Land Rover is making a bold return to rally-raid racing with the Defender Dakar D7X-R. Wrapped in a distinctive camouflage design, this purpose-built prototype has just wrapped up testing in the Moroccan Sahara desert. This is a significant more for the British brand, which has a storied past with long-distance endurance racing. Three competition Defender Dakar D7X-Rs will take part in the ‘Stock’ category of the Dakar Rally in 2026, whereas a two-car entry will participate in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) next year.
The team has roped in 14-time Dakar Rally winner, Stéphane Peterhansel, and Rokas Baciušk young rising star in the world of rally racing. Peterhansel’s extensive experience, combined with Baciuška’s recent successes, including a W2RC championship in the T4 class, should bring a blend of expertise and youthful energy to the team.
Showcasing strength and durability, the Dakar D7X-R is built upon the robust underpinnings of the production Defender Octa, and shares a lot, including its lightweight aluminum body based on the D7x architecture, transmission, and driveline layout, with the same 626 horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine doing duty under the hood.
Land Rover’s history with the Dakar Rally dates back to the early years of the event. Back in 1981, a Range Rover Classic won the rally, in a display of the brand’s off-road prowess. Over the years, countless Land Rover models, including vintage Rovers and Bowler vehicles, have taken part in the Desert rally. The Dakar itself has also evolved since its inception in 1979. Originally, the Paris-to-Dakar rally was conceived by French racer Thierry Sabine and was designed to put man and machine to the ultimate test across some of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Land Rover’s renewed commitment to the Rally-Raid racing with the Defender Dakar D7X-R marks a return to the brand’s roots of competition 4x4s and endurance racing. Prior to the team launch, Land Rover has an exhaustive test program planned, ahead of both events in 2026.
Image ource: Land Rover