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The Thrill of Abusing the 250 Million Won Defender Octa Black: An Off-Road Masterpiece [Test Drive]

From Hankyoreh · (7m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Land Rover's Defender Octa Black, the most powerful in its series, was tested on off-road and circuit courses in South Korea.
  • The vehicle boasts a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo mild-hybrid engine producing 635 horsepower, comparable to high-performance SUVs from Porsche and Lamborghini.
  • Priced at approximately $180,000, the Octa Black offers extreme off-road capabilities, including advanced suspension and terrain management systems, alongside impressive on-road acceleration.

The Defender Octa Black isn't just a car; it's an experience that redefines the limits of off-road capability. Driving this beast, which shares its name with the octahedron, the hardest mineral on Earth, is a visceral encounter with raw power and engineering prowess. From the moment the "Body & Soul Seat" vibrates with the thunderous notes of Lynyrd Skynyrd to the exhilarating launch across unpaved terrain, the Octa Black commands attention.

The legendary guitar solo began to pound through my entire body via the 1st row 'Body & Soul Seat,' which converts sound into physical touch.

โ€” Article AuthorDescribing the initial sensory experience inside the Defender Octa Black.

During the media test drive at the Belport Moto Arena in Chungbuk, we pushed the 2.6-ton vehicle to its limits. Its 635-horsepower engine, a marvel of engineering, rockets the Octa Black from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4 seconds, a feat that defies its imposing size. The "Octa Mode" optimizes the vehicle for the most challenging conditions, transforming the driving experience into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

The 2665kg heavy black body did not hesitate and shot out like a cannonball towards the unpaved road ahead.

โ€” Article AuthorIllustrating the immediate acceleration of the vehicle.

Navigating steep inclines and treacherous rocky paths felt effortless, thanks to features like the "Clear Sight Ground View," which projects an image of the terrain beneath the bonnet, and the intelligent descent control that manages speed without driver intervention. Even crossing deep water obstacles was handled with a composure that belied the vehicle's sheer mass. This is not merely transportation; it's a statement of dominance over any landscape.

The thrill of abusing a car worth nearly 250 million won without hesitation washed over me.

โ€” Article AuthorExpressing the feeling of pushing the expensive vehicle to its limits.

While the price tag of 245.47 million won (approximately $180,000) places it in a rarefied stratum, the Defender Octa Black delivers an unparalleled driving sensation. It's a machine that allows drivers to indulge in the 'thrill of abusing' a nearly $200,000 vehicle, pushing it to its absolute limits on challenging courses. For enthusiasts who crave extreme performance and the ultimate off-road adventure, the Octa Black offers an unmatched, albeit expensive, thrill.

The Octa model name is inspired by the octahedron structure of diamond, the hardest mineral on Earth, making it suitable for appealing to a strong and attractive exterior and robust durability.

โ€” Article AuthorExplaining the origin and meaning of the 'Octa' model name.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.