Defender Dakar Goes Road-Ready With 626-HP V8 and 35-Inch Tires
TL;DR
Land Rover is turning its Dakar-winning D7X-R racer into a road-legal Defender Dakar, packing a 4.4-liter BMW-sourced twin-turbo V8 with 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, plus rally-ready 35-inch tires, wider stance, and Bilstein suspension. The production version echoes the Dakar racer’s look and tech (extended arches, roof lights, carbon bits) and will offer race-inspired seats with optional harnesses. Reservations open in early 2027 ahead of more details at the 2027 Dakar Rally.
- The Defender Racer Won Dakar With 394 HP. The Street Version Makes 626 Carscoops
- The Defender Dakar Is the Most Extreme Land Rover Yet Car and Driver
- Defender creates Dakar-inspired road car DirtFish
- Land Rover’s building a limited-edition, road-legal V8 Defender Dakar Top Gear
- Land Rover Is Building A Bonkers Defender That Should Absolutely Destroy Ford Bronco Raptor CarBuzz
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Carscoops