Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X‑R begins 2026 W2RC challenge

MANILA: The souped-up Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X‑R has taken on the 2026 World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) challenge. 

Per the storied British car manufacturer, the Land Rover Defender — one of its most iconic nameplates — will compete in the two-week Dakar Rally (known as the “Everest” of the rally-raid scene) to cover nearly 5,000 kilometers of challenging terrain. 

From January 3 to 17, Land Rover’s three-car entry will be driven by a stellar lineup, including Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel alongside Mika Metge; determined Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal; and trailblazing Sara Price with Sean Berriman.

“There’s an epic challenge ahead for both human and machine, and we can’t wait to get started. Defender is the perfect competitor for Dakar and the wider World‑Rally Raid Championship, and the D7X‑R has performed extremely well in testing. Even so, while our target is clearly for all three drivers to be competitive here, just completing Dakar is a huge achievement — so we don’t underestimate the challenge of the adventure that lies ahead. But, with Defender Dakar D7X‑R and our incredible driver line‑up, and supported by Official Partners and suppliers, we are ready!” Defender Rally Team Principal Ian James was quoted as saying. 

Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X‑R specifications 

According to Land Rover, the Defender Dakar D7X‑R features modifications including a wider track, increased ride height, new suspension, and enhanced cooling to handle the extreme terrain and weather. 

Despite the said upgrades, the go-anywhere sport utility vehicle — which is based on the Land Rover Defender Octa — still adheres to the organization’s strict “Stock” regulations. 

Of note, the Zigwheels Philippines was able to experience the Land Rover Defender Octa during a special off-roading event hosted by Inchcape Philippines, distributor of Land Rover vehicles in the country. 

You can read more about it in the article below: 

“Land Rover Defender Octa: down and dirty” 

Power comes from a 4.4-liter twin‑turbo V8 engine, which, mechanically unchanged, will run on an advanced sustainable fuel. 

According to Land Rover, the Defender Dakar DX7‑R’s body is built on the production Defender assembly line at Jaguar Land Rover’s state‑of‑the‑art facility in Nitra, Slovakia, and adopts the same robust D7x body architecture, transmission, and driveline layout as the Defender Octa. 

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Bell & Ross as Official Timing Partner

Land Rover also struck a partnership with French watchmaker Bell & Ross, which was named as its Official Timing Partner. 

Although considered a modern horology marque, with roots springing only in 1994, Bell & Ross has made an impact in the watch world with aviation-inspired timepieces, strongly linking the brand to its “from the cockpit to the wrist” adage. 

On that note, Bell & Ross has equipped the Defender Rally team with precision timepieces to enable success at the Dakar Rally and World Rally‑Raid Championship.

Based on the photos, the watch that the drivers are wearing is the BR-X3 in Black Titanium, a fitting timekeeper. 

Measuring 41 millimeters, the Bell & Ross BR-X3 is housed in a square multi-layer titanium case with a sandwich-type design. Notable are its metallic indexes, incorporated into the 60-minute graduated flange. Together with the photoluminescent hands, the wristwatch ensures clear reading, night and day.

The boxy case also encapsulates the boxy body of the Land Rover Defender Dakar DX7‑R. 

Powering the timepiece is the in-house BR-CAL.323 movement that offers a date complication with a 70-hour power reserve. Étanchéité — which is French for waterproofing — is at 100 meters. 

Aside from Bell & Ross, Yeti is also named the Official Coolers, Bags, and Drinkware Partner. They join other brands such as Castrol, Bilstein, Shackleton, and Alpinestars. 

“We are thrilled to have three new partners on board that match and amplify Defender’s core values. Yeti and Bell & Ross embody our built-to-last positioning, with products that are engineered with durability at the core,” Land Rover Defender Managing Director Mark Cameron said. 

Fortnite, Rocket League 

Boosting its presence, the Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X‑R will also be coming to Fortnite and Rocket League Shops, transporting the team’s real‑world adventure into the virtual world, enabling Defender Rally to extend its Dakar story into digital spaces. 

“Together we share a mission mindset, advocating for people who outlast and defy the odds, and of course, Epic Games resonates with our brand storytelling approach, creating universes and cultural moments that bring Defender ever more into popular culture. With this support, we’re fully set to take on the adventure that is Dakar,” Cameron commented. 

Also read:

Land Rover Defender Octa, Range Rover Sport SV Edition 2 to enter PH market this month

Land Rover Defender Octa unleashed for PH market

Land Rover Defender Octa Black debuts at 2025 Goodwood FOS

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