This Land Rover Defender has ‘Flight Mode’: what about it?
Approximately 5,000 km ahead of us
Three teams will participate with the Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R in this epic two-week adventure, with more than 80 hours of competition and around 5,000 km of special stages. Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal, and Sara Price with Sean Berriman will be supported by an experienced team of mechanics and engineers, led by Team Principal Ian James.
The D7X-R is built according to the new FIA rules for the Stock category, which dictate what parts remain unchanged and what may be modified. It shares its robust D7x architecture, transmission, powertrain and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with the Defender Octa – the fastest and most capable production model ever. The engine runs on an advanced renewable fuel, compliant with FIA regulations.
Striking livery
The car appears at the start in a striking livery inspired by the hues and textures of the desert. The new “Geopalette” design combines sand, stone and earth tones with a touch of Aqua – inspired by the rare desert water – providing contrast and brightness. Although FIA rules for the Stock category restrict modifications to the Defender Octa, the D7X-R has been modified by Defender Rally for the extreme demands of Dakar and the W2RC.
550-liter tank
The D7X-R uses the bodywork of the Defender 110, but is equipped with a 550-liter fuel tank in the rear and a competition-spec roll cage. To punch its way through desert terrain, the car is fitted with 35-inch tires, 60 mm wider track width and an increased ride height for extra ground clearance. Modifications to the bodywork increase approach and exit angles, while widened wheel arches, modified doors and reinforced sills make room for wider impact protection.
The suspension retains the geometry of the Defender Octa, but is reinforced with a damper system with coil-overs at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, developed together with Official Shock Absorber Partner Bilstein. The system has been extensively tested and tuned for the additional weight of the large fuel tank.
V8 engine
The Octa’s V8 engine remains unchanged, although an air intake restrictor limits power in accordance with FIA rules. FIA rules for the Stock category limit power based on a horsepower per kg ratio. The final regulated power output of the D7X-R – which will be lower than the 467 kW (635 hp) of the production version of the Octa – will be determined based on the publication of FIA homologation documents on Jan. 1, 2026.
The cooling system has been modified for desert conditions, with larger front intakes, a modified hood and a filter against sand. Additional light units and interior air intakes have been placed on the roof. The eight-speed automatic transmission has a modified final drive, optimized for low-speed pulling power. A new rally-specification braking system with ventilated discs and six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers provides additional stopping power.
Flight Mode
The electronics are controlled through a single motorsport control unit with internal calibrations for rally use. Unique is the “Flight Mode”: a feature that automatically adjusts torque distribution during jumps to protect the driveline and land smoothly. The interior includes an FIA-approved navigation system, head-up display and motorsport dashboard. The seats with six-point harnesses and layout are tailored for each driver for maximum comfort during long stages.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, says, “The Defender Dakar D7X-R is the most rugged Defender ever built. It shares the same core architecture and silhouette of the Defender OCTA, but is designed to take on the ultimate off-road adventure in competition. Dakar puts everything to the test. Taking part in a rally-raid of this scale authentically demonstrates what Defender is capable of – even in the most extreme and toughest conditions on earth.”