by Presentation of the New Defender Dakar D7X-R
Land Rover has introduced the most robust version of the Defender, specifically designed for participation in the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship, including the legendary Dakar rally. The powerful Defender Octa will compete in the “Stock” category, driven by 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel.
Exterior and Construction
The rally car Defender Dakar D7X-R looks even more aggressive than the prototypes tested earlier. The regulations allow only limited changes compared to the series-produced Defender Octa, including an updated body kit for improved cooling, stronger underbody protection, and improved approach and departure angles.
Among the changes are wider fenders, cutouts on the bumpers and sills, a vented hood, a larger air intake, dual snorkels, LED roof lights, and the absence of a spare wheel mount on the rear doors. The car also received a special “Geopalette” livery, inspired by desert landscapes, which mimics the shades of stone, earth, and water.
Technical Updates
More important are the technical improvements: the Dakar D7X-R is fitted with 35-inch tires, and its track width and ground clearance have been increased thanks to an updated suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers. The braking system has also been enhanced with ventilated discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.
The 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine is borrowed from the Defender Octa but will run on sustainable fuel. The eight-speed automatic transmission remains the same as in the series model, but has a reduced final drive ratio for off-road competition.
Electronics and Interior
A new racing control unit manages the car’s electronics, including the “Flight Mode” function, which regulates torque distribution for a softer landing after jumping off dunes. Another special modification is the 550-liter fuel tank, designed for long race stages.
The car’s interior has been stripped of standard equipment and fitted with a safety cage, carbon fiber inserts, six-point harnesses for the sports seats, and additional displays. The rear seats were removed to free up space for three spare wheels, a tool kit, a compressor, hydraulic jacks, and a water tank.
Preparation for Competition
The Defender Dakar D7X-R is manufactured in Nitra, Slovakia, alongside the road-going Defender Octa. The prototypes have already covered over 6000 km of off-road testing before their debut at the rally in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.
The Dakar Rally will include over 80 hours of driving and 5000 km of special stages over two weeks. Behind the wheel of the Defender will be Stéphane Peterhansel/Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuška/Oriol Vidal and Sara Price/Shane Berriman, with Evan James appointed as the new team principal. Competitors in the “Stock” category include the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport and Nissan Patrol.
This project demonstrates how Land Rover adapts its series-produced models for extreme conditions, retaining key technologies such as the V8 engine, but supplementing them with specialized solutions for winning the world’s toughest rallies. The use of sustainable fuel and attention to details, such as the fuel tank for long distances, indicate the brand’s strategy of combining high technology with the demands of modern competition.
