DEFENDER OCTA LAUNCHES JCB HYDROMAX TO LAND SPEED RECORD GLORY

• A specially adapted Defender OCTA played a vital role as the JCB Hydromax set a new land speed record for a hydrogen combustion vehicle 

• A ‘push plate’ fitted to the front of 635PS Defender OCTA allowed it to move the JCB Hydromax from a standstill at the start of its record runs across Bonneville Salt Flats 

• Rules allow cars to receive a push for a maximum distance of 300m at the start of each run 

• Defender OCTA’s integrated winch mount provided the perfect basis for the push plate, while its 6D Dynamics suspension kept the contender steady under acceleration in the crucial early stage of the attempt 

GAYDON, UK – 11^th AUGUST 2026: Defender OCTA demonstrated its performance, capability and composure as it helped the hydrogen‑powered JCB Hydromax set a new land speed record. 

The fastest and most powerful Defender ever made was chosen for a vitally important role in the successful record attempt, which followed a week of tests at the Bonneville Salt Flats SpeedWeek event.  

With gearing aimed at high‑speed record setting, event regulations allowed the JCB Hydromax to receive a push start for up to 300m at the beginning of each run to help it get up to speed. After extensive analysis and testing, this vital role was entrusted to a Defender OCTA fitted with a bespoke push plate.  

As a result, the JCB Hydromax set a Southern California Timing Association Speed Record and Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) world hydrogen land speed record in Utah, USA. 

Defender OCTA features an integrated, crash‑tested winch mount, providing the perfect fixing point for the bespoke push plate attached to the front. Once the winch mount’s deformable crumple zone had been disabled and additional fixing points added – including a brace bar to the front recovery point on the Defender – the push plate was tested at speeds far in excess of those required by the JCB team, to ensure its robustness.  

During the record runs, the Defender OCTA was required to push the 2,550kg JCB Hydromax from a standstill to 60mph within 300m – at an effective altitude density equivalent of up to 2,244m (7,365ft) above sea level. This proved no challenge for the twin‑turbo V8 powertrain of Defender OCTA, with its 48V mild‑hybrid system providing improved throttle response and enhanced sprint performance. Above 60mph the record‑breaking hydrogen combustion land speed record car could accelerate under its own power.  

The advanced 6D Dynamics suspension fitted to every Defender OCTA contributed to its success. Its hydraulically‑interlinked and continuously variable semi‑active dampers eliminate both body roll and pitch under hard acceleration – crucial for maintaining the push plate angle during hard acceleration with JCB Hydromax.  

Defender OCTA’s high‑performance all‑terrain capability also came in handy at the end of each attempt, allowing it to quickly reach the JCB Hydromax ready for the return run – often miles away from the original push position.  

The JCB Hydromax set a new land speed record for a hydrogen combustion vehicle of 406.320 mph and was driven by world land speed record holder Andy Green OBE.