Land Rover Revamps Classics: Introduces V8-Powered Soft Top Defender

The original Land Rover Defender simply refuses to fade away. The organization is putting up a strong resistance. the aftermarket By putting out an enhanced edition of the rugged off-road vehicle equipped with contemporary amenities like a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, they've done this. However, the twist is that the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top comes with a price tag comparable to that of numerous high-end Italian sports cars.

Similar to the iconic V8 Defender announced in 2024 The V8 Soft Top begins with a donor vehicle constructed between 2012 and 2016 from Land Rover. Following this, the company undertakes an extensive renovation process involving stripping down almost everything before rebuilding. During this meticulous work, they replace the lighting fixtures, upgrade the wheel design, and refresh the interior fabrics. Additionally, they install a fabric convertible roof offered in four colors: Black, Sand, Dark Khaki, or Navy. To ensure stability at high speeds, extra anchor points are installed on either side of the car for securing the soft top effectively.

Customers have the option to collaborate directly with Land Rover to create their own exclusive Defender model. They may select from a range of 49 different hues or opt for a pricier custom paint shade via the match-to-sample method. Among the wheels offered are the 18-inch Sawtooth style (as shown) or the more traditional 16-inch Wolf design. Inside, you can pick from five solid-color schemes and eight dual-toned configurations. Additional features like a convertible roof cover, an onboard wine chiller (no joke here), and a surfboard holder are among the customizable extras. However, keep in mind that certain limitations apply; specifically, the V8 Soft Top variant comes solely in the shorter wheelbase 90 configuration.

The vehicle is equipped with a contemporary, 5.0-liter V-8 engine that delivers 405 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which features a conventional shift lever somewhat incongruously placed within the central console area. According to Land Rover, this model can accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and has a maximum velocity of 106 mph. To put this into perspective, previous iterations of the Defender required almost twice as much time—around 15 seconds—to hit the same speed.

The four-piston calipers on each axle will help manage the additional power, although the V8 Soft Top continues to use the recirculating ball steering setup. Land Rover mentions they have enhanced the suspension system with new spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein shock absorbers. This upgrade aims to provide a steadier driving experience.

The starting price for the Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is £195,000 before taxes and additional features, which equates to approximately $260,000 based on today's exchange rates. This amount is roughly what one would anticipate paying for a new vehicle. Ferrari Roma , making the customized Defender more than double the cost of a standard model. Range Rover However, we suspect that the supercar-level price won't discourage potential purchasers. Additionally, the V8 Soft Top comes with a manufacturer-supported one-year warranty that includes limitless miles.

The post Land Rover Tackles the Aftermarket with Their Reimagined Classic Defender V8 Convertible Restoration appeared first on Hagerty Media .

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