Report says two possible V8 engines coming
Along with Defender 130 with more cargo space
The Land Rover Defender is hot already, but Land Rover isn’t sitting on its laurels with this one. A new report from Motor Trend says that the Defender will be going on offence, adding a new V8 model sometime after the three-door 90 series model arrives in the US early next year. That and some more possible new versions of the Landie that could be on the way.
We’ll start with their V8 report, because big power is always fun. Expect two, says the report, and that checks since JLR currently offers two variants of the supercharged 5.0L V8 that’s in many Land Rover and Range Rover models already. There’s a version of around 518 hp that’s in slightly lower spec trims and then there’s the up to 600 hp version in the different SVR models. Then again, as that engine ages, MT suggests it might be a pair borrowed from often-partner across the Channel BMW.
They’re also saying that the three-door 90 will arrive here with the same turbo inline-six that’s on offer now in the 110, and a turbocharged four-cylinder, and then maybe the V8 once that engine arrives. JLR’s not talking.
Finally, the reports says that a Defender 130 could be coming, and while the Defender’s name numbers and wheelbase numbers already don’t line up the way they used to, the 130 might be on the same wheelbase as the 110. Instead of a stretch in the middle, there will be one at the back, allowing for needed room in the third row and for more cargo. Don’t expect, though, sideways jump seats back there like in the old one. A rear-facing seat is possible, Merc still offers this in the E-Class wagon, but it seems unlikely.
