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

Published

5 years ago

March 9, 2021

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.

Related Topics:Defender V8 Featured jaguar Land Rover

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

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

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.

Auto

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.

From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.

The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.

Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.

Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.

The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.

In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.

Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.

The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70

The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus

The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)

The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing

Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.

In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.

The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.

“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”

Auto

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Published

2 weeks ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Rising fuel prices in Nigeria are accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as households, transport operators, and businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Experts say the spike in petrol costs is no longer just an economic concern but a turning point, pushing electric mobility from a futuristic idea into a practical solution for everyday commuting and commercial use.

At the Abuja Compact on Electric Mobility Roundtable, stakeholders highlighted how increasing transport expenses are reshaping decisions, especially among commercial drivers and small business owners. Rising fuel costs are prompting many Nigerians to see EVs as a survival strategy rather than a luxury option.

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, explained that the removal of fuel subsidies has widened the cost gap between petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. Charging an EV for a 200-kilometre journey costs around ₦4,500, compared to roughly ₦22,500 for petrol vehicles — a difference that offers a “strong economic incentive” influencing consumer choices. Ahmed added that the federal government is pursuing a balanced transition strategy supporting both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles to encourage sustainable energy alternatives.

Financial solutions are helping Nigerians overcome the high upfront costs of EVs. Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head at Alternative Bank, noted that lease-to-own, pay-as-you-go, and partnership schemes are making EVs accessible to drivers in the informal transport sector. These financing models allow gradual adoption while easing financial burdens.