Defender Dakar Goes Road-Ready With 626-HP V8 and 35-Inch Tires
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.