Land Rover recently released details and photos of a new variant of the Defender. This is the 500hp Defender 130 V8 which aims at taking on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV. This makes it the most expensive variant in the entire Defender line-up. Other variants include the Defender 90, the 110 and the 130.
The new Defender 130 V8 gets the same 5.0-litre supercharged engine. But with a slightly detuned map taking the power figure to 500 HP. The SUV can do a 0 to 100 kmph dash in just 5.4sec.
This trim is available in bespoke grey and black paint options. Other design highlights include a quad-exit exhaust, bespoke badging and 22-inch dark grey wheels. In terms of features as well, it gets most of the kit. The highlighting ones include 14-way heated and cooled front seats, four-zone climate control, a Meridian sound system, a head-up display as standard fitment and more.
As of now, JLR has not confirmed whether the Defender 130 V8 is the last production car to wear the ‘AJ’ V8. This was first introduced in the 4.0-litre form for the Jaguar XJ8 and XK8 in 1997. Today, the 5.0-litre lump finds its place in the range-topping Defender models and the Jaguar F-Type.
Then we also have a new Defender 130 ‘Outbound’ edition that joins the line-up. This trim eliminates the rearmost row of seats. This will allow customers with an adventurous lifestyle to pack everything they need to get out and explore”. Thus without the rear seats, it opens up a whopping 1,329-litre boot. Then it increases to 2,516 litres with the middle row folded. Customers can have this trim only in the mild-hybrid D300 diesel or P400 petrol engine.
Also Read: Land Rover launches Defender 130 in India at INR 1.30 crore.