Camera-wielding prototype spotters have tracked down an unusually equipped Land Rover Defender likely packing a V8 under the hood – although no official announcement has been made to back up that claim.
The virtually undisguised car sports quad tailpipes, but otherwise looks like the normal Defender. Just what kind of engine might need that exhaust remains open. In theory, Jaguar Land Rover could give it its supercharged V8 5.0 rated at 575 hp (430 kW) max. However, according to rumors, the British carmaker also considered using the BMW-badged V8 4.4 TT instead. The latter churns out 625 hp (466 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.
Another unanswered question is whether the new V8 will be available for all Defender versions or just the five-door SUV: only the latter was spotted testing so far.
If the predictions are true, than the eight-cylinder Land Rover Defender should join the lineup next year.