If you’ve spent any amount of time perusing our website, chances are, you’ve been exposed to your fair share of Land Rover Defender builds. It’s no secret that we, and many others, are infatuated with the vehicle, especially since its lineage, time-tested dependability, and aftermarket presence are so pronounced. Now, Austin, Texas’ Twisted Automotive has set out to change the game with its recent Defender debut — the NA-V8.
What sets the NA-V8 apart from every other aftermarket Defender on the market today? For starters, it adopts the legendary 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine from Chevrolet’s Corvette, gifting it both a 455 horsepower (standard) and 650 horsepower (high performance) package for on and off-road shenanigans. From there, the NA-V8 takes on some of the finest aftermarket parts in the industry, including a state-of-the-art suspension and braking system from the likes of Alcon, Bilstein, and Eibach. To remedy the original Defender’s shortcomings, Twisted has also redesigned the vehicle’s drivetrain, calling upon a modernized GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission, stainless steel fasteners, and fittings, and a performance-focused differential, driveshaft, and half shaft, to do its bidding. Better yet, you’ll be able to order the vehicle in five different configurations, depending on your personal preferences. Only 200 are slated for release and, despite a starting price of $250,000, we’re willing to bet they’ll sell out fast.
