Reviewing the New-Old Land Rover Defender V8 Trophy

Saying goodbye can be difficult. With Land Rover launching a new version of the Defender that was officially discontinued five years ago, it seems particularly difficult to differentiate it from its popular model. This is the Limited Edition Defender Works V8 Trophy.

Let’s not take it for an alternative to the new and much more advanced Defender that was released last year. The Works V8 Trophy Rover is the latest installment by Land Rover Classic Division, with the limited run of 25 years. In other words, they are after-sales conversions. Both short-wheelbase two-door 90 and long-wheelbase four-door 110 station wagons will be manufactured, which will produce 99h horsepower and 937 pound-feet of torque derived from the naturally aspiring V-version of the R0-aspiring JLR. An eight-speed automatic gearbox will also be standard, something the factory original defender doesn't have.

The obvious difference between the Works V8 and the Works V8 Trophy is the new yellow canvas car that mimics the Camel Trophy introduced by Land Rover between 1980 and 2000, quipped a Land Rover service expert. 

Tobacco sponsorship is clearly gone. The Eastner Yellow paint is the biggest visual homage to those Camel Trophy Landies, with full LED headlights, traditional windshields, lots of trophy badges and 16-inch steel wheels. However, the texture is enhanced with substantial external roll cage, underbody protection and electric winch. The interior is upholstered in leather, with custom watches and Recaro sports seats (Players can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.) Other basic mechanical changes to the Defender include larger brakes and new telescopic dampers.

Unfortunately, the Works V8 Trophy isn’t sold here to US buyers because the Defender was initially rejected by the federal government. For US buyers looking for a used Defender, there are several options though that they can legally import. British tuner Twisted GM produces a version with a 6.2-liter V8 engine and an all-electric version.

If COVID restrictions allow, a three-day adventure will delight Eastner Castle owners later this year. Dan Pink, Director of Land Rover Classic, said: “The Land Rover Defender is more than just a vehicle and is famous for its technical strength and off-roading capabilities.

Overall, it’s an amazing vehicle. To keep it in good working condition, be sure to bring it in for Land Rover Greensboro NC inspection and repair.