Land Rover Defender accelerates preparations for W2RC

In preparation for the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC), Land Rover has completed prototype test activities in Morocco of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R.

The Land Rover Defender, the iconic 4x4 designed and engineered for capability and durability, will make its works debut at the Dakar Rally, where three Defender Dakar D7X‑Rs will compete in the 'Stock' category for production‑based cars. A two‑car entry will contest the remaining rounds of the 2026 FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC).

The build of the official Defender competition cars has also started, with the vehicle bodies coming off the line at Land Rover's Nitra production plant

Powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine, the Defender Dakar D7X-R will share the same robust D7x aluminium body architecture, transmission and driveline layout as production Defenders. Its prototype, wrapped in a distinctive camouflage design, was put through its paces to verify the reliability, durability, and capability baselines in the demanding sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.

The Defender Rally team has also revealed its first two drivers: French 14‑time Dakar winner Stephane Peterhansel and talented Lithuanian Rokas Baciuska. The third driver for the team's Dakar Rally campaign will be announced at a later date, along with the drivers' navigators.