“I’d like one that snarls and roars please. No, not too big. But mean as all hell. I’ll take it in black. Completely and utterly black.”
The Defender 90 (short wheelbase, two door) V8 Carpathian Edition roared onto my driveway with the ferocity of a prowling panther, promising power and agility. And so much noise. This feral four by four can conduct a symphony to the tune of 368kW, with a blistering payload of a 5.2 second sprint to 100kph. It will continue to tear off at the horizon before ultimately maxing out at 240kph. But you don’t need to break the speed limit to appreciate its charm.
Behind the wheel, you become the alpha predator, commanding the road with a thrilling blend of speed, precision – but mostly intimidation. Having black-on-black massive 22″ inch alloys hoops in each gaping arch only helps. It’s a hell of a drug having this much grunt underfoot, and an exterior equally aggressive – think wild cat in its natural habitat, coiled up and ready to strike. So indulge I did, twisting it into Drive and burying the loud pedal into the carpet. What followed was mega, a raucous soundtrack and enough torque to shove you deeply into your seat.
Opting for the two-door model may be deemed a selfish choice, but in the driver’s seat, it’s a declaration of unapologetic indulgence. The intimate cabin cocoons you in a world where the thrill of the ride takes precedence over all else. It’s a selfish pleasure, but one that amplifies the connection between man and machine. And gosh, there’s a lot of toys here too. In addition to a plethora of safety equipment, there’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay syncing with a mega 11.4 inch infotainment system. Driving modes? Don’t be silly, there’s a rotary knob full of them. Also present, moody cabin lighting, three-zone climate control with rear heating and cooling plus a heated suedecloth helm. Also, illuminated metal treadplates featuring the obligatory V8 branding, in case you forgot.
In this V8 Carpathian Edition – named after the mountain range and not a blend of car and panther (after all), you’re not just driving; you’re embracing all that’s wild and visceral. It’s a manifestation of power, sophistication, and a touch of rebelliousness. Point it along some gravel like I did and it only endears itself more with handling to match its urgency. At R2,9mil, there’s very little chance (none in fact) that I’ll be tame one myself, but it remains one of the most lustworthy cars I’ve driven in the last few weeks.