Land Rover returns to Dakar with a powerful Defender and "Flight" mode

Land Rover is preparing a special version of the Defender SUV for participation in one of the most extreme competitions in motorsport. This will be the long-awaited return of the British car manufacturer to the legendary rally after a long hiatus since the 1990s.

What is known

Currently, the Dakar Rally lasts two weeks and covers about 8000 kilometers through lifeless deserts with almost no roads, including 5000 kilometers of special stages. For manufacturers, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the reliability and capabilities of cars in the most extreme conditions.

In the 2026 season, the British manufacturer will return with the Defender Dakar D7X-R model. According to the new regulations, the car uses the same body architecture D7x, transmission, and drivetrain layout as the OCTA Defender – the most powerful production Defender in history.

The power unit is also borrowed from OCTA: a 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8. One of the few engine modifications is the reconfiguration of the software for proper operation in extreme conditions. In addition, the car will be refueled with environmentally sustainable fuel.

The cooling system for the power unit is strengthened as a necessary condition for any type of race, especially as intensive as "Dakar". The D7X-R received a revised front end with priority on airflow, and the radiator is a single large block with support from four fans. A particle filter was added to prevent sand from entering the intake channels.

For race preparation, the Defender Dakar received a fuel tank with a volume of 550 liters. 35-inch tires were installed in conjunction with a 60 mm widen track and increased ground clearance.

All upgrades are standard for participating in "Dakar", however, Land Rover has added something unusual - Flight Mode. According to the company's information, this mode automatically regulates the transfer of torque from the engine to the wheels when the D7X-R is airborne, ensuring smooth landing and transmission protection.

Crews

Three pairs of drivers and co-drivers will manage the Land Rover Defender D7X-R at the 2026 "Dakar": rally legend Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metzj; Rokas Baciuska and Oriol Vidal; as well as Sara Price and Sean Berriman.

Source: Land Rover