Land Rover Defender V8 spotted

The Land Rover Defender was launched in New Zealand, with a media drive (above). Photo: Liz Dobson

Fresh from the Land Rover Defender launch in New Zealand, we are excited that a V8 version is on cards and was spotted at Nurburgring for testing.

Despite earlier reports this won’t be a SVR to rival the Mercedes-AMG G63, it will instead have a 5-litre supercharged V8 engine. It should pump out similar power to the current Range Rover, meaning around 375kW and is said to also have air suspension.

The official Land Rover response to the V8 rumour is: “We are unable to comment on the specific nature of these [technology development] programmes.”

The V8 will be a hotly sought-after model and may pave the way for the Defender SVR.