Land Rover’s Wildest Defender Yet Packs “flight Mode” For Desert Jumps

Land Rover has unveiled the toughest Defender yet, engineered to tackle the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), including the fabled Dakar Rally. The beefed-up Defender Octa will compete in the “Stock” category, with 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel behind the wheel.

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The Defender Dakar D7X-R rally car looks even wilder than the development prototypes. Regulations allow only limited updates over the production-spec Defender Octa, including a slightly redesigned bodykit for improved cooling, sturdier underbody protection, and greater off-road angles.

What’s Changed?

Among the most visible updates are the wide fender extensions, cut-outs on the bumpers and sills, a vented hood, a larger intake, dual snorkels, and roof-mounted LEDs.

The tailgate-mounted spare wheel carrier has been deleted to save weight. A distinctive “Geopalette” livery completes the look, its desert-inspired tones reflecting sand, stone, and water.

More importantly, the Dakar D7X-R rides on 35-inch tires, has wider tracks, and boasts increased ground clearance, courtesy of an upgraded suspension setup with performance Bilstein dampers. Braking has also been enhanced with vented discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

V8 Grit and Gears

The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is carried over from the Defender Octa, but now runs on sustainable fuel. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is shared with the production SUV, albeit with a lower final-drive ratio suited for off-road competition.

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A new motorsport control unit manages the electronics, with the highlight being “Flight Mode,” which adjusts torque delivery for smoother landings after dune jumps. Another rally-specific upgrade is a bespoke 550-liter (145.4-gallon) fuel tank designed for lengthy stages.

Inside, the cabin has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage, carbon inserts, six-buckle racing seats, and additional displays. Furthermore, the rear bench has been removed to make space for three full-size spare wheels, a tool kit, compressed air, hydraulic jacks, and a water tank.

The Defender Dakar D7X-R is being manufactured in Nitra, Slovakia, alongside the roadgoing Defender Octa. Prototypes have completed more than 6,000 km (3,728 miles) of off-road testing ahead of the rally debut in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.

The Dakar Rally will feature over 80 hours of driving and 5,000 km (3,106 miles) of timed stages over two weeks. The Defender will be driven by Stéphane Peterhansel/Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuška/Oriol Vidal, and Sara Price/Sean Berriman, with Ivan James serving as the newly appointed Team Principal. Rivals in the Stock category will include the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport and the Nissan Patrol.

Land Rover