Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R 2026 – Dakar Rally Beast with 370mm Clearance, 550L Fuel Tank
The Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R debuts as rally-spec Defender OCTA for Dakar Rally January 3, 2026 and full W2RC season, competing in FIA Stock class with 3 units driven by Stéphane Peterhansel, Sara Price, Rokas Baciuška. Retains 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (detuned via air restrictor), 8-speed auto with lowered final drive, Bilstein dampers, 35-inch tyres, 370mm ground clearance, 550L fuel tank (~500kg fuel).
Flight Mode adjusts torque for safe jump landings. Rally preview at Defender vs Dakar rivals.
Rally-Engineered for Desert Extremes
Modifications: 60mm wider tracks (1832mm front), extended arches, vented hood, dual snorkels, roof LEDs, front skid plate, 6-piston front/4-piston rear brakes. Suspension: Bilstein coil-overs handle massive fuel load, high jumps. Interior: Roll cage, racing seats, spares/tools/water tank – no luxury seats.
Sustainable fuel powers V8 through 5000km timed stages.
Defender Dakar D7X-R vs Production OCTA Specs
| Feature | Dakar D7X-R | Defender OCTA |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 370 mm | 323 mm |
| Front Track | 1832 mm | 1772 mm |
| Tyres | 35-inch | 33-inch |
| Fuel Tank | 550 litres | 90 litres |
| Suspension | Bilstein rally | Air suspension |
| Engine Power | <635 hp (restricted) | 635 hp |
| Approach/Departure | 47.5°/44.5° | 40.2°/42.8° |
| Brakes | 6/4-piston calipers | Standard |
Wading: 900mm.
Verdict: Dakar Legend Revival
Defender Dakar D7X-R channels 1979 Range Rover Dakar win with modern tech – Flight Mode, giant tank for endurance. Road car trickle-down possible. Coverage at Land Rover rally.
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Defender D7X-R Dakar debut?
January 3, 2026.
2. D7X-R engine?
4.4L twin-turbo V8 (OCTA-derived, restricted).
3. D7X-R ground clearance?
370 mm.
4. D7X-R fuel capacity?
550 litres.
5. D7X-R suspension?
Bilstein dampers.
6. D7X-R special tech?
Flight Mode for jumps.
7. D7X-R tyre size?
35-inch.
8. D7X-R drivers?
Peterhansel/Metge, Price/Berriman, Baciuška/Vidal.
9. D7X-R vs OCTA track width?
60mm wider.
10. D7X-R racing class?
FIA Stock category.
