NEW DEFENDER OCTA
- High-performance hero: New Defender OCTA is the most dynamically accomplished Defender ever created, with unmatched breadth of capability and performance both on- and off-road
- Tough luxury: Like a diamond, New Defender OCTA is a rare combination of extreme toughness and luxury – its name inspired by the hardest and most desirable mineral on earth
- Decisive performance: Most powerful Defender ever features a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 producing 635PS and 750Nm1 of torque, with 0-60mph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds
- Unparalleled presence: Imposing stance and bold new design set New Defender OCTA apart, with raised ride height, wider stance, extended wheel arches, unique bumper and grille designs
- Unique signature: Defender flagship’s new machined and sandblasted titanium graphic with gloss black diamond centre denotes strength and resilience, with rarity and desirability
- Intelligent suspension: 6D Dynamics pitch and roll control system, plus heavily reworked chassis components, enables game-changing performance on a wide range of surfaces and conditions
- Geometry changes: Extensive changes under the skin include re-engineered suspension geometry, control arms, links, knuckles and dampers, with bespoke control software
- Dedicated setting: All-new OCTA Mode – the first performance-focused off-road mode on a Defender – unlocks full off-road prowess, plus dedicated anti-lock braking and launch control
- Stopping power: Largest ever Defender brake discs (400mm diameter) provide ultimate stopping strength with new six-piston monobloc calipers and upgraded pads
- Superior traction: Largest tyres ever fitted to a Defender were developed specifically for OCTA, optimising all-terrain performance for all surfaces, with new 20-inch and 22-inch alloy wheels
- Evolution of audio: Immersive Body and Soul Seat technology enhances front-seat occupants’ experience, and six wellness programmes can help enhance mental and physiological wellbeing
- Engaging interior: Driver-focused cabin with new seamless Performance seats, a dedicated steering wheel button for OCTA Mode and Dynamic Mode, plus edge-lit paddle shifters
- Curated themes: New exterior colours – Faroe Green and Petra Copper – are accompanied by new Khaki and Ebony or Burnt Sienna interiors in addition to existing Defender colourways
- Ultimate Defender: New Defender OCTA Edition One debuts new Faroe Green metallic paint colour, non-leather UltrafabricsTM PU in Khaki and Ebony, and Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing
Gaydon, UK – Wednesday 3 July 2024: New Defender OCTA is a new hero for the original British adventure brand. The toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in the unstoppable 4×4 family takes the capability of Defender 110 to an unparalleled level.
Powered by a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, OCTA is the fastest and most powerful Defender ever, with 635PS and 750Nm of torque (up to a combined 800Nm with Dynamic Launch activated) enabling 0-60mph in as little as 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds). Heavily revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, ensure its dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights.
The exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. The ride height is raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended for incredible presence. Redesigned bumpers give improved approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. And, it will wade deeper than any production Defender before it too – through up to one metre of water.
New Defender OCTA’s name is derived from the toughest and most desirable mineral on earth – a diamond – and the octahedral shape that gives their distinctive appearance and durability. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic, which denotes it as the flagship Defender – strong and resilient, yet striking, rare and desirable.
Every Defender OCTA wears a new encircled diamond graphic, including a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.
The tough luxury of Defender OCTA is epitomised by Defender OCTA Edition One, which is available in the first year of production. It features a curated specification, finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green colour with a Khaki and Ebony UltrafabricsTM PU and seam-less Knit interior, new Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of all-terrain or specially developed Advanced All-Terrain Tyres2.
A bespoke testing and development programme with more than 13,960 additional tests, including high-speed off-road durability, as well as high-speed on-road durability, had to be created for Defender OCTA, as the team entered realms of capability and robustness that have never been explored before.
Defender OCTA engineers have covered in excess of 1.1 million kilometres during the past three years, undertaking high-performance handling and durability development at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, wet asphalt testing at Ladoux in France, ice driving in Sweden, arduous rally raid stages at Lastours in France, sand deserts in Dubai, plus Moab rock crawls in Utah, USA. Defender OCTA has also conquered every extreme trail at JLR’s legendary Eastnor, UK, test facility.
01: PERFORMANCE & CAPABILITY
New Defender OCTA brings unheard of performance to Defender – it is the most powerful and most extreme Defender ever produced.
