DAKAR RALLY 2026

Defender Dakar D7X-R

Land Rover has unveiled the new Defender D7X-R racing car, designed for the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship, including the legendary Dakar Rally.

It is an upgraded Defender Octa that will be raced in the “Stock” category by 14-time Dakar winner Stefan Peterhansel.

Among the most visible updates to the Defender Dakar D7X-R are wide fender flares, a ventilated hood, a larger intake, LED lights mounted on the roof...

The spare wheel carrier mounted on the tailgate has been removed to save weight.

The distinctive “Geopalette” graphics complete the look, and its desert-inspired tones reflect sand, rock and water.

The Dakar D7X-R rides on 35-inch tires, has wider wheel tracks and boasts increased ground clearance, thanks to an upgraded suspension system with Bilstein shock absorbers. Braking has also been improved with ventilated discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

The interior has been stripped down and fitted with a roll cage, carbon inserts, six-buckle racing seats and additional displays. The rear bench seat has been removed to make room for three full-size spare wheels, a tool kit, compressed air, hydraulic jacks and a water tank.

The Defender Dakar D7X-R is being built in Nitra, Slovakia, alongside the road-going Defender Octa. The prototypes have completed more than 6,000km of off-road testing ahead of their rally debut in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.

The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is taken from the Defender Octa, but now runs on sustainable fuel. The eight-speed automatic transmission is shared with the production SUV, albeit with a lower final drive ratio suited to off-road competition.

A new motorsport control unit manages the electronics, and the main feature is the “Flight Mode”, which adjusts torque delivery. Another rally-specific upgrade is the 550-litre fuel tank, designed for long stages.

Autonews