ECD Automotive Design Reveals its Most Powerful Defender Yet

ECD Automotive Design, a customizer of Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BluePrint V-8. This new engine is now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds, according to company officials in a press release.

ECD says the new engine is a direct result of client demand, bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700-hp option sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today, noted the press release.

“We’ve worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,” said Elliot Humble, co-founder and head of Engineering at ECD. “The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.”

Built on a Trusted Foundation

The company said that, rather than reinventing the wheel, it built on a trusted foundation—leveraging its extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar.

Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include:

• New front-end rotating assembly to house the integrated supercharger.
• Enhanced cooling systems to manage added thermal load.
• Upgraded transmission, transfer case and differentials to handle the increased torque.
• Refined ECU tuning and throttle mapping to maintain smooth drivability.

Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender or a Range Rover Classic have a new option in the company’s bespoke process.

Designed for Drivers Who Want a Timeless & Modern Vehicle

ECD goes on to say that this offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design, whether it’s cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection. The company says the 700-hp Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and modern.

“It’s not about chasing numbers,” added Humble. “It’s about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams drivable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve and deliver.”

Now Available for New Builds

ECD states that the 700-hp BluePrint engine is now available for Defender 90, 110 and 130 commissions, as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, the company expects this new option to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike.