Abstract
- Defender completes first rally-raid take a look at in Morocco with new D7X‑R prototype
- Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and rising star Rokas Baciuška be a part of the staff
- The production-based D7X‑R will debut on the 2026 Dakar Rally within the ‘Inventory’ class
Land Rover has revealed the primary take a look at its purpose-built rally-raid prototype, the Defender Dakar D7X-R, because it prepares to enter the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Examined beneath excessive desert situations in Morocco, the prototype marks a significant milestone for the model’s entry into aggressive off-road racing.
Set to compete within the Inventory class for production-based automobiles, the Defender Dakar D7X-R retains the strong D7x aluminum physique, transmission and driveline from the usual mannequin. Powered by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8, the prototype made its first take a look at run throughout the demanding dunes of the Sahara.
The staff additionally confirmed the signing of two high-profile drivers: 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel and rising Lithuanian expertise Rokas Baciuška. Each drivers will spearhead the staff’s debut marketing campaign, with a three-car lineup anticipated for Dakar and a two-car effort for the rest of the 2026 W2RC season.
“It is a large milestone,” stated James Barclay, Managing Director of JLR Motorsport. “Stéphane brings unmatched expertise, and Rokas is without doubt one of the brightest younger skills within the sport.”
The Defender Dakar D7X-R, wrapped in camouflage for its take a look at section, will make its full debut later this yr forward of the January 2026 race.
