Defender reveals Octa V8 twin-turbo challenger for Dakar 2026

In 2026, two Land Rover Defender Octa-derived racing cars will take part in the Dakar and FIA World Rally-Raid Championships

Photo by: JLR

By: Fabio Gemelli

Jan 21, 2025 at 1:51am ET

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In 2026, the Land Rover Defender Octa, the 635 PS British super off-roader, will compete in the Dakar and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

To prove its ruggedness and power, the Defender race car that will tackle the most gruelling rally-raids will be entered in the'Stock' category for production vehicles, sharing with the production Defender Octa both the D7x platform and the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, transmission and the entire drivetrain.

In 2026, two Land Rovers will be entered in all five rounds of the W2RC, both in the Stock category, which under the new regulations allows for greater performance and competitiveness.

Off-road derivative with twin-turbocharged 635 PS V8

As a reminder, the standard Land Rover Defender Octa, from which the Defender for the Dakar will be derived, is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo mild hybrid engine that develops a whopping 635 PS and 800 Nm.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender Octa

Thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-wheel Drive with Terrain Response 2, this spectacular Land Rover is able to reach 155 mph (with 22-inch wheels and 275/50R22 Michelin Primacy All-Season tyres) and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in four seconds flat.

'The Dakar: an incredibly exciting challenge'

Announcing participation in the Dakar and other championship stages, Defender's Managing Director, Mark Cameron, says:

Taking on the world's most demanding rally-raid event represents the ultimate test for what is, to date, our most extreme Defender yet.

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Mark Cameron, Managing Director di Defender

Photo by: JLR

We know the Dakar will be an immense challenge, but the Defender OCTA combines enormous performance with the Defender's characteristic capability and durability - the perfect foundation for what I'm sure will be a highly competitive rally-raid vehicle."

He is echoed by James Barclay, Managing Director of JLR Motorsport, who adds:

"Participating in the Dakar with the Defender will be an incredibly exciting challenge. Our vision for the future already included participation in rally-raids by production vehicles, so it was incredibly positive to align with the ASO, FIA and other manufacturers and collaborate on the creation of the new regulations for the 'Stock' category.

James Barclay, Managing Director di JLR Motorsport,

Photo by: JLR

We now have the right platform to truly demonstrate the Defender's capabilities in the biggest challenge in off-road motorsport. Ahead of us is a year of preparation, testing and learning to be ready for Dakar 2026. The team is already well underway and we look forward to competing in both the Dakar and the W2RC, the toughest off-road events in the world."