Propulsion
New Defender OCTA is the only Defender powered by a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo V8 petrol engine with mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, producing 635PS (at 7000rpm) and 750Nm of torque – with up to 800Nm combined engine/MHEV torque output when using Dynamic Launch Mode. Parallel twin-scroll turbochargers are mounted in a ‘hot-vee’ formation, helping deliver peak torque from as low as 1,800rpm through to almost 6,000rpm, for exceptional driveability.
The mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The MHEV system uses a Crank-Integrated Starter Generator in place of the alternator to assist the engine with up to 20kw/175Nm of electrical power, with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery to store energy captured as the vehicle brakes and decelerates.
Each cylinder features spray bore technology – replacing typical steel liners with an extremely thin spray-on metallurgy. This reduces weight and friction, while improving heat transfer and thermal efficiency. The Valvetronic variable intake and double VANOS valve actuation system augment the cam operation for optimal combustion across the rev range.
To accommodate the new V8 powertrain, and make it suitable for extreme all-terrain use, Defender OCTA features a number of bespoke engine and transmission parts, including an all-new stiffened transmission cradle, specially-designed air intake and exhaust systems, as well as a unique oil sump.
To help manage the extreme temperatures generated by the high-performance powertrain, Defender OCTA features a unique cooling system with thicker core radiators, uprated oil coolers and extensive thermal insulation in the engine bay and underneath the vehicle – including a heat shield around the fuel tank and triple-insulated fuel lines.
New Defender OCTA’s four-exit active exhaust system brings V8 character to the fore for the driver and an added layer of engagement. It is a bespoke fitment for Defender OCTA, with back pressure optimised for performance while also being capable of taking on extreme wading. Switchable valves change the character of the exhaust note depending on the drive mode selected.
This new power unit is mated to a fast-shifting eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a selectable high and low range transfer case, specially chosen gear ratios and calibrated to seamlessly manage power distribution via Defender’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
Active electronically controlled centre and rear differentials enable torque to be proportioned to the front or rear wheels as the terrain requires, with flatter body control provided by the 6D Dynamics suspension system allowing more torque to be sent to the front without inducing wheelspin, when compared to conventional systems.
Driveline components are also uprated, with unique propshafts, larger diameter driveshafts, uprated rear driveshaft joints and high-strength steel rear differential components to handle increases in axle torque of up to 68 per cent compared to any other Defender – and to allow increased wheel travel. The rear differential has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio compared to 3.31:1 on other Defender models.
With lightweight 22-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Primacy all-season tyres fitted Defender OCTA will reach 155mph, and with Dynamic Launch Mode enabled it can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds).
6D Dynamics
New Defender OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go beyond what any Defender has achieved before, with the introduction of hydraulically interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology for the first time on a Defender, alongside extensive hardware and geometry changes. Uniquely, it’s designed to be as fun to drive on-road as off-road, with no compromises.
The newly introduced 6D Dynamics system uses height-adjustable air suspension with hydraulically interlinked dampers, which provides performance and capability benefits both on- and off-road with even greater dynamic bandwidth in all environments. The triple-valve, continuously variable semi-active dampers provide independent compression and rebound control and have been heavily reinforced for their application in New Defender OCTA, with larger, separate reservoirs on each.
In practice, 6D Dynamics works to virtually eliminate pitch and body roll, for smoother, flatter cornering performance and enhanced control. The system is fast enough to react to sudden inputs, and changes in surface condition, providing immense body control and a precision driving experience.
To mitigate roll, fluid is transferred from dampers on one side of the vehicle to the other, while working in the same way, front to back, to eliminate pitch when accelerating or braking. As a result, Defender OCTA provides superior composure and control, with near-level body control for on-road driving in Dynamic Mode.
In off-road situations the 6D Dynamics system also allows for more independent wheel movement, improving articulation. As a result, drivers experience heightened control with greater feedback giving them confidence to tackle extreme terrain.
At other times, 6D Dynamics technology provides unprecedented comfort and refinement, increasing or decreasing the pressure within the system depending on the drive mode selected. In Comfort Mode, roll control functionality is disabled, maximising passenger comfort in straight-line road driving.
Enhanced capability
The master of extreme performance, everywhere, Defender OCTA takes Defender’s class-leading all-terrain capability to new heights. Defender OCTA promises unparalleled progress over any terrain with enhanced off-road geometry and a set of significant changes underneath that work in harmony with the new 6D Dynamics system to ensure it is the most capable Defender ever.
