This Land Rover Defender Bond special is ready to rally

There's nothing quite like the all-new Land Rover Defender. Succeeding the original Defender of yesteryears, the 4x4 SUV now has modern features, new high-end cabin amenities, and a choice between mild-hybrid turbocharged engines, torquey turbo-diesel powertrains, and a hulking supercharged V8.

While it's known for taking on the road less traveled with ease, it's not exactly known for rally racing...until now. Land Rover will be fielding a Defender 90 at the North Wales leg of the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge.

Set to drive the rally-prepped Defender 90 is three-time British Rally Champion and Bond stunt driver Mark Higgins. The rally/stunt driver has been at the wheel in four James Bond films – Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die. Higgins will be accompanied by co-driver Claire Williams.

The competition-ready Defender is based on a current 90 Series and is powered by the P300 Ingenium engine. It's a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 300 PS along with 400 Nm of torque. To ensure the powertrain can endure the grueling rally stage, it's been fitted with an improved cooling system for the engine and transmission.

It also comes with a sports exhaust, a new rear roof spoiler, a full roll cage, 18-inch Bowler wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and a bespoke suspension with modified subframes and new springs for a stiffer ride.

A unique feature of this rally-going Defender 90 is its black & gold Bond livery complete with the iconic '007' logo. Seen on the doors, tailgate, and roof, the special wrap commemorates the 60^th anniversary of the James Bond films – starting with the 1962 movie 'Dr. No'.

“The new Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line and I’ve seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of No Time To Die. With the race-ready enhancements made by the Bowler team and with Claire by my side we are confident we can have a great result,” said Higgins.

With the North Wales rally set to happen in just a couple of days, we do hope the Defender gets a proper shaking on March 26.