Land Rover’s Most Extreme Defender to Date Features “Flight Mode” for Desert Jumps | Carscoops

      The newly introduced Defender Dakar D7X-R has been developed to compete in the Rally-Raid championship.

      Land Rover has revealed the most robust Defender to date, designed to participate in the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), which features the renowned Dakar Rally. The reinforced Defender Octa will compete in the "Stock" class, driven by 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel.

      The Defender Dakar D7X-R rally vehicle presents a more aggressive appearance compared to the initial development models. Regulations permit only minor modifications from the production Defender Octa, including a slightly modified bodykit for better cooling efficiency, enhanced underbody protection, and improved off-road approach and departure angles.

      Key Updates:

      Among the most noticeable changes are the broader fender extensions, alterations on the bumpers and side sills, a vented hood, a larger air intake, dual snorkels, and roof-mounted LED lights.

      To reduce weight, the tailgate-mounted spare wheel carrier has been removed. A unique "Geopalette" livery adds to its aesthetic, with desert-inspired colors representing sand, stone, and water.

      More crucially, the Dakar D7X-R features 35-inch tires, wider tracks, and increased ground clearance, thanks to an upgraded suspension system equipped with performance Bilstein dampers. The braking system has also been improved with vented discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

      V8 Performance:

      The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is retained from the Defender Octa, now utilizing sustainable fuel. The eight-speed automatic transmission is shared with the standard SUV but includes a lower final-drive ratio for off-road racing.

      A new motorsport control unit manages the vehicle's electronics, with a key feature being the "Flight Mode," which modulates torque delivery for smoother landings following dune jumps. Additionally, there’s a custom 550-liter (145.4-gallon) fuel tank designed for extended stages.

      Inside, the cabin has been stripped down and equipped with a roll cage, carbon fiber accents, six-point harness racing seats, and extra displays. The rear bench has been removed to accommodate three full-size spare tires, a tool kit, compressed air, hydraulic jacks, and a water tank.

      The Defender Dakar D7X-R is being produced in Nitra, Slovakia, alongside the road-going Defender Octa. Prototypes have already undergone over 6,000 km (3,728 miles) of off-road testing in preparation for the rally debut in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.

      The Dakar Rally will include more than 80 hours of driving and 5,000 km (3,106 miles) of timed stages over two weeks. The Defender will be piloted by Stéphane Peterhansel/Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuška/Oriol Vidal, and Sara Price/Sean Berriman, with Ivan James taking on the role of the new Team Principal. Competitors in the Stock category will include the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport and the Nissan Patrol.