Ares Defender V8 Hardtop: the reinvention of the off-roader

Elevating the status of an off-roader like the Land Rover Defender is an interesting endeavour. Ares is one of the companies that dares to do it and for some time now has offered a transformation of this vehicle to turn it into something very interesting. The latest version of this model to come out of its workshops is the Ares Defender V8 Hardtop, an evolution of the Ares Defender V8 presented in 2018.

It claims to be the definitive version (so far) of the model. Ares manufactures components for the Land Rover, so it can use materials that can be found in the brand’s official models. But to shape its versions, they work to enhance the capabilities and characteristics of these.

Italian design for the British off-roader

The design of the Ares Defender V8 Hardtop was created by the design studio Centro Stile, from Modena. It then moved to Ares’ smart factory, where OEM technology was used alongside the artisanal manufacturing the company is known for. From the manufacture of the chassis to the final finish of the bodywork, all the work is carried out at the Italian plant.

The design is based on the Land Rover Series 1 from 1948, with its angular shapes. Several modifications have been applied and it has been brought into the 21st century to make it far more interesting. Among the features of the exterior design, larger rear windows and a panoramic sunroof stand out , which gives the occupants a great amount of sunlight.

Exterior design

The suspension that has been used raises the ground clearance by 35 millimetres, and the Ares design 18-inch wheels fitted with Cooper Discover tyres help reinforce the vehicle’s powerful image. Other highlights of the design are the wider wheel arches, the carbon-fibre bonnet from Ares Design and the front end. This has been manufactured from a single piece of carbon fibre and includes a new grille and the powerful LED technology headlights.

Interior design

Inside, there is a luxury finish featuring high-quality leather, carbon fibre, wood and aluminium trim. This creates a sense of comfort in all the seats of the off-roader.

The on-board technology has also improved. Above all, the accessibility of all the controls needed to keep control at all times. The instrument panel, the infotainment system screen, the leather steering wheel and the placement of the controls and switches help the driver feel at the centre of the action on board.

Engine

To power this design piece, the Ares Defender V8 Hardtop features a V8 engine that delivers 355 CV and a maximum torque of 519 Nm. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

To enhance its off-road capabilities, the Ares Defender V8 Hardtop has improved aspects such as the transmission system, the driveshafts and the constant-velocity joints. The braking system has also been upgraded, with larger discs and six-piston calipers. The ORAM variable suspension system offers two driving modes, Sport and Comfort, to adjust the traction characteristics to the terrain being driven.

Production will be limited to a few units, which will be sold at a price of 235,000 euros. The total number of units has not been announced, but the order book has been opened so that no one is left without their luxury off-roader.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadLand Rover Defender23 versions · from 78,700 €