Land Rover last year launched the Defender equipped with a V-8, but a more hardcore V-8 option is still in the works.
The latest Defender is expected to have at least two V-8 classes: the regular Defender V8 launching for the 2022 model year, plus a more capable version that may sport the SVX badge and target the Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, but with a touch of luxury.
A prototype for a potential SVX Defender has been spotted, revealing a number of important details. The prototype featured a titanium exhaust with four ends, along with widened wheel arches, raised suspension, mud flaps and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The tires are wrapped in 20-inch alloy wheels and measure 275/60 front and rear.
It’s unclear what engine is under the hood. While the Defender V8 features Jaguar Land Rover’s supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, rated at 518 hp, it’s possible that the Defender SVX is equipped with a version of BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that has made its way into the latest version. Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The BMW V-8 is rated at 523 hp in the luxury SUV but the higher output will suit the hardcore Defender better.
More information should become available as development continues. We currently expect the Defender SVX to arrive later this year as a 2024 model.
Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations came close to launching the Discovery SVX a few years ago. It would be powered by a V-8 and equipped with off-road upgrades, and would form a new off-road range for the SVO, similar to the SVR division’s track focus range and SVAutobiography ultra-luxury range. While the Discovery SVX was ultimately cancelled, Jaguar Land Rover has never ruled out a future SVX vehicle.
