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Defender Dakar D7X‑R Prototype Completes First Test In Sahara Desert Ahead Of 2026 Dakar Rally
Defender completes first Prototype test in the demanding sand dunes of the sahara desert ahead of 2026 Dakar Rally.
Three Defender Dakar D7X‑R will compete for the Dakar Rally under the ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles.
Two‑car entry will also contest the remaining rounds of the 2026 FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC).
Defender has enlisted the services of 14‑time Dakar Rally winner, Stéphane Peterhansel, and Rokas Baciuška.
British brand, Defender, has announced the completion of its first official test in the Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype ahead of start of the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) – the world’s toughest off‑road events.
Starting in January 2026, three competition‑spec Defenders will compete for the Dakar Rally, and two in the FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) under the ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles.
Tested in the demanding sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, the Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype is wrapped in a distinctive camouflage design and powered by a 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8 engine.
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The team’s purpose‑built competition challenger, the Defender Dakar D7X‑R, will share the same robust D7x aluminium body architecture and driveline layout as production Defender sold in the market.
“Completing our first official test in the Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype is a huge milestone and kicks off a busy calendar of testing activity on our journey to Dakar,” said James Barclay, the Managing Director of JLR Motorsport.
“The team are doing phenomenal work as we prepare for the world’s most challenging off‑road race in just eight months’ time,” he adds.
To increase the odds of a podium finish at the Dakar Rally, the company has enlisted the services of fourteen‑time Dakar Rally winner, Stéphane Peterhansel, and emerging talent, Rokas Baciuška.
Speaking on the signing of two stellar drivers, James Barclay said :
“With Stéphane and Rokas now on board and testing of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R accelerating, it’s a hugely exciting time for the team as we focus on the work that lays ahead.”
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