Twisted NA-V8 Is A 650-HP British G-Wagen Killer

Fans of the originalLand Rover Defenderare now in no short supply of alternatives to thedebatably soft new versionthat has just been launched. Earlier this week, theIneos Grenadierdebuted as an all-new off-roader to pick up where the original left off, but now, a British firm named Twisted is getting in on the action, unveiling the rough and rugged Twisted North America in NA-V8 form to fulfill all your Defender dreams and then some.

The original Defender was a hallowed off-road icon that survived in the same form for more than four decades before it eventually ended production. But despite its age, it was still as vastly capable 4x4 that has built up a cult following in the aftermarket scene. Built specifically for the North American market, the Twisted NA takes all the greatness of the icon and brings it into the 21st century in both style and luxury.

Based on the Defender, the Twisted NA lineup will be available in a full range of short-wheelbase 90, long-wheelbase 110, and pickup 130 variants, with classic icons like the 90 Soft-Top being made available. At the time of launch, the NA-V8 takes pride of place as the halo model of the range, equipped with a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine from the Chevrolet Corvette developing 455 horsepower as standard paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, a high-performance variant is also available, with a6.2-liter LT4 Corvette V8generating in excess of 650 hp.

Customers can request more power, though, and Twisted will be happy to oblige on a case by case basis with a range of solutions. It's not all power though, as the custom valved dampers and upgraded suspension are geared towards superiority both on- and off-road while six-piston front brakes and four-piston rears ensure maximum stopping power.

Everything has been overhauled, with upgraded heavy-duty differentials, drive shafts, and half shafts, as well as upgraded ABS and traction control systems, while a switchable exhaust system gives the V8 engines a range of soundtracks.

The interior receives a significant makeover, too, withheated and ventilated Recaro seats, upgraded materials from floor to ceiling, a custom center console, and additional sound deadening for added refinement. The vast consignment of features includes touchscreen infotainment with navigation, an eight-channel sound system developed exclusively for Twisted vehicles, and live app monitoring of the vehicle. Front and rear cameras aid maneuverability on and off-road, as do parking sensors and blind spot sensors, while mod-cons like electric windows and cruise control make the NA-V8 more livable.

Available in 110 Station Wagon, 90 Soft-Top, 90 Station Wagon, 110 Double Cab, and 130 Pickup models, the limited run of 200 vehicles carries a starting price of $250,000. Each car carries a lead time of approximately six months, and all carry a 24-month/20,000-mile warranty with the engine and gearbox covered for two years/50,000 miles.

There's more to come, though, and while details haven't been given, Twisted promises an all-electric 4x4 variant will soon be added to the range.