The British publication Auto Express, citing insider information, reports on the possible use of BMW engines in the new generation of the Land Rover Defender SUV.
Cooperation between Land Rover and BMW in the technical field began with the signing of an agreement in mid-2019. As part of this partnership, the companies plan to work together on the creation of electrified powertrains of the new generation. In the future, it is possible to expand cooperation in the development of classic petrol and diesel engines as well.
The work on the high-performance modification Defender SVR was undertaken by the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division. Its engineers have already assembled a prototype at the plant in Gaydon. The basis for the power unit will be a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from BMW, which, for example, on the X5 M model develops 625 horsepower.
However, for the Defender SVR, this engine will be detuned to approximately 500 horsepower. The SUV will also receive a refined eight-speed automatic gearbox and air suspension. A special algorithm optimized for driving on a race track will be added to the proprietary Terrain Response 2 driving mode selection system.
