Land Rover’s Dakar-Ready Defender Gains ‘Flight Mode’ for Dune Jumps

The Defender Dakar D7X-R has been unveiled in full competition livery ahead of its 2026 Dakar Rally debut.

Defender D7X-R

Image: Land Rover

Scheduled to compete in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), including the gruelling Dakar Rally, in 2026, the Defender Rally team has finally revealed the Defender Dakar D7X-R in full competition livery. Based on the Defender Octa, the Dakar D7X-R will compete in the ‘stock’ category of the 2026 W2RC.

Although sharing the most potent series-production Land Rover Defender’s D7X architecture, eight-speed automatic transmission, and 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol motor, the British marque’s Dakar competitor gains several rally-ready modifications. The latter includes increased ground clearance, upgraded suspension, a 60 mm wider track, 35-inch tyres, extended underbody protection and wheel arches, enhanced cooling elements, and a 550-litre fuel tank (for the sustainable fuel on which this Defender runs). A competition-specification roll cage is also present.

Going back to the suspension upgrade, the Defender Dakar D7X-R’s builds on the 6D setup fitted to the Octa; adopting a motorsport-grade Bilstein damper system. The latter setup comprises single coil-overs up front and twin rear dampers.

In addition, while the (467 kW/750 N.m) V8 engine remains largely unchanged, it has received a lower final drive ratio. The rally-focused Defender is brought to a halt via ventilated brake discs and six-piston front/four-piston rear callipers. To protect the driveline when jumping over dunes, the Defender Dakar D7X-R features a rather appropriately named ‘Flight Mode’.

The cabin features FIA-regulated navigation, personalised motorsport seating, and space for eight litres of water, three spare wheels, and necessary tools. Integrated hydraulic jacks are fitted to allow for rapid wheel changes.

The Defender Dakar D7X-R’s livery is inspired by desert tones and textures. The ‘Geopalette’ design blends the colours of sand, stone, and earth, as well as Aqua, not forgetting the rare desert waters.

After more than 6 000 km of off-road testing, Defender Rally and its D7X-R will make their competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia in January.

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The post Land Rover’s Dakar-Ready Defender Gains ‘Flight Mode’ for Dune Jumps appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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