Land Rover has revealed the first images of its high-performance Defender Octa prototype, dubbed the Dakar D7X-R, ahead of its debut in the 2025 World Rally Raid Championship. Entering the “stock” category, the Octa-based racer will go head-to-head with the toughest off-road machines in the iconic Dakar Rally.
Tested in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, the D7X-R wears a distinctive camouflage livery covered in white decals. This extreme environment was selected to simulate the intense heat and terrain expected during the grueling event in January.
Staying true to stock category rules, the D7X-R closely mirrors the standard Defender Octa. It retains the same aluminum monocoque chassis, all-wheel-drive system, and eight-speed automatic transmission. No changes have been made to its BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which continues to deliver 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
Land Rover has also announced a formidable driver lineup. Leading the charge is motorsport legend Stéphane Peterhansel, a 14-time Dakar Rally winner with one of the highest success rates in the sport. He’ll be joined by rising star Rokas Baciuška, while a third driver will be confirmed soon.
This factory-backed effort marks a bold move for Land Rover as it returns to competitive rally racing. With a powerful V8 engine, proven off-road engineering, and an elite team behind the wheel, the Defender Octa is set to prove its durability and speed in one of motorsport’s toughest challenges.
