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The Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R Is Ready To Tackle The World's Toughest Rally
British SUV specialists Land Rover have revealed the Defender D7X-R, the firm's entry for the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally that kicks off in Saudi Arabia on the 3rd of January 2026.
Land Rover will field three Defender D7X-R in the 2026 Dakar Rally. The driver line-up includes 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel, along with Rokas Baciuška and Sara Price.
The Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R is, in essence, a rally-spec version of the Defender Octa built to compete in the Dakar Rally under the World Rally-Raid Championship's new Stock category. The Defender Dakar D7X-R uses the production model as its starting point but features a host of rally-specific mods.
The Defender Dakar D7X-R keeps the BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the standard Defender Octa. The engine's output will be managed by the same eight-speed automatic gearbox fitted to the road-going version to meet with "Stock" category regulations.
Cooling hardware on the D7X-R has been reworked for rally duty. The D7X-R replaces the road car's three-radiator layout with a single large radiator. Extra 12-volt fans have been added for airflow, and a particle filter with an intake restrictor is fitted for sand protection and FIA compliance.
The Defender Dakar D7X-R will run on sustainable fuel during the Dakar. The SUV's engine output will also be reduced from the production figure of 626bhp to match rally-raid regulation limits. This will be done through a restriction of the air intake setup, allowing the V8 to operate within the power window specified for the category.
The transmission setup also remains largely standard. However, the final-drive ratio is shorter than that of the regular Defender Octa. This change prioritises stronger torque at lower speeds, a setup suited to soft surfaces, steep dunes and rugged terrain the Dakar D7X-R will experience at the Dakar in Saudi Arabia.
Other mechanical parts of the Dakar D7X-R have been heavily upgraded compared to the Defender Octa. The Defender Dakar D7X-R features Bilstein dampers along with a raised ride height. The track of the rally-spec Defender has been increased by 60mm and it rides on 35-inch off-road tyres mounted to wheels sized specifically for rally-raid use.
Braking components are upgraded for competition. The D7X-R is fitted with bespoke brakes featuring multi-piston callipers at each corner, matched to components designed to handle high temperatures of the Saudi desert.
The fuel capacity of the Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R has risen significantly compared the production Defender Octa. The rally car carries a 550-litre fuel tank packaged to support long Dakar stages.
Exterior changes to the SUV are focused on function. The Defender Dakar D7X-R gains extended wheel arches, revised bumpers and modified bodywork to increase approach and departure angles. Additional underbody shielding is installed, and the rear seats have been removed to make room for three externally accessible spare wheels.
Inside, the standard interior is stripped and replaced with competition equipment. The cabin receives a full roll cage, FIA-approved racing seats, multi-point harnesses and an FIA-regulated navigation system. Switchgear and control panels have been redesigned for co-driver operation during rally-raid stages.
Speaking about the new Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R, Ian James, Team Principal of Defender Rally said, "Defender is driving into the unknown - to overcome the dunes, handle the heat and race flat‑out against the clock. We know Dakar represents one of the toughest challenges in motorsport - but that's exactly why we are entering. Following an intense testing programme, the team are ready for the adventure ahead and the Defender Dakar D7X‑R has been built to take it on. With world‑class partners and some of the best rally‑raid drivers on the planet, we'll give it our all. I'm incredibly proud and excited to make our competitive debut in the W2RC, and I look forward to what the season will bring."
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