Hotter Land Rover Defender V8 coming to rival Mercedes-AMG G63 - Newstrends
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Hotter Land Rover Defender V8 coming to rival Mercedes-AMG G63

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Land Rover has hinted about producing a hotter Defender that will be positioned above the V8 model just introduced a couple of weeks ago.

The premium brand automaker says this will be made possible after the Jaguar Land Rover bought Defender specialist Bowler.

The target is to rival Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, says the Managing Director, Special Vehicle Operations at the ‎Jaguar Land Rover, Michael van der Sande.

He stated this in an interview with Australian magazine Carsales, according to a report by motor1.com.

Visual details that mark the V8 out from lesser Defenders are quad exhausts, dark grey, 22in alloy wheels and bright blue brake calipers.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in leather and suede, the steering wheel and gear lever are trimmed with Alcantara, and the dashboard has a satin black finish.

The man calling the shots at the JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division also spoke on the prospects of an amped-up SV or SVX derivative of the reputable off-roader.

When asked why the Defender V8 doesn’t carry either of the two suffixes in its name, van der Sande explained it lacks the “amount of technical changes you would expect on an SV product.”
His biggest clue regarding a potential new range topper for the Defender lineup came next when he was asked whether there would be a go-faster model: “Our purchase of Bowler last year was very intentional.”

He went on to explain the reason behind the decision to purchase the Defender specialist, mentioning JLR was “slightly underrepresented in performance off-roading.”

This possible flagship is likely to focus on strengthening the SUV’s capabilities off the beaten path rather than just simply adding power. After all, the Defender V8 already pumps out 518hp (386 kW) and 461 lb-ft (625 Nm) from its supercharged 5.0-liter V8, so it’s certainly not lacking in the power department.

The starting price would significantly increase over the regular Defender V8, which already isn’t exactly cheap.

The smaller two-door 90 begins at $97,200 while the bigger four-door 110 will set you back $100,400, and that’s before the destination charges. It’s too soon to say upon which body style a Bowler-prepared version would be based but expect it to cost well into six figures. For the sake of comparison, a Mercedes-AMG G63 retails for $156,450 before options.

Before the Defender gets Bowler’s off-road treatment, Land Rover will extend the SUV’s lineup with the long-awaited 130 model.

Due within the next 18 months, the family-friendly specification will add a third row after stretching the body to 201 inches (5.1 metres) while retaining the Defender 110’s wheelbase.

The reports adds that a pickup truck could follow at some point as the Tata Motors-owned brand wants to greatly diversify the Defender family to attract a wider customer base.

Last month, Land Rover confirmed plans for a fully electric version of the Defender.

The V8 is a supercharged 5.0-litre petrol unit that produces 518bhp and 461lb ft of torque. It is slightly down on the figures of the Range Rover Sport SVR, but still enough for 0-60mph in 4.9sec and a top speed of 149mph.

The Defender V8 has a unique suspension tuning and an electronic active rear differential to improve its cornering composure and agility.

It also has a new dynamic driving mode, which sharpens up the accelerator and steering responses, further tightens body control and turns up the volume on the engine.

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Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award

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Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award

Jetour Nigeria has consolidated its position as the exclusive representative of the Jetour brand in the country following its 2022 appointment by Jetour International.

The company said the move to clarify its exclusive status came after its successful hosting of the “Jetour Experience” in Lagos, where it unveiled its nationwide dealership structure and addressed lingering market ambiguity over distribution rights.

Since securing the mandate in 2022, Jetour Nigeria has led the importation, distribution, and provision of manufacturer-backed after-sales services for the brand’s full vehicle range in the country.

Its growing influence recently earned global recognition at the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, where the firm received the “Market Share Leadership Award 2025,” underscoring its dominance in the African market.

To strengthen nationwide service delivery, the company operates through a network of seven authorised dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors.

These partners, according to the company, are the only entities authorised to sell and service Jetour vehicles in Nigeria.

