Land Rover continues the development of the upcoming Defender V8 model, with a prototype spotted outside Nürburgring, Germany.

The test car looks almost identical to a regular Land Rover Defender 110, just like the last time our spies caught it in action, but details like the bigger brakes, the quad tailpipes and of course the “Prototype Vehicle” sticker on the bonnet leave no doubt that there is a V8 engine hiding under that bonnet.

Speaking of which, the range-topping Defender is expected to become the last Land Rover to use the supercharged 5.0-liter engine, which is set to go out of production later this year.

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Previous license plate checks have revealed that there’s a 5.0-liter engine and not a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter one, as the next-generation Range Rover models are set to use. Earlier reports suggested that Jaguar Land Rover has been stockpiling the Ford-built V8 unit before the Bridgend engine factory shuts down, which means that the Defender V8 will be launched as a limited-volume model rather than a regular series-production one.

Power is expected to be around the 500-HP mark, given that the Defender V8 won’t be a full-on SVR model, and will be accompanied by that classic thunderous soundtrack this engine is known for. A model-specific air suspension will be standard fit to help cope with the added power but Land Rover is keen on retaining the Defender’s off-road capabilities as well.

The finished production version of the Land Rover Defender V8 is expected to feature a number of design changes, including new bumpers front and rear, bigger wheels, and a different hood to separate itself from its weaker siblings. The interior will be similarly jazzed up with a pair of body-hugging seats and special trim options.

The range-topping V8 variant of the Land Rover Defender is expected to be offered only in the longer 110 body style; however, due to the special nature of the model, Land Rover could offer this engine with the shorter three-door model as well. Land Rover is going to reveal the new Defender V8 sometime in 2021.

2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?
2021 Land Rover Defender V8: Would You Like 500 HP With Your New British 4×4?

Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops