powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre mild-hybrid V8, sourced from BMW. This engine creates 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of four seconds. With the most highway-friendly of three different sets of tires available, the OCTA can hit a top speed of 250 km/h. It’s very fast, especially for a large SUV that can also work wonders when the pavement ends. When that very thing happens, the OCTA counters with the 6D Dynamics suspension system with hydraulically interlinked components. This same suspension system is used in the latest Range Rover Sport SV, where it creates an incredible breadth of capability— essentially, it’s a luxury off-road SUV that can also lay down competitive lap times on your average racetrack. For the OCTA, breadth of capability is again the objective, but it’s instead engineered more for high-speed prowess on unpaved surfaces. Other features unique to this mighty Defender include a raised ride height (plus 28 mm over a regular Defender 110), wider track (plus 68 mm), extended wheel arches, aluminum underbody protection, and revised front and rear bumpers. These features create a better approach angle, improved departure angle, increased wading capability and increased resistance to tight scrapes. Once we arrive at Bushmans Kloof, the driving becomes more adventurous. We tackle some sections of steep and jagged rock, nothing too extreme and certainly nothing beyond the capabilities of the vehicle. What these sections demonstrate, really, is how utterly unstoppable the OCTA is, regardless of the angle of attack. In a different section of the massive reserve, co-drivers jump on-board and guide us around a closed course that skirts a small body of water. Here, we’re instructed to press and hold the diamond- shaped button at the bottom of the steering wheel, which triggers the OCTA drive mode, unleashing the full potential of the V-8 and preloading a special off-road launch control system.
"We hammer along these roads at a decent clip. Speed limits are 80 km/h in most spots. There’s little traffic to contend with, but the ruts and loose dirt are significant every so often."
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