Defender has revealed the Dakar, a limited-run road-legal version of its Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R competition car. Previewed as a Design Preview Model at Monterey Car Week, the Defender Dakar is based on the Defender OCTA and retains the rally car's body architecture, transmission, driveline and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Reservations are scheduled to open in early 2027, while full technical specifications will be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.
- Based on the Dakar-winning Defender D7X-R rally car
- Gets 635hp twin-turbo V8 and rally-derived suspension
- Reservations to open in early 2027
Defender Dakar exterior
The Defender Dakar features several changes inspired by the D7X-R rally car. These include a wider track, increased ride height, 35-inch all-terrain tyres on forged 20-inch wheels, and coil suspension with Bilstein Advanced dampers. It also introduces new Dunes and Gravel drive modes, along with Flight Mode, which has been developed to improve stability during landings over uneven terrain.
The exterior also gets roof-mounted auxiliary lights, a fixed metal roof, carbon-fibre bonnet, carbon-fibre raised air intakes, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, signature mud flaps, a tailgate blanking panel, a front undershield and additional underbody protection. Buyers will be able to choose from several paint finishes, including the Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination inspired by the race-winning D7X-R.
Defender Dakar interior
The cabin adopts a more purpose-built layout than the Defender OCTA. It features a 2+2 seating configuration with unique front race seats, while four-point racing harnesses will be available as an option. The rear storage area has been designed to accommodate race helmets, and the load bay includes dedicated mounting points for the spare wheel and an air compressor.
Defender Dakar powertrain
Powering the Defender Dakar is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the D7X-R rally car and based on the Defender OCTA. The engine develops 635hp and 750Nm, with Defender stating that it runs unrestricted compared to the competition version. The SUV also retains the D7X body architecture, transmission and driveline from the rally car.
The Defender Dakar has been revealed as a limited-run model and will be available to reserve from early 2027. Defender has not announced pricing or production numbers yet. Additional technical details and final specifications will be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
