Jaguar Land Rover Unleashes Defender Dakar D7X‑R Prototype for 2026 Rally-Raid Championship
Land Rover is creating history as it prepares to compete in the Dakar Rally for the first time in January 2026. The prestigious race, famed for its hard off-road trials, will mark the brand’s debut with its specially designed Defender Dakar D7X-R, a rally-ready SUV based on the Defender’s production version.
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Defender Dakar D7X-R Powertrain
The Defender Dakar D7X-R is built to compete in the ‘Stock’ category, which means it retains the DNA of its production variant. Featuring the D7x aluminum body architecture, the model maintains the same transmission and driveline layout as the retail version while boasting performance upgrades tailored for extreme rally conditions.
At the heart of this beast lies a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, sourced from BMW, producing a staggering 626 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque—making it the most powerful Defender model to date. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and twin-speed transfer box, it is engineered to conquer demanding terrains with ease.
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Star Power Behind the Wheel
Leading Land Rover’s charge into the Dakar Rally are two elite motorsport veterans.
- Stéphane Peterhansel, a 14-time Dakar Rally winner, is one of the most decorated competitors in rally history. With 35 Dakar appearances across motorcycles and cars, his experience will be invaluable for Land Rover’s first outing.
- Rokas Baciuska, a rising star in rally sports, has already made history by securing world championship titles in two different FIA categories. His dynamic driving style and adaptability will complement the team’s strategy.
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What’s Next for Land Rover’s Rally Team?
Before the grand showdown in Dakar, the Defender Dakar D7X-R will participate in the remaining rounds of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship. These competitive events will serve as crucial test runs, refining the SUV’s performance while familiarizing the team with various race conditions.
With cutting-edge engineering, powerhouse drivers, and a thirst for victory, Land Rover’s entry into the Dakar Rally is poised to be one of the most exciting motorsport stories in 2026. Enthusiasts across the US and beyond can expect high-adrenaline action as the Defender takes on one of the world’s toughest races.
