DEFFENDER OCTA

with AETRAL

The Defender OCTA is the most dynamic, capable, and luxurious Defender ever. Designed for unmatched performance both on and off-road. Inspired by the toughness and rarity of diamonds, Defender OCTA combines extreme durability with luxury.

We had the exciting opportunity to contribute to the Land Rover Defender OCTA Launch Film, focusing on the car’s stunning appearance. Our key role was to highlight its technical innovations, power, and detailed mechanical animations.

FULL VIDEO HERE

Scope

The development focused on high performance, luxury, and robustness. In a desolate wasteland, the car forms in response to the command of the OCTA explosion, materializing piece by piece, merging with the sound waves.
 
The mechanical animations must be realistic and precise, with materials dynamically changing throughout the process.

Wheels and Suspension

The appearance and dynamic simulation of the wheel required a unique approach, combining material transitions based on global positioning with relative appearance effects linked to the car. This was achieved while animating the wheel’s plastic deformation under dynamic loads, ensuring both visual accuracy and realistic material behavior.
One of the most complex elements of the animation was the suspension system. The rigging had to be meticulously crafted to accurately replicate real-world dynamics, allowing the suspension to adapt seamlessly to the off-road terrain. The wheels are triggered by a ground detector, which activates the skeleton attached to the wheels, handling interactions and constraints. This approach brought the air-sprung double wishbone suspension to life, ensuring realistic and responsive movement.

The Engine

The V8 engine animation captures the oscillating motion of the connecting rods and pistons attached to the crankshaft, the chain-driven camshafts, and the rotation of the valve train and rocker arms. This is combined with dynamic material transitions relative to the car’s movement, showcasing the metamorphosis and formation of the components as the engine comes to life.

Cover and Bumper

Finally, the sequence concludes with the assembly of the engine covers and external cooling system, highlighting the newly developed front bumper as the finishing touch to the animation.

Technical Breakdown

The entire suspension system functions as a single unit, incorporating air springs, the steering mechanism, drive rods, rubber bellows, control arms, brake calipers, and brake discs. The system’s optimization was preceded by a hierarchical model structure, ensuring proper material usage throughout.

The Rig

Complex mechanical parts are designed to work realistically, adapting to uneven ground. The suspension system, including control arms and drive rods, is rigged with accurate kinematic constraints, allowing it to follow the terrain smoothly. This ensures the system performs well and stays strong, no matter the surface.

Credits

Direction & Production
PEBBLE, AETRAL

 

TECHNICAL 3D, Appear Design
MotionTech – 3D animations

 

Client
LAND ROVER

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