The Defender would be a strong competitor to the AMG G63 with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine V8.

Land Rover is known to have big plans for expanding the Defender’s range. While those will not include a pickup but a high-performance version, it’s possible. A report by British magazine Auto Express states that an upgraded version of the resurrected offroader will benefit from the partnership with Land Rover and BMW.

The sportier Defender It is likely that it will be given the “SVR” badge in the same vein of JLR’s other high-performance models, such as the Range Rover SVR and F-Pace SVR, as well as the F-Type SVR with an electric motor. I-Pace SVR It is on the way. Similar to Jag’s flagship coupe, which is expected to be powered by BMW’s twin-turbo 4-liter engine, the Defender’s range-topper could borrow a Bavaria V8 powerhouse.

According to the report Land Rover already constructed a prototype Defender SVR using help from JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). The BMW engine produces 616 horsepower in its BMW X5 M, and possibly even more in its M5 CS. However, the prototype of the Defender SVR might be reduced to 500 horsepower. Auto Express claims the hotter Defender is aiming to take on the G63. However, the boxy Mercedes SUV boasts a much more powerful 577 horsepower.

The report mentions that Land Rover’s SUV will use the Defender 110 as its base. It has a standard four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic transmission and air suspension. Engineers might also add a Track Mode to Terrain Response 2 and larger brakes to accommodate larger wheels.

Land Rover is expected to introduce the Defender SVR within two years, if everything goes according the plan. In the meantime, Land Rover will introduce the Defender SVR in 2020. It is expected that it will have eight seats in the longer and more luxurious Defender 130.