Defender Rally has pulled the wraps off the Defender Dakar D7X-R, its official contender for the 2026 World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC).

Built using the same bodyshell as the Defender OCTA, the D7X-R complies with the new FIA Stock‑category rules, which tightly restrict what can be modified from the production car. That means the 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8 engine, drivetrain layout, and core body architecture remain untouched, while the team has focused on enhancements to tackle desert extremes.

“Defender Dakar D7X-R is the toughest Defender ever built,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender. “It carries the same core architecture and silhouette as Defender OCTA but has been developed to take on the ultimate competitive off-road adventure.

“Dakar pushes everything to the limit and competing in a rally-raid of this scale will authentically showcase Defender’s capability and robustness in the most extreme and harshest conditions on the planet,” he added.

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Among the modifications, the D7X-R packs a 550‑litre rear fuel tank, extended 35‑inch tyres, a 60mm wider track, and increased ride height for improved ground clearance. Front and rear bodywork have been reshaped for better approach and departure angles, while extended wheel arches and underfloor protection reinforce the car’s rugged stance.

Suspension and braking have also been upgraded. A performance damper system developed with Bilstein complements the existing kinematic layout of the OCTA, and a bespoke rally brake package features vented discs with six‑piston front and four‑piston rear calipers. Cooling has also been overhauled with a large radiator, four electric fans, bonnet vents and a sand‑particle filter to withstand desert heat and sandstorms.

The D7X-R retains the production eight‑speed automatic gearbox, now paired with a lower final‑drive ratio for torque‑rich off-road performance. A new “Flight Mode” automatically adjusts torque when the vehicle is airborne, protecting the driveline during dune jumps.

Inside, the cabin is fitted with FIA‑approved six‑buckle seats, a race navigation system, driver head-up display, and configurable motorsport dashboard. Storage has been optimised for long stages with room for three spare wheels, tools, compressed air, and integrated hydraulic jacks.

The Dakar D7X-R will be piloted by a star‑studded line-up including Dakar‑legend drivers such as Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge; Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal; Sara Price with Sean Berriman – all under newly appointed Team Principal, Ian James.

Defender’s entry will join a competitive 2026 field that includes Toyota Gazoo Racing’s all-new GR HiLux piloted by Toby Price, which brings reinforced chassis and transmission upgrades. 

The presence of both vehicles sets up a compelling showdown between a stock-derived, V8-powered rally Defender and Toyota’s purpose-built rally ute.

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