The Defender Dakar D7X-R is the brand's official car for the 2026 W2RC.
Its design is similar to the production model, but it gets a revised radiator and front grille.
It is specced with 35-inch wheels, a 60mm wider track and a raised ride height.
It also gets light pod accessories and functional cabin air intakes.
It also features a larger 550-litre fuel tank and extended wheel arches.
It is equipped with revised Bilstein dampers and a rally‑spec brake system.
Inside, it gets an FIA‑regulated navigation system, a HUD for the driver, and a driver‑configurable motorsport dashboard.
It gets six‑buckle front seats, while rear seats make way for three spare wheels.
It is also equipped with a roll cage and a pair of integrated hydraulic jacks to lift the SUV.
Defender Dakar D7X-R image gallery
In January 2025, Defender confirmed it would be participating in the World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) for three years. Now, the brand has revealed its official entant, the Defender Dakar D7X-R, which will make its public debut in the Dakar Rally. The works team will be competing in the ‘Stock’ class and has therefore used the Defender Octa’s D7X platform, the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD setup.
Revisions on the rally-spec model include a larger 550-litre fuel tank, a competition-spec roll cage, revised dampers, 35-inch tyres, a 60mm wider track and a slightly raised ride height. It also gets an air‑intake restrictor to limit power as per FIA guidelines, as well as a new radiator and grille designed for enhanced component cooling.
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