Defender Rally has revealed the new Defender Dakar D7X-R, set to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally under the W2RC Stock category. Full details here.
25 November 2025 — Defender Rally has unveiled the Defender Dakar D7X-R, the brand’s competition-spec SUV built for the 2026 Dakar Rally and the full season of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The vehicle has been introduced with a new competition livery and a series of engineering upgrades tailored for extreme rally-raid conditions.
Developed for the FIA Stock Category
The D7X-R is based on the production Defender OCTA, constructed at the brand’s manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia. Under FIA Stock category regulations for 2026, several core components must remain unchanged from the production vehicle. These include:
- The original D7x aluminium monocoque body architecture
- Transmission and driveline layout
- The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
The engine will operate on advanced sustainable fuel, complying with FIA energy regulations.
New ‘Geopalette’ Competition Livery
The D7X-R debuts an all-new livery inspired by desert landscapes. Called Geopalette, the design incorporates sand, stone and earth tones, with subtle aqua accents referencing the limited water sources found in desert regions. The livery is intended to highlight the rugged environment the vehicle is engineered to compete in.
Driver and Crew Line-Up
Defender Rally will field three crews for the 2026 Dakar Rally:
- Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge
- Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal
- Sara Price and Sean Berriman
All teams will face more than 5,000 km of timed stages over two weeks, with more than 80 hours of competitive driving.
Production DNA with Rally-Raid Enhancements
While key mechanical and structural components remain unchanged, the D7X-R features a wide range of rally-raid-specific modifications permitted under Stock regulations.
Chassis and Suspension
- Wider track for improved stability
- Increased ride height for enhanced ground clearance
- Suspension system using BILSTEIN performance dampers
- Coil-over setup at the front
- Parallel twin dampers at the rear
- Revised geometry to handle desert impacts and heavy fuel loads
Bodywork and Exterior Modifications
- Modified front and rear sections to improve approach and departure angles
- Extended under-floor protection
- Enlarged wheel arches
- Reinforced sills
- Door panel revisions for improved survivability
Wheels, Tyres and Ground Equipment
- 35-inch rally-raid tyres
- Hydraulic jacks mounted onboard
- Spare wheel storage integrated into the cabin
Cooling, Powertrain and Driveline
To withstand extreme desert temperatures, the D7X-R receives a heavily revised cooling system:
- Larger single radiator replacing the production model’s triple-radiator layout
- Four additional cooling fans
- Optimised airflow through a redesigned grille
- Upgraded bonnet ventilation
- Sand-filtering system for the air intake
The SUV uses the same eight-speed automatic gearbox as the production OCTA, with a revised final drive ratio suited to low-speed torque demands. Power will be limited by an FIA-regulated restrictor, as required for Stock category compliance.
Electronics and Control Systems
The D7X-R runs a dedicated motorsport control unit for improved robustness. The Defender Rally engineering team has also developed:
- A bespoke off-road calibration suite
- A new “Flight Mode”, which adjusts torque delivery during airborne moments to protect the driveline on landing
Interior and Rally Equipment
The interior has been stripped and rebuilt to meet FIA rally-raid regulations. Features include:
- Six-point roll cage
- FIA-compliant rally navigation system
- Configurable motorsport dashboard
- Head-up display for speed and direction
- Six-buckle FIA-approved seats
- Built-in storage for tools, spares and safety equipment
- Three spare wheels mounted behind the crew
- Integrated water supply system
- Compressed air system
Extensive Testing Programme
Defender Rally has completed more than 6,000 km of testing in varied off-road environments, validating:
- Powertrain endurance
- Cooling capacity
- High-speed stability
- Dune handling
- Component durability
- Fuel range under extreme load
Statements from the Team
Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender
He emphasised that competing in Dakar is a demonstration of the Defender’s engineering capability and durability under the most extreme conditions.
Ian James, Team Principal, Defender Rally
He highlighted the depth of testing, team readiness, and the demanding nature of the Dakar Rally.
Driver Comments
Stéphane Peterhansel noted that Dakar remains challenging regardless of experience.
Rokas Baciuška stated the team is determined to succeed.
Sara Price described the event as a test of endurance and teamwork.
Debut in January 2026
The Defender Dakar D7X-R will make its competitive debut on 3 January 2026 at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, marking Defender’s first participation in the W2RC Stock category.
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