We first found out that Land Rover will add a new version to its Defender lineup back in March 2022. Joining the current 90 and 110 versions, customers will also be able to opt for a new 130 version moving forward.

The first time we've spotted it, the Defender 130 was playing in the snow somewhere in Sweden. Now, the prototype has been caught testing around the famous Nurburgring track.

At the moment, there are very few things we know about the next Defender 130. But, it seems that unlike the current 90 and 110 versions which use different wheelbases, the next 130 will be built on the same 119-inch wheelbase as the current 110. The only difference is a longer rear overhang and a larger side window that extends all the way to the back of the SUV. Land Rover will most likely use the extra length to improve leg room for third-row passengers and, of course, the cargo space.

Except for the extra length, the next Defender 130 will be identical to the 90 and 110 versions, on both the exterior and the interior.

And, while until recently we knew that the next 130 will be offered with the same engines as the 90 and the 110, these new spy shots suggest something different. If you look close you will spot double exhausts on each side, which suggest that under the hood there will be a more powerful V-8 engine.

Most likely it will use the same BMW-derived twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V-8 unit as the recently launched Range Rover. In this model, the engine delivers a total of 524 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, so expect some sort of similar output for the Defender, too.

Expect the new Defender 130 to be launched by the end of 2022 with sales to begin in early 2023.