Land Rover’s Dakar dominating Defender is coming to the road.
The limited-run 4×4 is a race-bred evolution of the victorious D7X-R that finished first, second and fourth in this year’s gruelling off-road classic.
Engineers have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible for Defender Dakar, with uprated geometry, enhanced suspension, off-road body adaptations, rally-inspired interior elements and distinctive colour options.
The car was revealed at The Quail motor show in California as part of Monterey Car Week.
The Dakar-inspired edition retains the same tough D7x body architecture, transmission and driveline of the D7X-R competition car – all of which is based on the Defender OCTA version.
It features the same 4.4-litre twin turbo V8, which unrestricted by race regulations delivers 467kW of power.
With greater cooling it is capable of producing 750Nm of torque.
Defender Dakar will feature a 35-inch tyre package, with Advanced All-Terrain Tyres on new forged 20-inch wheels, alongside coil suspension with motorsport-proven Bilstein Advanced Dampers, new Dunes and Gravel Drive modes, and the revolutionary Flight Mode which was originally developed for the competition car to ensure smooth landings on extreme and varied terrain.
Exterior details showcase its rally provenance, with roof-mounted light pods, a fixed metal roof, carbon fibre raised air intakes, carbon fibre bonnet, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, tailgate blanking plate and signature mud flaps.
An enhanced metal front undershield and underbody protection complete the race-inspired specification.
Defender’s Mark Cameron said the company pushed its engineers to go further than they’ve ever gone before.
“First, we evolved Defender OCTA into D7X-R and then we asked: could we make the Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R road legal? The result is the Defender Dakar,” he said.
“It’s the ultimate expression of adventure and is a true reflection of how we embrace the impossible.
“It embodies not only the spirit of the Defender Rally team but our continued and historic legacy of off-road innovation.
“This limited-run model will showcase everything we’ve learned in some of the toughest environments and most competitive conditions imaginable. An authentic Defender, made from unstoppable DNA.”
Defender Dakar will be available with a range of colour options, headlined by the signature Dakar Sand body and Yanbu Turquoise roof combination inspired by the race-winning D7X-R livery.
Inside it features a 2+2 seating configuration with row-one race seats specifically designed for Defender Dakar.
Four-point racing harnesses will be optional, with rear stowage designed to fit race helmets.
The loadspace will feature a specially engineered mounting for the spare wheel and air compressor.
Registrations of interest are now being taken, with further details to be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
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