Land Rover Debuts Dakar‑Ready Defender with “Flight Mode” for Dune Jumps
By Cale Nuttall – 2 min read
The new Defender Dakar D7X‑R has been revealed in full rally paint‑scheme, and it’s poised to take on the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Built on the same platform as the classic Octa, the model is being entered in the “stock” category of the World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC), a division that includes the infamous Dakar itself.
Rally‑ready upgrades
The Defender Dakar keeps the familiar eight‑speed automatic gearbox and the 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8 that delivers 467 kW/750 Nm. But for the roughest terrains, panache is hidden behind a series of hard‑boiled modifications:
| Feature | What changes |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance | Raised for desert obstacles |
| Suspension | Motorsports‑grade Bilstein dampers – single coil‑overs up front, twin rear dampers |
| Track width | 60 mm wider to improve stability |
| Tires | 35‑inch units for better grip |
| Body armour | Extended underbody panels and reinforced wheel arches |
| Cooling | Upgraded radiators to keep the engine firm |
| Fuel | 550‑litre tank fitted for the sustainable fuels run |
| Roll cage | Competition‑grade safety cage installed |
| Driveline protection | “Flight mode” engages during dune jumps to limit strain |
| Final drive | Lowered ratio for rally‑specific torque distribution |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs with 6‑piston front/calibre & 4‑piston rear units |
The “Flight mode” is a unique feature that throttles the drivetrain while the Defender is up in the air; this keeps the gears from being over‑stressed on giant dunes.
Inside the cockpit
The cabin looks the part of a modern off‑road cockpit: it includes FIA‑regulated navigation, racing‑spec seat harnesses, and plenty of storage. A 8‑litre water tank, three spare wheels, and essential tools are all on board, plus integrated hydraulic jacks that let the crew swap a tire on the fly.
A desert‑inspired livery
The Defender’s paint job is called “Geopalette.” It blends desert‑tinted hues, from sandy tone to stone and earth, with a splash of aquamarine to remember the rarities of desert water. The look mirrors the vehicle’s daring spirit.
Test‑track validation
Before hitting the dunes of Saudi Arabia, the D7X‑R logged more than 6 000 km of off‑road testing. The confidence earned from these trials will carry the Defender into the 2026 Dakar Rally opening in January.
What’s next
With the racing kit ready and the paint fresh, Land Rover’s rally team is all set to unleash the Defender Dakar D7X‑R on the world’s toughest rally‑raid event. Keep an eye on the 2026 Dakar Rally – this Defender will be one of the marquee highlights of the competition.
