Land Rover Defender Gets An LS3 V8 Upgrade From Fusion

We’re anxiously awaiting the return of the Land Rover Defender but, in the meantime, the Fusion Motor Company has taken the wraps off its new LS3 Corvette Powertrain Package for the iconic off-roader.

Recently installed on a Santorini Black Defender 110, the package includes a new 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine from General Motors. The engine is the same one used in the Corvette Stingray and it produces 430 hp (320 kW) which is 122 hp (90 kW) more than the Defender’s previous 3.9-liter powerplant.

As part of the transformation, the company has installed a GM-sourced six-speed automatic transmission and adapted it to mate with the Defender’s original transfer case. However, customers can also order an aftermarket Atlas transfer case and custom heavy-duty axles.

Besides the upgraded powertrain, this particular Defender has been outfitted with a new grille and 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels which are wrapped in Nitto Ridge Grappler all-terrain tires. The SUV also has LED headlights, a new front bumper and side steps.

Since this Defender is from 1991, its interior was given a modern makeover with two-tone leather upholstery and piano black accents. Fusion also installed a leather-wrapped steering, new carpeting, a suede headliner and a 7-inch Pioneer infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility.