Land Rover’s Octa Defender Ready to Conquer Off-Road Terrain

Land Rover Defender High-Performance
Octa Set for Release by End of the Year
Features a diamond-shaped badge

Land Rover sold 5,019 vehicles in South Korea in 2023, a 61.2% increase compared to the previous year (2022). This figure attracted attention because it was the second-highest growth rate in the South Korean imported vehicle market. The vehicle that contributed most to these good sales results was the Land Rover Defender 110.

Meanwhile, Land Rover announced that it plans to launch Defender’s high-performance model, Octa, at the end of 2024. The vehicle received much attention from consumers as it is expected to be the most powerful Defender model ever released by Land Rover.

Equipped with Range Rover Sport SV Engine
Twin Turbocharger 4.4 Liters for 626 Horsepower

The exact performance and output figures of the Defender Octa have not yet been revealed. However, the Octa is likely to be equipped with the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 626 horsepower as found in the Range Rover Sports SV. The Range Rover Sports SV equipped with this powertrain takes only 3.6 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h), and the top speed is said to rise to about 180 mph (290 km/h).

As for the Octa, it is likely to get Land Rover’s new suspension setup. Land Rover named the system 6D Dynamics, which replaced the anti-roll bar by combining the air spring and hydraulic damper installed in the Range Rover Sport. The 6D dynamics system is said to help the Okta maintain a nearly horizontal posture during rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and cornering, but it also helps the wheel travel and move flexibly when driving off-road.

Diamond-Shaped Badges Found Throughout the Vehicle

The name Octa is said to be derived from the diamond-shaped octahedron Octa, and diamond-shaped badges all over the vehicle make it stand out from other Defender models. In the case of the Okta’s signature graphic panel, there was a glossy black diamond badge on a sandblasted titanium disc, and inside, there was a red diamond badge at the bottom of the steering wheel.

Land Rover conducted prototype driving tests of the Okta in various locations, including the snowy roads of Sweden, the desert outside Dubai, the rough off-road trails of Moab in the U.S., and the Nürburgring track in Germany. The Okta development team revealed they put the most effort into it among all Land Rover vehicles ever created.

Land Rover plans to preview Octa to some customers

More details, such as pricing and specifications, will be announced closer to Octa’s launch in late 2024. Land Rover plans to preview the Octa to some customers as part of the global Defender series. Therefore, consumers are already showing enthusiastic responses, saying they want to see Octa.

Meanwhile, almost a year ago, Jaguar Land Rover announced a major rebranding of its brand. Accordingly, the brand name was changed to JLR, a new logo was launched, and the Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover were announced to be created as separate brands. It is believed that high-performance models such as the Octa can play a good role in solidifying the position of the rebranded JLR.