Defender Rally has taken the covers off its first official World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) challenger, the new Defender Dakar D7X-R, ahead of a full campaign beginning with the 2026 Dakar Rally in January.
The model is built from the new Land Rover Defender OCTA and modified for the challenge of the Dakar rally-raid event where it will compete in the FIA’s new Stock category. Although not a factory-backed entry, the Dakar D7X-R aims to demonstrate what near-production vehicles can achieve in demanding off-road environments.
+2 Photos
Based on the best Defender
The production starts at Defender’s Nitra plant in Slovakia, where each vehicle retains its original body architecture, driveline, transmission and 4.4L twin-turbo V8 from the Land Rover Defender Octa to comply with FIA Stock category rules.
It’s not just about using a big old V8, as the Dakar D7X-R uses sustainable fuel and an FIA-approved restrictor, while the standard 8-speed automatic gains a lower final-drive ratio to support high-traction demands such as dune climbs.
Reinforced for endurance
Defender Rally has upgraded the flagship Defender’s platform for the demands of rally-raid competition, including:
- Wider track (+60mm) and increased ride height
- 35-inch tyres and extended underbody protection
- New performance suspension with Bilstein damper partnership
- Bespoke 550L fuel tank for stages up to 800km
- Competition-spec roll cage and improved cooling
- Upgraded brakes with 6-piston front callipers
The team has also worked on the electronics to be managed by a single control unit for maximum robustness in the extreme conditions of the Dakar rally. A new “Flight Mode” automatically manages torque delivery in mid-air to ensure a safer landing, a feature tailored specifically for the high-speed dunes of Saudi Arabia.
Inside, the cabin of the Dakar D7X-R is stripped back and fitted with FIA-approved seating, navigation systems, and a driver configurable dashboard. The practicality of the Land Rover Defender is on display too with spare wheels and essential tools replacing the rear seats.
Designed for extreme rally-raid conditions
Defender Managing Director Mark Cameron said the Dakar programme reflects the brand’s long association with off-road capability and adventurous use.
“Defender Dakar D7X-R is the toughest Defender ever built. It carries the same core architecture and silhouette as Defender OCTA but has been developed to take on the ultimate competitive off-road adventure. Dakar pushes everything to the limit and competing in a rally-raid of this scale will authentically showcase Defender’s capability and robustness in the most extreme and harshest conditions on the planet”, he said.
Desert-inspired ‘Geopalette’ livery
The Dakar D7X-R introduces a new ‘Geopalette’ livery influenced by desert landscapes, with colours referencing sand, rock and limited water sources seen on rally-raid stages.
Driver lineup for Dakar 2026
Three Defender crews will compete in the Dakar D7X-R, led by:
- 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel with co-driver Mika Metge
- Rokas Baciuška with Oriol Vidal
- Sara Price with Sean Berriman
Team Principal Ian James leads the programme, supported by a crew that has logged more than 6,000km of prototype testing in off-road conditions.
+1 Photos
When will we see it?
The 2026 Dakar Rally begins in Saudi Arabia on 3 January, serving as Defender Rally’s competitive debut before continuing through the full W2RC season. The event will also mark the first appearance of the Defender Dakar D7X-R in top-level off-road motorsport.
Comments
New Comment