We have some good news, and some bad news. First, the good; Land Rover will fit a 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 beneath the hood of 150 90 and 110 wheelbase for a very special edition Defender, called the Defender Works V8. Zero to 60 mph now happens in a claimed 5.6 seconds instead of the 5.6 weeks that it probably took the original Defender, and top speed is increased to 106 mph.
The second paragraph of the email sent by the Land Rover flack read, “The Defender Works V8 will not be available in the U.S.” Bad news. Way to kill the dream dead right off the bat, friend!
Each will also have eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions, uprated brakes and handling kits. The trucks will equip 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires at their four corners, while the insides will be dressed in leather and Recaro seats. Prices for a Defender 90 in the UK start at £150,000, or approximately $207,000 (not that it matters in the slightest).
These special edition Defenders are to celebrate the brand’s 70th anniversary. They are highly coveted and iconic trucks. They are lovely. They are perfect. And perfectly out of reach for us Yanks.
Sorry. Here are some photos because that’s the best we’re going to get.