Defender OCTA rides 28mm higher, 68mm wider overall, with a total ground clearance of 323mm. Advanced, lifted suspension now allows for 550mm of wheel articulation (an increase of 100mm). In combination with larger tyres, and improved approach/departure (40.2/42.8 degrees) and breakover angles (29 degrees), Defender OCTA can tackle even more challenging and technical off-road manoeuvres, including wading through one metre of water – 100mm deeper than any other Defender model.
Beneath the surface, Defender OCTA also features significant modifications with new and enhanced materials and structures to support its extreme capability and maximise durability and robustness.
At the front, a new metal undershield with a Graphite finish provides additional protection. The powder coated finish – designed to provide thermal and abrasion resistance – protects exterior surfaces both from wear and tear, and the effects of more extreme off-roading. This has also been applied to the rear bumper and rear scuff plate.
Behind the new metal undershield is an extended bar protecting the two auxiliary radiators on either side, while an all-new thermoplastic undertray has been added. The composite material is a combination of plastic and glass fibres that is compressed and moulded to provide additional protection from hard objects.
The front and rear axles have also been moved forwards (by 4mm and 3mm respectively) to accommodate the larger diameter tyres developed for Defender OCTA, facilitate the increased ride height and wider stance of the vehicle, and to help accommodate the auxiliary radiators.
At the rear, a redesigned lever arm and tyre bracket accommodates Defender OCTA’s larger spare wheel without compromising off-road capability or on-road performance.
OCTA Mode
Defender OCTA debuts an all-new drive mode: the first ever high-performance mode for off-road driving on a Defender. OCTA Mode unlocks full off-road potential, giving the ability to drive across surfaces more capably than any Defender before it.
OCTA Mode is selected by a long press of the dedicated steering wheel button bearing the new flagship signature graphic (or via the rotary controller on the centre console, or central touchscreen).
In OCTA Mode the interior glows red with illumination from the mode button, edge-lit paddle shifters and ambient lighting, while the instrument cluster transforms to provide power, torque and G-force readouts. In this mode, the exhaust valves are also opened for an even more thrilling sound, while gearshifts and the weight of the steering are adjusted for greater engagement.
OCTA Mode enables New Defender OCTA to be driven dynamically across loose gravel surfaces with confidence and control. The damping software can detect the type of road surface and when the vehicle may be airborne, to allow for the appropriate level of suspension firmness and damping on rough roads. Crucially, it enables high degrees of wheel articulation and high levels of damping, while also maintaining taut body control and steering precision.
OCTA Mode also enables an Off-Road Launch mode for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces. And, when combined with the lowest traction control settings (TracDSC or DSC off) it also engages a unique Off-Road ABS calibration for optimum braking performance on loose surfaces too.
New software logic can detect rough surfaces via an index that monitors suspension movement and the interactions between damper modules and the ABS system. In this way it can determine the level of ABS input when braking, with the more extreme calibration allowing wheels to lock more frequently and for longer, as this is the most effective way of slowing down on loose surfaces.
Dynamic Mode
On tarmac, an enhanced Dynamic Mode unlocks a more performance-oriented on-road experience with unique settings for steering, throttle mapping, suspension and exhaust note – demonstrating the impressive bandwidth of Defender OCTA.
Dynamic Mode is activated via a short press of the drive mode button on the steering wheel and, once selected, tunes the 6D Dynamics system to minimise pitch and roll by increasing pressures in the suspension valves, for flatter, more confidence-inspiring acceleration, braking and cornering. Gear shifts are mapped for faster changes between ratios, and the steering weight adjusted for greater engagement.
The dashboard display reflects Dynamic Mode by displaying power, torque and G-force figures. Dynamic Mode can be configured further using Dynamic-i, enabling the driver to tweak individual elements of the driving experience.
Terrain Response
For the most challenging and technical off-road manoeuvres, Defender’s suite of Terrain Response modes remain at the driver’s fingertips, with dedicated modes – Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl – to tailor Defender OCTA to tackle everything it comes across.
The introduction of 6D Dynamics, with its ability to vary (and fully decouple) roll stiffness, has allowed bespoke suspension calibrations to be developed for all off-road modes, to give optimal roll control and wheel articulation for each terrain. Complementary damper calibrations have been developed for each mode too, utilising the increased damping bandwidth of 6D Dynamics for exceptional comfort, control, and capability on all surfaces.
Steering, wheels and tyres
To provide the unique dynamic character of New Defender OCTA, the steering rack has the fastest ratio of any Defender to date – 13.7:1 – to deliver agility and faster responses. This works in combination with new outer joints and longer tie rods.
