ECD Auto Design Unveils 700HP Supercharged Defender for Power-Hungry Collectors
Source: ECD Auto Design
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
In the world of automotive restoration, few names command as much reverence as ECD Auto Design. This month, the Kissimmee-based builder—already known for its obsessive craftsmanship and luxury-caliber reimaginings of British icons—just raised the bar. Officially announced on May 13, 2025, ECD has launched its most powerful powertrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8 engine, now available across its lineup of custom Land Rover Defenders and, for the first time ever, as an option for Range Rover Classic commissions.
But this isn’t about shock value. The new engine upgrade reflects the desires of ECD’s clientele—those who appreciate timeless design but want performance that speaks in horsepower and torque.
A 700HP Defender with Muscle in its DNA
The centerpiece of the new configuration is a supercharged BLUEPRINT V8—an LS-based platform that ECD has been refining for years. Known for its reliability and performance potential, the LS family provided the groundwork, while ECD’s engineering team focused on integrating it into the Defender’s classically boxy form.
“We’ve worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural. 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.”
Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD
Key upgrades include a reengineered front-end rotating assembly designed to accommodate the integrated supercharger, along with enhanced cooling systems to manage the increased thermal demands. Transmission, transfer case, and differentials are also upgraded to match the output, ensuring the drivetrain remains as balanced as it is brutal. The ECU tuning and throttle mapping are refined as well, preserving the smooth, responsive feel that owners expect from a luxury build—no matter how much power lies beneath the bonnet.
Performance-Driven Customization Without Compromise
Every ECD commission is handcrafted over the course of 2,200 hours. The result is not only a unique vehicle but a fully tailored experience that allows owners to influence every detail. This new powertrain slotting into the lineup only expands those options, catering to clients who want acceleration on par with modern supercars—without giving up the silhouette of their dream Defender.
“It’s not about chasing numbers. It’s about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.”
Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD
That philosophy runs through every aspect of ECD’s process, from initial concept renderings to final test drives. Now, with the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic, clients can enjoy the analog thrill of a heritage SUV paired with the power and precision of 21st-century engineering.
Available Across the Defender and Range Rover Classic Range
The supercharged BLUEPRINT V8 is now offered across all ECD Defender platforms—including the 90, 110, and 130—along with Range Rover Classic builds. The first commission is already in production, and demand is expected to spike as word spreads through collector and enthusiast circles.
Based in a 100,000-square-foot facility in Florida, ECD Auto Design is more than a restoration shop—it’s a design house with mechanical muscle. Each vehicle is built by ASE-certified craftsmen (including five master-level technicians) and supported by a U.K. logistics center that sources 25-year-old workhorses ready for transformation.
ECD has built its reputation by turning icons into statements, and with this latest performance evolution, that statement just got a lot louder.