A quarter of a million bucks is a bunch of Benjamins for what looks like an old Land Rover Defender that’s been to the custom shop. But the Twisted NA-V8 is a bit more than that. Under its familiar shape is a 6.2-liter Chevy V-8, a strengthened driveline, a fully revised suspension, and upgraded brakes. Inside is a completely refurbished interior that includes heated and cooled Recaro seats, a touchscreen infotainment and nav system, and a bespoke eight-channel audio setup.
Texas-based Twisted North America is a subsidiary of the British company that’s been selling highly specified high-performance Defenders under the Twisted brand for more than 20 years. It plans to sell just 200 hand-built, individually numbered Twisted NA-V8s in the U.S over the next five years.
Five models will initially be offered: the short wheelbase 90 Soft-Top and 90 Station Wagon, the long-wheelbase 110 Station Wagon and 110 Double Cab pickup, and the extended-wheelbase 130 Pickup, which combines the four-door Double Cab with a longer rear bed and one-ton payload capacity. All are powered by the 6.2-liter V-8, but Twisted North America also plans to announce a version with an all-electric powertrain in the near future.
In standard trim, the Twisted NA-V8 is powered by 455-hp 6.2-liter LT1 shared with the Camaro SS. But customers can also order a high-performance version powered by the supercharged 650-hp 6.2-liter LT4 engine that first appeared in the 2015 Corvette Z06, and which is now available as a GM crate motor. Twisted also offers a custom tuning service that will extract even more power out of each engine. Buyers are also offered the choice of an eight-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. To cope with the extra power, the Twisted NA-V8 is fitted with heavy-duty differentials, driveshafts, and half-shafts.
Suspension upgrades include Bilstein shocks with custom valving, plus Eibach springs. The Defender’s trademark long wheel travel has been retained to ensure off-road capability, but Twisted engineers say on-road understeer has been dramatically reduced. High-performance Alcon disc brakes, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units at the rear, have also been fitted.
In addition to the interior upgrades mentioned above, the Twisted NA-V8 comes with high-quality leather trim, a custom center console, new switchgear, and an enhanced soundproofing and insulation package. The standard equipment list also includes cruise control, power windows, parking and blind-spot sensors, and front- and rear-facing cameras with wide angle views.
Twisted offers a standard range of 11 colors that recall classic Land Rover Defender hues such as Marine Blue, Willow Green, and Bahama Gold, or will paint to sample. Each NA-V8 will take six months to build and will come with a 24-month/20,000-mile warranty, with the GM-sourced engines and transmissions covered for 24 months or 50,000 miles.
“The United States market has come to a point where rugged, luxury SUVs from Germany and Europe are a dime a dozen,” says Twisted North America managing partner and CEO, Tom Maxwell. “The NA-V8 is the ultimate expression of individuality—on-road, off-road, and in mindshare when it comes to standing out in a sea of existing luxury SUVs.” For $250,000 you’d expect nothing less.
