Land Rover’s New Contender: Defender Dakar D7X-R for W2RC 2026
Land Rover has officially unveiled the most extreme Defender in its history, the Dakar D7X-R, engineered for participating in the World Rally-Raid Championship W2RC 2026, including the Dakar. Behind the wheel of the factory prototype will be 14-time marathon winner Stéphane Peterhansel.
Model is based on the production Defender Octa and is declared in the “Stock” category, where only limited modifications are allowed. The car received a reworked bodykit for improved cooling, reinforced underbody protection, wider arches, increased approach and departure angles, and a hood with ventilation slots. Key external changes were complemented by dual snorkels, an enlarged air intake, and LED bars on the roof. The rear spare wheel mount was removed to reduce weight.
Advanced Chassis and Powertrain Adjustments
The most significant improvements were made to the chassis. The Dakar D7X-R is outfitted with 35-inch tires, a widened track, and increased ground clearance, while its upgraded suspension features Bilstein shocks. The braking system now includes six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston at the rear.
Under the hood, it’s the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, now operating on eco-friendly fuel. The eight-speed automatic transmission, preserved from the production Defender Octa, has been re-geared for more challenging off-road conditions. The electronics are managed by a new sports system, and the unique “flight mode” optimizes traction upon landing after dune jumps. A massive 550-liter fuel tank is installed to handle long special stages.
Interior and Safety Features Designed for Rallying
The interior is completely redesigned to meet the demands of rally raids: a safety cage, bucket seats with six-point harnesses, separate displays, and space for three full-size spares, tools, jacks, and water.
Manufacturing and Testing in Slovakia
Production of the vehicle is organized at the plant in Nitra, Slovakia – where the road-going Defender Octa is also manufactured. Prototypes have already undergone over 6,000 km of testing.
Competition on the Horizon
In the Dakar, the D7X-R will compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport and the Nissan Patrol. Both competitors have proven records in the rally scene, with Toyota being particularly noted for reliability while Nissan offers robust performance and flexibility.
Looking ahead, car enthusiasts are eager to see how the Defender D7X-R will stand up against these well-established rivals during the upcoming championship events.
