Land Rover's latest Defender race car features a 145-gallon fuel tank and a special ‘Flight Mode’ for performing jumps.

      Land Rover

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      The Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R is a new off-road racing vehicle set to compete in next year’s World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) and the upcoming Dakar Rally in January. Built on the Defender OCTA platform, it will participate in W2RC’s new “Stock” class with drivers like Stéphane Peterhansel.

      Land Rover previously expressed its intention to take on the Dakar rally (currently held in Saudi Arabia) with a stock Defender-based vehicle during the last race nearly a year ago. The launch of the D7X-R confirms that the Green Oval team hasn't forgotten that goal!

      The Defender Dakar D7X-R is based on the standard Defender OCTA’s D7x body architecture, transmission, driveline, and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. However, it features a wider track and a higher ride height that differentiate it from even the most extreme factory models.

      When comparing the street-legal Defender OCTA to the Dakar D7X-R racing vehicle, the differences become apparent. The new “Stock” Rally Raid class, introduced for 2026, seems tailored for Land Rover’s creation of this vehicle, but we’ll delve deeper into that in another article. The essence of the class is to see production-based vehicles compete in the rally.

      Bilstein serves as Land Rover’s official suspension partner, designing a system specifically for this vehicle that includes a single coil-over front setup and parallel twin dampers at the rear. The track width approaches 70 inches, approximately 2.3 inches wider than the OCTA.

      The race version of the Defender’s V8 will be slightly detuned compared to the production OCTA because FIA Stock category regulations restrict power based on a power-to-weight ratio. Land Rover has explained, “The D7X-R’s final regulated power output, which will be lower than the production OCTA’s 635 PS, will be confirmed with the release of the FIA Homologation documents on January 1, 2026.”

      While the transmission remains stock, it features a lower final drive ratio to accommodate the specific conditions of rally-raid events and to enhance torque at low speeds. The D7X-R is equipped with race-ready brakes (six-piston front, four-piston rear), 35-inch tires, and a substantial 550-liter (about 145 gallons) fuel tank.

      A custom rally brake system has also been installed in the Defender Dakar D7X-R, with vented discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

      Another intriguing feature is:

      “The electronics in the D7X-R are controlled by a single motorsport control unit to enhance reliability in challenging rally conditions, using specially developed in-house race-ready calibrations. A new ‘Flight Mode’ has been created by the Defender Rally team to manage the numerous jumps encountered in desert terrains. This Flight Mode automatically adjusts torque delivery from the engine to the wheels when the D7X-R is airborne, ensuring a smooth landing and safeguarding the driveline.”

      Of course, adequate cooling measures are also in place. “Cooling capabilities have been enhanced by increasing the frontal area and optimizing airflow through the grille, where a single, large radiator replaces the three radiators typically found in standard vehicles. Airflow through the radiator is aided by four 12V fans, which support low-speed cooling. Additional modifications to the bonnet improve cooling, while a particle filter has been incorporated to prevent sand from infiltrating the air intakes,” Land Rover mentioned in its press release.

      The announcement also revealed the team will consist of “Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge; Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal; and Sara Price with Sean Berriman,” driven as a group. Ian James is the team principal. Peterhansel, known as one of the most successful Dakar drivers, underscores Land Rover’s commitment to this venture.

      Land Rover’s 2026 Dakar Team. TOP LEFT: Price/Berriman; TOP RIGHT: Baciuska/Vida; BOTTOM LEFT: Peterhansel/Metge; BOTTOM RIGHT: Ian James. Land Rover

      Here are the motivational statements shared by the team’s drivers:

      Peterhansel: “Experience doesn’t simplify Dakar; it merely helps you appreciate how tough it truly is. We have rigorously tested the Defender Dakar D7X-R, and it has been merciless – which it must be. We must be prepared for anything.”

      Baciuška: “Dakar tests the limits of humanity, technology, and engineering. No one is aware of this year’s Dakar route or the eventual outcome, but we’re set on achieving success, and with Defender, we have the right vehicle to make it happen.”

      Price: “Dakar is not only a