Endurance test for the Defender Dakar D7X-R
With an endurance test lasting several days in the Moroccan Sahara, Land Rover's new Defender Rally division has taken the next step in its preparations for the 2026 Dakar Rally. The specially developed Defender Dakar D7X-R was used for the first time in its final competition version under extreme conditions.
The test program took place in Erfoud in eastern Morocco, where the team covered thousands of kilometers in the most challenging terrain - from steep dunes and scree fields to fast sandy tracks. The aim was to test the off-roader under realistic competitive conditions and gain experience for development.
"This test was a milestone for our project," explained Ian James, new Team Principal of Defender Rally and Managing Director of JLR Motorsport. The Briton, who previously worked for McLaren Electric Racing, will manage the team's entries in the Dakar and in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
The Defender Dakar D7X-R is based on the Defender OCTA production model and uses the robust D7X aluminum body as well as the transmission and drivetrain of the original. At its heart is the 4.4-liter V8 biturbo engine, which makes the near-series off-roader fit for the "stock" category of the W2RC. The model is produced in Nitra (Slovakia) before final assembly takes place in the UK.
The car was tested by a world-class trio: Stéphane Peterhansel, Sara Price and Rokas Baciuška. Supported by their co-drivers, they simulated typical Dakar scenarios, including working with digital roadbooks, which are only released shortly before the start of the stage.
Defender Rally will line up with three vehicles for Dakar 2026 at the beginning of next year. Two of the cars are also scheduled for the four remaining races of the W2RC. (aum)
More info for topic: Land Rover , Defender Dakar D7X-R , Rallye Dakar , Ian James
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Photo source: JLR via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: JLR via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: JLR via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: JLR via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: JLR via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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