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At the four-day exhibition held at the Podium Events Centre, the dealers provided product information and customer engagement services, reinforcing what the company described as a unified and regulated distribution ecosystem.

“The ‘Jetour Experience’ was more than a celebration; it was a statement of clarity,” noted a representative of Jetour Nigeria. “By bringing our seven authorized dealers together under one roof, we have shown the public exactly where the Jetour brand lives.

“Since our 2022 appointment, we have invested heavily in a structure that guarantees customers genuine parts, expert technicians, and valid warranties—benefits, only available through our official channels.”

The company also received a boost from the visit of Anguo Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, who commended the Nigerian team for its rapid expansion and infrastructure investment.

Industry recognition has followed the brand’s growth, with awards including the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association’s New Entrant of the Year, Fastest Growing Auto Brand, and Car of the Year for the Jetour Dashing.

Jetour Nigeria said its current lineup — including the rugged T2, plug-in hybrid models, and the flagship G700 — reflects its commitment to innovation and market leadership.

It advised customers to engage only its authorised dealer network to guarantee access to genuine parts, certified service, and full manufacturer warranty coverage.

 

Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award

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Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly

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Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly

Nigeria’s automotive landscape witnessed a significant shift on Wednesday as Soueast formally entered the Nigerian market, courtesy of the Kewalram Chanrai Group. The entry was marked by a media launch followed by a test drive of its full range of SUVs along the scenic Coastal Highway in Lagos, signalling a fresh wave of competition in the fast-evolving mobility space.

The high-profile event brought together dealerships, media, and auto enthusiasts, offering first-hand experience of the brand’s capabilities in real driving conditions.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Division of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Anil Sahgal, described the move as a strategic response to changing consumer expectations in Nigeria.

“For over 165 years, Kewalram Chanrai Group’s reputation has been built on trust delivered through consistency,” he said. “Our decision to bring Soueast into Nigeria is deliberate. Today’s Nigerian customer is more informed and focused on long-term value. There is a growing demand for vehicles that combine modern design, safety, technology, durability, and affordability — and Soueast fits precisely into this space.”

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The COO emphasized that the company is not merely introducing a new brand but backing it with robust infrastructure, including a structured dealership network, strong after-sales systems, skilled technical teams, and a long-term investment approach.

He noted that the SUVs unveiled had been engineered with Nigerian realities in mind, addressing road conditions, fuel efficiency concerns, durability needs, and total cost of ownership.

“This is not just a product launch; it is the beginning of a long-term commitment to a market that demands resilience, value, and consistency,” he added. “Our vehicles are built on three pillars — product integrity, adaptability, and value sustainability.”

Sahgal also disclosed plans to commence local assembly of the vehicles by the third quarter of 2026, underscoring the group’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market.

The highlight of the event was the test drive session along the Coastal Road, where participants assessed the performance, comfort, and handling of the Soueast range under real traffic and road conditions — a move widely seen as a confidence-building step by the company.

Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly

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CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

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CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

 

CFAO Mobility has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of its flagship CFAO Mobility Open Day, aimed at showcasing a wide range of innovative mobility solutions.

In a statement, the company said the event would take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am to 6pm.

The Open Day is expected to bring together leading global automotive and equipment brands in a dynamic exhibition tailored to meet diverse mobility needs.

Participating brands are Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Fuso, JCB, Howo, Sino Equipment, King Long, TechKing Tyres, Yamaha, Winpart and Auto Fast.

According to CFAO Mobility, attendees will experience an extensive display of products and services, ranging from brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to outboard engines, fleet management solutions, spare parts and aftermarket services.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature test drives, professional vehicle diagnostics and exclusive spare-parts deals, offering participants a hands-on and engaging experience.

The company urged car enthusiasts, business owners and prospective buyers to take advantage of the Open Day to explore mobility solutions tailored to their personal and business needs.

With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO Mobility remains a key player in the mobility and healthcare sectors.

It added that the Open Day reflects its continued commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused mobility solutions.

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