A James Bond-themed new Defender and an electrified original have been announced.

AVOIDING death has become a common thread in announcements in respect to the new-generation and original versions of Land Rover’s most epochal model line.

The latest version has to spotlight with Land Rover SV Bespoke having created a new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition to celebrate the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, ahead of its imminent world premiere.

Meanwhile, Everrati Automotive Limited, which specialises in taking old models and re-energising them with electric drivetrains, has revealed its latest addition to its line-up: an electric version of the Land Rover Series IIA.

It implements a 60kWh battery pack and electric motor whose power output of 112kW and 300Nm of torque “reinvigorates” the car’s original character.

A range of up to 240 kilometres is promised. Whereas the original ran constantly in four-wheel-drive, the refurb delivers both two and four-wheel-drive modes, as well as hi/low ranges for optimised traction and dynamic ability dependent on the driving environment.

Everrati says the set-up ensures the car’s original access all areas capacity endures. Power steering and braking allow for a more accessible driving experience, whilst preserving and updating the feel of the Series IIA’s original controls.

The make has also tarted up the interior a bit. No pricing detail has been given by the specialist, based in Oxfordshire, England. It has also re-engineered Porsche 911s, the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda and Ford GT40 for electric propulsion.

There is no clarity about whether the Bond Edition Defender will be availed to New Zealand and for how much, though just 300 are being produced and just 15 are for the United Kingdom.

Inspired by the Defenders that appear in the movie – whose release, if not for Covid, would have timed neatly with the car’s global release more than a year ago – the Bond Edition dress-up applies to petrol V8 Defender 90 or 110 and delivers 22-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers and a ‘Defender 007’ rear badge.

The bespoke touches extend to the practical interior, with illuminated ‘Defender 007’ treadplates and a specially developed start-up animation for the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system touchscreen that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise. At night, customers will also spot unique ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics.

Finbar McFall, Land Rover brand director, said: “The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in No Time To Die. It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond.”

Defenders are at the heart of the action in No Time To Die alongside two Range Rover Sport SVRs. A Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III are also in the film, which will be released at the end of this month.

The model’s 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine, which produces 386kW, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-100kmh in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 240kmh.