American Company Creates LS3 V8 Powered Land Rover Defender

Land Rover built small run of ten limited-edition Defender SVX models for the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, which were based on the crew cab pickup version of the Defender and featured lifted suspension, 37-inch off-road tires, a full roll cage, Recaro seats and other upgrades that gave it an exterior appearance that was quite literally fit for a bond villain.

Some of those Land Rover Defender SVX examples were later auctioned off, but because the vehicle is so rare, it’s unlikely you’ll ever come across one. That’s where South Carolina-based tuning shop Himalaya comes in, though, which has developed a new Land Rover Defender tuning program that converts a regular Defender crew cab pickup into a custom, SVX-inspired creation they have appropriately dubbed the Spectre.

The centerpiece of the Himalaya Spectre is a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 crate engine from Chevrolet Performance, which is making 525 horsepower in the application and is paired with a GM six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive transfer case. Himalaya will also slap a Whipple supercharger on top of the LS3 for extra cash, or if you’re feeling a bit more sensible, a Cummins 2.8-liter turbo diesel is available, too.

Other highlights of the package include 37-inch off-road tires, Brembo brakes, Fox Racing remote reservoir shocks, a Warn winch, front and rear skid plates, a front bull bar and a custom spare wheel holder. There are some minor luxuries inside, too, such as an Alcantara headliner, leather seating, a Kenwood head unit and JL Audio speakers.

More information on the Himalaya Spectre is available via the company’s website.

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