Elite Traveler Fall 2022

INSPIRE TOP CARS

Go ford that river, rock-crawl that seemingly impossible route — like any Defender, this one will get it done

Land Rover Defender V8 Carpathian Edition For those who worship at the altar of the Defender, look no further. The 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine available in the punchy two-door 90 and the larger four-door 110 produces 518 hp and, according to the brand, “is the ultimate expression of the toughest 4x4.” A re-badged P525 (here’s looking at you, enthusiasts), the Carpathian Edition taps into the eight-cylinder, farm-vehicle chic meets the go-anywhere attitude of the 1970s V8 Land Rovers. For those who don’t, the V8 Carpathian Edition is the latest duo in a lineup of 18 derivatives. With bespoke chassis settings, distinct transmission and suspension tuning — including customizable spring and damper rates — the Carpathian Edition delivers a more layered driving experience. Go ford that river, rock-crawl that seemingly impossible route — like any Defender, this one will get it done. It’ll also turn heads at valet and school pickup, thanks to the quad-exit exhaust, 22-inch alloy wheels and Xenon Blue brake calipers. A recyclable PU-based wrap known as the Land Rover Satin Protective Film o ff ers a semi-matte fi nish designed to help protect against o ff -road brush and parking lot encounters in equal parts. The interior manages an Alcantara steering wheel, suede and black leather seats, and illuminated tread plates that read ‘V8,’ (should the noise levels not be a su ffi cient indicator of which Defender was selected.) Defender V8 Carpathian Edition 90 from $115,000; 110 from $118,400, landroverusa.com

Photos Nick Dimbleby, Fede e Dani, Triggershoots LTD