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  • New flagship Defender OCTA model to rock a BMW-sourced twin-turbo V8.
  • Land Rover promises incredible levels of all-terrain capability.
  • The new model will be launched this year.

A day after a new flagship version of the beloved Land Rover Defender was announced, our spy photographers snapped the new Defender OCTA undergoing high-speed tests at the Nurburgring. While the sight of a widebody off-roader at the world’s toughest racetrack is a little odd, it will allow Land Rover to test it to its absolute limits.

These spy photos offer an excellent view of the Defender OCTA’s striking exterior, which cannot be said about the recently released teasers. The prototype pictured is bathed in black and white camouflage and immediately stands out from lesser variants thanks to the flared front and rear wheel arches. Land Rover has also modified the grille, probably to improve cooling.

We can spot more changes along the sides, where there is a set of lovely rally-inspired aerodisc wheels. It’s too early to say if these wheels will reach production but we’re crossing our fingers. The rear of the Defender OCTA looks especially beefy thanks to the widened arches and twin tailpipes.

Land Rover’s Twin-Turbo Defender OCTA Has Hips Like Kim K
Photo Credits: Baldauf/CarScoops

While the exterior of this new model will be special, the biggest changes will be made under the skin. These start with a new engine. The last time the Defender got a V8, it was JLR’s old supercharged 5.0-liter mill but the OCTA will run a BMW-sourced twin-turbo V8 with mild-hybrid tech. It could deliver over 600 hp, making it the most powerful Defender ever. 

Read: Land Rover Defender Pacific Blue Edition Celebrates Australia’s Surfing Culture

The British company is also fitting the Defender OCTA with its 6D Dynamics system that includes semi-active electro-hydraulic flow valves to aid in acceleration and articulation, meaning the OCTA should perform well both on the road and alongside challenging off-road trails.

We have not yet seen the interior of the future flagship Defender but a teaser has revealed it will have an illuminated, diamond-shaped symbol on the steering wheel to denote how special it is. The new model will be launched this year.

Baldauf