- D7X-R made a winning competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally, with three cars finishing first, second, and fourth in the stock class after 14 days of competition.
- Land Rover unveils the Defender Dakar as a road-going evolution of the D7X-R, featuring an unrestricted 4.4-litre V8 producing 467kW and 750Nm.
- The Defender Dakar features Bilstein dampers, 35-inch all-terrain tyres, and new off-road modes including Dunes and Gravel.
- The signature colour combination of the Defender Dakar is Dakar Sand with a Yanbu Turquoise roof, inspired by the livery of the race-winning D7X-R.
- The D7X-R covered a combined 24,000km during the Dakar event, showcasing its endurance and performance capabilities.
- Inside, the Defender Dakar features a more focused approach than the standard SUV, with a 2+2 seating layout and front race seats designed specifically for the model.
Land Rover's Defender Dakar is a road-going evolution of the D7X-R, which triumphed at the 2023 Dakar Rally, finishing first, second, and fourth in the new stock class. The race cars covered a combined 24,000km during the event, showcasing their durability and performance.123456
The Defender Dakar retains the D7X body architecture, transmission, and driveline, but is free from Dakar regulations, allowing it to produce 467kW and 750Nm from its twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Enhanced cooling systems ensure it meets the demands of both performance and off-road capability.
Equipped with 35” Advanced All-Terrain Tyres on new forged 20” wheels, the Defender Dakar features motorsport-proven Bilstein Advanced Dampers and two new off-road driving modes: Dunes and Gravel, alongside a Flight Mode for enhanced performance.
The design includes distinctive elements such as roof-mounted light pods, a fixed metal roof, carbon fibre raised air intakes, and a signature colour combination of Dakar Sand with a Yanbu Turquoise roof, inspired by the D7X-R's livery. Inside, the model adopts a focused approach with a 2+2 seating layout and front race seats, with options for four-point racing harnesses and a stowage area for race helmets.
This limited-run model was previewed during Monterey Car Week, marking a significant step in Land Rover's commitment to blending performance with off-road capability.
“The D7X-R's Dakar debut saw three cars finish first, second and fourth in the stock class, covering a combined 24,000km. The road car adds Bilstein dampers, 35-inch all-terrain tyres, and new Dunes and Gravel modes, with a 2+2 cabin and race-inspired livery.”
Sowetan
