Land Rover Defender will take part in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally Championship (W2RC).
Land Rover has announced its participation in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally Championship (W2RC). A racing version of the car based on the production Defender OCTA will be created for the competitions.
Here's What We Know
The British off-road manufacturer has announced the participation of two cars in all five rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (W2RC) in the Stock category for production cars. As well as three cars in the championship's main event, the Dakar Rally, from 2026.
A comprehensive programme of testing and preparation of the Defender for the competition is already underway. It will culminate in test runs and a full team launch later this year, ahead of the Dakar and the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026.
Defender Octa.
The Land Rover Defender OCTA was officially unveiled in July 2024. It is the most powerful version of the SUV ever. Under the bonnet of the vehicle is a 4.4-litre V8 turbo engine that develops 635 hp and 750 Nm. Acceleration 0-100 km/h takes only 4.0 seconds.
In addition to the powerful engine Defender OCTA received off-road tyres, wheel arch extenders and increased ground clearance. The suspension and steering system have been changed, a sports exhaust system has been installed, and special driving modes have been added to the transmission settings.
Defender OCTA. Photo: Land Rover
Land Rover Defender OCTA in the UK starts at £145,300 (about 171 thousand euros). The Land Rover Defender OCTA Edition One starts at £160,800 (almost 190 thousand euros).
Source: Land Rover