A range of specially developed tyres with a rolling diameter of 838mm (33-inch) are the largest ever fitted to a production Defender. The new All-Season, All-Terrain and Advanced All-Terrain tyres2 were developed in collaboration with Michelin, BF Goodrich and Goodyear respectively.
As standard, the 20-inch forged alloy wheel is fitted with 275/60R20 BF Goodrich Trail Terrain tyres, providing an optimum balance between off-road capability and winter use, with impressive on-road composure at maximum speeds of up to 130mph (210 km/h), with an H speed rating.
In select markets, a 275/60R20 Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain tyre is available as an option. This tyre was developed specifically for Defender OCTA, with a focus on off-road performance. For improved sidewall robustness, it features three-ply construction for the first time on Defender. Top speed is restricted with this tyre fitted – 100mph (160km/h) in UK and Europe (Q speed rating), 112mph in North America (S speed rating).
Clients specifying their OCTA with the 22-inch lightweight alloy wheel, have 275/50R22 Michelin Primacy All-Season tyres (W speed rating) fitted as standard, prioritising on-road performance up to 155mph (limited) while still offering the levels of off-tarmac capability expected of a Defender.
All tyres available on Defender OCTA have been subjected to a development process that includes driving simulations, laboratory rig testing and physical testing on- and off-road to ensure durability, stability, road noise, refinement, handling and grip in a range of conditions.
Brakes
Defender OCTA’s braking system features 400mm diameter front brake discs (20mm larger than other Defender models), with new six opposed-piston monobloc aluminium Brembo calipers. Rear discs are 365mm diameter items. Upgraded brake pads that provide greater capacity and endurance are fitted all-round.
A Decoupled Integrated Power Brake system is also fitted. This system reduces brake fade while ensuring a more consistent pedal feel and faster reactions when the brake pedal is pressed (a shorter travel and heavier feel). Brake fluid is sent to each caliper by an electric motor, with varying levels of pressure as required to suit pad friction levels and maintain consistent pedal pressure.
02: TECHNOLOGY
Defender OCTA is the extreme performance flagship of the Defender family and features a suite of pioneering technologies and innovations that bring a new dimension to every epic adventure.
On top of the advanced chassis and suspension technologies that give Defender OCTA its unparalleled all-terrain performance, innovations inside ensure the front-seat occupants are even more engaged in every drive.
Body and Soul Seats (BASS) allow those in the front row to experience the next-generation of in-car sensory technology – capable of making the driver and passenger feel the music as well as hear it with vibro-acoustic technology.
Developed in partnership with industry leader SUBPACTM, this immersive technology is available on Defender for the first time, using the same software used by the world’s top recording artists and composers.
The Body and Soul Seats feature four transducers within the front seats that are aligned to the occupants’ backs to deliver high fidelity tactile audio. Using SUBPACTM AI optimising software, the seats analyse signals from the 700W, 15-speaker, MeridianTM Surround Sound System in real-time to create a synchronised, multi-dimensional sensory audio experience with vibrations as well as sound.
Beyond immersion in music, the BASS system features six Wellness programmes – designed and validated in collaboration with Coventry University’s National Transport Design Centre, and the university’s School of Media and Performing Arts.
Studies show these tracks can help enhance the mental and physiological wellbeing of front-seat occupants. The six specially developed tracks – Poise, Soothe, Serene, Cool, Tonic and Glow – could affect passengers’ heart rate variability, either helping to reduce anxiety or improve cognitive response.
03: DESIGN
Authentic, bold and tougher than ever – Defender OCTA’s instantly recognisable silhouette is made for all-terrain adventure. Its raised ride height and wide stance symbolise the strength of the new Defender hero.
Exterior design
Defender OCTA amplifies the Defender DNA to the extreme. While it retains an unmistakable silhouette, the new flagship has an identity of its own with unparalleled presence thanks to a number of new exterior design features.
At the front, a purposeful new bumper and grille design amplify Defender’s rugged character – while improving cooling for its V8 engine. At the rear, a redesigned bumper allows for an even more extreme departure angle in challenging all-terrain situations, while an integrated quad exhaust arrangement sets it apart.
Defender’s OCTA’s purposeful stance (28mm higher and 68mm wider) is accentuated by extended wheel arches that house either 20-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels in designs exclusive to this model. Available with multiple finishes, Defender OCTA wheels feature the largest tyres ever fitted to a production Defender, with choice of All-Season, All-Terrain or Advanced All-Terrain tyres2.
