These pictures confirm that Land Rover is testing a new engine for the iconic Defender.
Didn’t the Land Rover only receive a new engine recently?
That’s true, though the switch to the Transit-derived 2.4-litre diesel did happen a few years back. This car is running a 2200cc oil burner, because the bigger 2.4 Puma engine apparently can’t meet forthcoming emissions regulations.
That means out with the 121bhp and 268lb ft 2.4, and in with the 2.2, but despite the smaller size expect a boost in power and torque outputs, plus performance, while the new engine should also help improve on the current car’s 27.5mpg and 274g/km CO2 output too.
We’re not yet sure when the new engine will be introduced into the Defender, but Land Rover has a whole host of new product on the way in the next 12 months, including a facelifted Freelander, the new LRX and a new 4.4 TDV8 so it’s another engineering matter to keep the Midlands team very busy.
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