover Defender 110.

Based on the modern reinvention of the classic Defender nameplate introduced in 2019, this customized SUV seamlessly blends premium styling and comfort with rugged off-road capabilities. The extensive upgrades include custom skid plates, a nine-inch suspension lift kit, fully adjustable air ride, a robust roof rack, a massive front winch, and eye-catching gold-tinted aftermarket wheels paired with all-terrain tires.

While details about the powertrain remain undisclosed, options for the stock Defender 110 range from a 2.0-liter inline-four with 296 hp to a potent 5.0-liter V8 with up to 518 horsepower. Despite its abundance of features and off-road readiness, the Apocalypse Land Rover Defender 110 is surprisingly affordable, priced at $99k – a compelling offer compared to the standard pricing range of $60,600 to $118,600 for a stock model.

Although specifics about the interior and mileage are not provided, this custom Defender promises an exhilarating driving experience tailored for adventure enthusiasts. With its bold design and formidable capabilities, the Apocalypse Land Rover Defender 110 stands as a testament to Apocalypse 6×6’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional custom vehicles.

Photo: Apocalypse6x6 / Instagram