How the Land Rover Defender Dominated the Dakar Rally Stock Class

Bottom line: The Defender became the first works‑run Land Rover to win the new Stock class at the 2024 Dakar Rally, proving its aluminium monocoque can survive the toughest desert stages.

After a 50‑year history of private entries, JLR entered three factory‑prepared Defender D7X‑R cars in the 2024 Dakar Rally. The trio swept the new Stock class, with rookie Rokas Baciuška taking overall victory and Sara Price finishing second.

How the Land Rover Defender Dominated the Dakar Rally Stock Class

Image: How the Land Rover Defender Dominated the Dakar Rally Stock Class – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks

The rally‑ready Defender looks almost identical to the road‑going Defender 110. Its body panels are stamped in Nitra, Slovakia, on the same line as the production model. Small but vital tweaks – extra cooling ducts, three radiators and a reinforced front grille – keep the powertrain cool in Saudi Arabia’s scorching desert.

Inside, the cabin is stripped down to a roll‑cage, fire‑proof seat belts and a compact tool kit. A massive 550‑liter fuel tank dominates the boot, leaving little room for luggage but ensuring the car can run the 5,000‑mile marathon without refuelling.

Performance & Mileage

Under the hood sits the Defender Octa’s 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8. A restrictor caps output at 390 bhp – far less than the road car’s 626 bhp – but the engine’s torque remains ample for off‑road crawling. An eight‑speed automatic gearbox has been retuned for slower, high‑torque desert gearing.

The suspension keeps the factory’s kinematic geometry but adds twin Bilstein dampers per rear wheel and widens the track to 1,832 mm, giving the car extra stability on sand dunes and rocky sections.

Because the Stock rules demand production‑based powertrains, JLR could only modify differential internals. The electronic rear diff was replaced with a mechanical limited‑slip unit, and a custom “flight mode” software protects the drivetrain when the car becomes airborne.

Price & Rivals

JLR has not disclosed the exact cost of a D7X‑R, but building a factory‑spec rally car with Prodrive’s hand‑assembly and bespoke software easily runs into six‑figure territory. Its main rivals in the Stock class were privately entered Toyotas and Nissans – machines that rely on ladder‑frame bodies rather than the Defender’s aluminium monocoque.

Despite a lower power‑to‑weight ratio than the top T1+ class, the Defender’s durability and brand heritage gave it a clear edge in the production‑based category.

Key Specs

Engine	4.4 L twin‑turbo V8 (390 bhp restrictor)
Mileage	≈6 mpg (estimated for 550 L tank)
Price	Not publicly disclosed (likely six‑figure)
Top Features	Aluminium monocoque, Bilstein dampers, 550 L fuel tank, flight‑mode software, full roll‑cage

FAQ

What engine does the Dakar‑spec Defender use?

It uses the same 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8 found in the road‑going Defender Octa, limited to 390 bhp by a restrictor for the Stock class.

How far can the Defender go between fuel stops?

The 550‑litre tank gives roughly 5,000 km (about 3,100 miles) of range in desert conditions, enough to finish the rally without refuelling.

Is the Defender’s Stock class win worth buying a regular Defender?

The rally success highlights the model’s durability and off‑road capability, but the road‑going Defender still costs far less and offers everyday practicality.