Defender Rally has unveiled the Defender Dakar D7X-R, the purpose-built racing model that will compete in the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship before making its first competitive appearance at the Dakar Rally in January. The event will see crews face almost 5,000 kilometres of special stages and more than 80 hours of driving across two demanding weeks.
A factory-built racing machine
Each Defender Dakar D7X-R is built on the Defender production line in Nitra, Slovakia, in full compliance with the new FIA Stock category regulations debuting in 2026. These rules require the core chassis to remain identical to that of the production model, while allowing specific, approved adaptations for rally-raid use. The racing version retains the Defender OCTA’s robust D7x architecture, drivetrain, and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which will run on advanced sustainable fuel meeting FIA standards. Its exterior adopts a striking desert-inspired livery that reinforces its rugged identity.
Engineering for endurance
Although Stock regulations limit changes to major components, Defender Rally has equipped the Dakar D7X-R with a number of specialised upgrades. Based on the Defender 110 body, it features a 550-litre fuel tank for extreme-distance stages and a full competition-spec roll cage for crew protection. The suspension system, rooted in the OCTA’s kinematics, has been developed further with racing dampers from BILSTEIN, a new official partner.
The V8 engine remains mechanically untouched, but the cooling system has been significantly reinforced with a larger radiator, improved airflow, and four 12-volt electric fans. Braking performance is delivered through motorsport-grade ventilated discs with six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers.
Interior built for survival
Inside the cabin, crews have FIA-approved navigation systems, a head-up display for speed and routing, and essential safety and survival equipment. Vehicles carry eight litres of water, three spare tyres, tools, key spare parts, and integrated hydraulic jacks that allow swift lifting from any side.
A three-car line-up for Dakar 2026
The team will field three crews: Stéphane Peterhansel with Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuška with Oriol Vidal, and Sara Price with Sean Berriman. All will be supported by an experienced technical team led by newly appointed Team Principal Ian James as Defender Rally prepares for the demands of the world’s most punishing motorsport event.