The Classic Land Rover Defender Gets An Upgraded V8 Engine With Over 400 Horsepower

Owners of the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 can get a 411 hp V8 engine, upgraded suspension and brakes and expert fitment in selected markets.

Land Rover’s Classic division wants to put a real V8 back under the hood of the last analog Defenders the company produced. The Works V8 Conversion program entails the installation of a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine in Defender models with a Puma diesel engine from the L316 generation.

The engine develops 411 hp and 515 Nm of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. It is the centerpiece of a wider upgrade program covering suspension, wheels, brakes and chassis components for the 90 and 110 models built between 2007 and 2016.

However, not every Defender from the Puma engine era qualifies for an engine swap itself. While the wider chassis and suspension packages span the entire production period from 2007 to 2016, the V8 conversion spans a much narrower time frame, so buyers need to check their vehicle’s build date before taking a serious interest in this option.

The package combines Bilstein dampers with Eibach springs for modified ride characteristics, along with Alcon’s four-piston caliper braking system. The front discs are 335mm, while the rear axle features 300mm discs, a serious upgrade over the Puma diesel Defender’s standard brakes.

Aesthetic and dynamic options are offered separately from engine work. Buyers can choose 16-inch steel wheels as a standard option or step up to 18-inch alloys, along with Works V8 badging and a redesigned transmission tunnel inside.

JLR Classic Director Dominic Elms describes the program as a flexible concept tailored to everything from daily drivers to collector vehicles. This initiative marks a departure from standard supercharged factory engines by offering a naturally aspirated V8. The conversion is exclusive to 2012–2016 Defender L316 90 and 110 models; however, owners of older models remain eligible for upgraded suspension and braking packages.

Owners can install components themselves via the Land Rover Classic Parts website or use an authorized dealer. For V8 conversions, Land Rover requires work to be done at their UK or Germany Classic Works facilities to ensure quality. Availability and pricing depend on the vehicle’s condition and regional market, with final confirmation provided after a specialist assessment.

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