The 20-inch forged alloy wheel provides a striking rally-inspired design with intricate detailing, with a centre section in satin black and outer sections in diamond-turned finish with a dark tinted satin lacquer. Perfectly designed for off-road use, these wheels also give an aesthetic uplift that complements Defender OCTA’s extreme design.
The striking 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels have a seven-spoke design available in two finishes – gloss black or diamond-turned face with dark tinted gloss lacquer on the outer edges.
Unique detailing ensures Defender OCTA stands out, with a Satin Moonlight exterior pack, which extends to the front and lower bumper inserts. And, exclusively on Defender OCTA Edition One, a new Chopped Carbon Fibre finish is used. Durable and technical, the new Chopped Carbon Fibre finish incorporates recycled material and can be found on the Defender bonnet script, side vents (a unique design matching the revised front grilles) and interior elements.
Two exclusive new Premium Metallic exterior colours are introduced, which are unique to Defender OCTA and provide even greater distinction. Offered exclusively for Defender OCTA Edition One, Faroe Green is a deep green with cool, layered highlight. On OCTA only, Petra Copper is also introduced – beautifully warm with copper tones. Also available are Carpathian Grey (OCTA Edition One only) and Charente Grey.
All exterior colour options can be specified with a new Matte Protective Film, for enhanced durability, and applying a low gloss finish that showcases the sophisticated surfacing of Defender OCTA’s exterior.
All Defender OCTA models feature a contrast roof and tailgate, finished in Narvik Black, and a new Satin Moonlight technical paint finish for the front and rear bumpers, complemented by hard-wearing Graphite-finish powder coating on the front metal undershield and rear scuff plate, reinforcing its adventurous spirit and unstoppable character, complemented by Phosphor Bronze detailing on the rear recovery points and front recovery point cover.
Interior design
Defender OCTA’s interior is a crafted balance of tough luxury and innovative materials, giving the new high-performance hero a distinct identity. Designed in harmony with the rugged exterior, the interior’s unique character is amplified with modern materials.
New Performance seats are introduced to Defender for the first time, designed specifically for Defender OCTA. They use new techniques, colour and trim and feature integrated headrests, Defender branding and a seamless finish – the first application of this reductive approach for Defender. The seam-free design uses unique technology to create a contoured, reductive appearance that follows the shape of the seats precisely, with foams shaped for support. The second row showcases the same seamless, reductive finish, with heated outer rear seats.
In addition to Body and Soul Seat (BASS) technology, the front-row seats also feature 14-way electric adjustment, plus heating and cooling functionality.
Material innovation brings new upholstery options for Defender OCTA. There are four distinct colourways to choose from, two of which utilise technical, luxurious and durable fabrics including an UltrafabricsTM PU, which is 30 per cent lighter than traditional leather and generates only a quarter of the CO2 in its production.
As standard on Defender OCTA, new Burnt Sienna and Ebony Semi Aniline leather complements the exterior and includes Kvadrat material detailing in addition to the unique graphic embellishments – rectangular perforations, stitch lines and Defender wordmark – that adorn all Defender OCTA seats. Semi Aniline leather in Ebony is also available.
On Defender OCTA Edition One, the new UltrafabricsTM PU seat is finished in Khaki and Ebony with a reduced-waste Knit textile detail and contemporary seamless finish. The other UltrafabricsTM PU seat combination – available as an option on both Defender OCTA models – is Light Cloud and Lunar.
Modern interior materials also include Moonlight Chrome detailing, a luxurious Suedecloth headlining and a new anodised metallic dark grey powdercoat finish for the Cross Car Beam, with Edition One vehicles featuring an exclusive Defender OCTA logo and Edition One branding on the end caps – visible when the doors are open. Lower sections of the instrument cluster, doors and centre console are wrapped in either UltrafabricsTM PU or leather, while new luxury carpet mats throughout bring tough luxury – made from an ECONYL yarn with 78 per cent recycled nylon.
Immersing the driver in the Defender OCTA experience is a new steering wheel, with translucent edge-lit gear shift paddles and a new drive mode button that brings ultimate dynamic capability in an instant. When Dynamic Mode or OCTA Mode is engaged, the gearshift paddles illuminate red, while changes to the interior mood lighting and instrument cluster confirm the selection.
1800Nm combined engine/MHEV output when using Dynamic Launch Mode. 750Nm certified.
2Advanced All-Terrain tyre is market dependent
