The Land Rover Defender Dakar prototype debuted at the Monterey Car Week in California comes to the road next year.This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter.Land Rover will celebrate its Defender D7X-R's victory in the 2026 Dakar Rally by introducing a road-legal version of the racer, the company said in an Aug. 14 release.Unveiled as a prototype at The Quail by The Peninsula as part of Monterey Car Week in California, the model will boast a host of off-road performance features closely related to the racer. Three D7X-R models finished the 14-day, 24,000-km race in first, second and fourth places in the new Stock class, Land Rover said.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis roadgoing race car will keep the same D7x body architecture, transmission and driveline of the D7X‑R competition car, which is based on the Defender OCTA.The limited‑run Defender Dakar also has the same 4.4‑liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine, which will be untroubled by racing regulations, and will boast a full 636 hp. It will also feature greater cooling capabilities and can produce 553 lb-ft of torque. Defender Dakar will feature a 35‑inch tire package, with all‑terrain rubber on new forged 20‑inch wheels riding on coil suspension with motorsport‑proven Bilstein Advanced dampers.Off-road tech includes new Dunes and Gravel Drive modes and a Flight Mode to cope with jumps originally developed for the competition car to aid smooth landings.AdvertisementAdvertisementExterior details include roof‑mounted light pods, carbon fiber raised air intakes, carbon fiber hood, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, tailgate blanking plate and signature mud flaps. Underbody protection is enhanced with a race‑inspired specification metal front undershield.Defender Dakar will be available with a range of color options, including the signature Dakar Sand body and Yanbu Turquoise roof combination inspired by the D7X‑R livery. A matte protective film is optional with Narvik Black and Alaska White options.The cabin offers 2+2 seating with specially designed race seats in the front row, plus optional four‑point racing harnesses with rear stowage designed to fit race helmets. The cargo area will feature a specially engineered mounting for the spare wheel and air compressor."It's the ultimate expression of adventure and is a true reflection of how we embrace the impossible," Defender managing director Mark Cameron said in a statement. "This limited‑run model will showcase everything we've learned in some of the toughest environments and most competitive conditions imaginable."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe automaker is currently gauging consumer interest in the limited-edition model planned to be released in global markets in 2027.Speculation in other media outlets over prices and availability was dismissed by a Jaguar Land Rover spokesperson in an email to WardsAuto. "Details will be announced at the official launch at Dakar 2027," said the spokesperson. "We haven't released specifications, pricing or volume details and will do so upon launch." Recommended ReadingJLR plans Defender models designed for US market',
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