Land Rover Classic has launched a new limited edition of its Defender Works V8, inspired by the Scottish island of Islay and its famous whisky distilleries.
The Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is a bespoke version of the restored and upgraded Defender that was first introduced in 2018 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary off-road vehicle.
Only 25 units of the Islay Edition will be produced, each with a unique exterior color, interior trim, and bespoke features that reflect the heritage and craftsmanship of Islay’s whisky industry.
A tribute to Islay’s whisky culture
The Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is available in two body styles: 90 (short wheelbase) and 110 (long wheelbase). The exterior color is Ardbeg Bronze, named after one of the most famous distilleries on the island.
A contrasting Santorini Black roof, wheel arches, bonnet, grille, and rear door complement the color. The 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels are also finished in Santorini Black, while the brake calipers are painted in Ardbeg Bronze.
The front and rear bumpers are made of aluminum and feature LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. The side steps, door handles, fuel filler cap, and spare wheel cover are also made of aluminum.
The Islay Edition also features a special badge on the front grille and rear door, depicting a map of Islay with the coordinates of the Land Rover Experience Center at Ardtalla Estate, where customers can test drive their vehicles on challenging off-road courses.
The interior of the Islay Edition is equally distinctive, with a bespoke design that pays homage to Islay’s whisky culture. The seats are upholstered in Vintage Tan leather with Ebony piping and stitching, while the dashboard, door panels, headlining, and steering wheel are also covered in leather.
The center console features a custom-made wooden panel that resembles a whisky barrel lid, with the Land Rover logo and the vehicle’s unique number engraved on it. The panel also houses a hidden compartment that contains a bottle of 16-year-old Lagavulin single malt whisky and two branded glasses.
The interior also features a premium sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier, a classic-looking infotainment system with navigation and smartphone connectivity, air conditioning, heated seats, electric windows, remote central locking, and an alarm system.
A powerful performance
The Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is a stunning vehicle to look at and a powerful one to drive. It is powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that delivers 405 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and paddle shifters, as well as a two-speed transfer box and a torque-biasing center differential. The suspension, brakes, and steering have also been upgraded to improve the handling and ride quality of the vehicle.
The Islay Edition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds (6.2 seconds for the 110 model) and reach a top speed of 106 mph (limited). It also has a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds (3.5 tons).
