For the past decade, getting serious power into an old Defender meant you had to source your own V8 power plant with no help from the folks at Land Rover. And as we’re all too familiar, an entire industry of restomod shops built their businesses by simply stuffing V8s into Solihull’s boxy icon while the mothership mostly watched from the sidelines.
Well, that all officially changes today. Defender’s Classic division has launched a factory upgrade program for 2007 to 2016 Defender 90 and 110 models, and sitting at the very top of it is the one we actually care about, and that’s the Defender Works V8 Conversion.
The 150 That Got Away
If “Works V8” rings a bell, it should. Back in 2018, Land Rover Classic marked the brand’s 70th anniversary with 150 complete Defender Works V8s. We covered the drop, and the entire collection was sold out within a month.
And if you one of the thousands of enthusiasts who missed out on the opportunity, you were pretty much out of luck. The new program looks to right that wrong, because instead of selling you a finished truck, Land Rover will now perform the transformation on the Defender already sitting in your garage (provided it’s a 2012 to 2016 example).
More Than an Engine Swap
The recipe starts with Land Rover’s naturally aspirated 5.0-liter petrol V8, good for 405HP and 380 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed ZF automatic. For reference, the 2.2-liter Puma diesel these trucks left the factory with made a whopping 122HP.
But Classic Works isn’t just tossing some half-baked lump between the frame rails and calling it a day. Every conversion rides on an entirely new chassis and includes new Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, fresh anti-roll bars, links, and bushes, plus Alcon four-piston calipers clamping 335mm vented front and 300mm rear discs. Inside, there’s also a redesigned transmission tunnel, a new gear selector, and exclusive Works V8 badging to seal the deal.
Don’t Need All 405 Horses?
Not ready for the full send? The broader program lets owners of any 2007 to 2016 Puma-powered Defender cherry-pick just the supporting hardware they have their sights set on. That includes everything from 16-inch steel or 18-inch alloy wheels to the suspension and braking packages.
Those pieces can be ordered through Land Rover Classic Parts for self-fitment or you can have them installed by an authorized retailer. The V8 conversion itself, however, is handled exclusively by Classic Works technicians in the UK and Germany.
Spec Sheet
Program: Defender Works V8 Conversion
Eligible Vehicles: 2012-2016 Defender 90 & 110 (L316)
Engine: Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter petrol V8
Power: 405 HP
Torque: 515 Nm (380 lb-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic
Chassis: New chassis, Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs
Brakes: Alcon 4-piston calipers, 335mm front / 300mm rear discs
Wheels: 16-inch steel (standard), 18-inch alloy (optional)
Price: From £150,000 (~$200,000)
Pricing & Availability
The Works V8 Conversion starts at £150,000 (~$200,000) including VAT, which, funny enough, is exactly what a complete Works V8 cost back in 2018. Eligibility is subject to assessment by Land Rover’s classic specialists, and the program is limited to select markets, so stateside owners will want to enquire before getting too excited. Head over to Jaguar Land Rover Classic’s website to start the conversation.
Recap
Land Rover Defender Works V8 Conversion
Eight years after its 150-unit Works V8 sold out in a matter of weeks, Land Rover’s Classic division will now perform the same 405HP 5.0-liter V8 transformation on customer-owned 2012 to 2016 Defenders.
