Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R – Dakar 2026 Rally Beast with 370mm Clearance, V8 Power
The Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R debuts as extreme rally-spec Defender for 2026 Dakar Rally and W2RC, based on Defender OCTA with 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 550L fuel tank, 35-inch tyres. Features 370mm ground clearance, widened tracks, Bilstein suspension, Flight Mode for jumps, race roll cage – built for desert extremes.
Drivers: Stéphane Peterhansel, Sara Price. Rally preview at Defender vs Dakar rivals.
Rally-Ready Extreme Modifications
Core specs: Retains D7x platform, 8-speed auto (lowered final drive), FIA Stock category detuned V8 (<635hp). Upgrades: 60mm wider tracks, Bilstein dampers, 6-piston front brakes, enhanced cooling, dust filters.
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Unique tech: Flight Mode auto-adjusts torque mid-air for safe landings. 550L tank enables long stages.
Defender Dakar D7X-R Key Specs Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (detuned) |
| Power | <635 hp (FIA regulated) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Auto (rally ratios) |
| Ground Clearance | 370 mm |
| Tyres | 35-inch all-terrain |
| Fuel Tank | 550 litres (145 gallons) |
| Suspension | Bilstein performance dampers |
| Brakes | 6-piston front, 4-piston rear |
| Approach/Departure | 47.5° / 44.5° |
| Wading Depth | 900 mm |
Weight-optimized rally build.
D7X-R vs Production Defender OCTA
| Feature | Dakar D7X-R | Defender OCTA |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 370 mm | 323 mm |
| Front Track | 1,832 mm | 1,772 mm |
| Tyres | 35-inch | 33-inch |
| Fuel Tank | 550L | 90L |
| Suspension | Bilstein rally | Air suspension |
| Special Modes | Flight Mode | Off-road modes |
| 0-100 kmph | Slower (weight) | 4 seconds |
Race cage + spares.
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Verdict: Ultimate Dakar Challenger
Defender Dakar D7X-R pushes production limits with rally engineering – V8 endurance, jump-proof tech for world’s toughest race. Production inspiration soon. Rally coverage at Land Rover motorsport.
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Defender D7X-R rally debut?
Dakar Rally January 2026.
2. D7X-R engine power?
4.4L V8 (<635hp FIA regulated).
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3. D7X-R ground clearance?
370 mm.
4. D7X-R fuel capacity?
550 litres.
5. D7X-R suspension partner?
Bilstein dampers.
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6. D7X-R special feature?
Flight Mode for jumps.
7. D7X-R tyre size?
35-inch all-terrain.
8. D7X-R drivers?
Peterhansel, Price, Baciuška.
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9. D7X-R vs OCTA differences?
Wider, taller, rally mods.
10. D7X-R racing series?