The brand has confirmed production of an even more potent off-roader, and it's bound to be appreciated considering this year's detune.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreAlthough Land Rover's recent update to the Defender OCTA for 2027 had many fans scratching their heads, thankfully, all hope is not lost for those who crave power.That's because the brand just dropped a "Design Preview Model" at Monterey Car Week, showing off an even more badass variant. Land Rover is calling it the Defender Dakar, and it's a rig that draws directly from the D7x rally campaign.The Defender Dakar will iterate on the D7X-R competition rig, itself a derivation of the OCTA. - Credit: Jaguar Land RoverAn evolution on the OCTANow, you don't have to be an intimate Dakar fan to appreciate what Land Rover is looking to do with this special new model. The desert-running D7x in question is based on the most potent OCTA, and this Defender Dakar is intended to be a subsequent road-legal expression of that SUV.AdvertisementAdvertisementDerivative as that may sound, it means it'll feature the same tough D7x body architecture, transmission and driveline of the D7X‑R competition car. Moreover, Land Rover says it'll run Bilstein Advanced Dampers, some 20-inch wheels and new Dunes and Gravel modes in addition to a "Flight" mode for getting airborne.Together with rally-ready equipment like roof‑mounted light pods, dual raised air intakes, a carbon hood, and some extended wheel arches, it promises a mean transformation. In keeping with its competition origins, Land Rover has also confirmed that the Defender Dakar will run a blank tailgate, upgraded underbody protection and mud flaps.That Dakar badge should make its competition pedigree abundantly clear. - Credit: Jaguar Land RoverThe biggest news, however, is the output number. Though it'll run the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine as the race Defender, it won't be encumbered by competition regulations. As a result, Land Rover is claiming a full 626 horsepower from the setup.Mind you, that's a figure the OCTA hit before this year's supposed emissions-compliance update. How Land Rover looks to rectify that remains to be seen.Previewing production intentWhile Land Rover is keeping some of its cards close for now, the Design Preview Model nevertheless demonstrates serious production intent. From confirming colors and 2+2 interior seating options to announcing the availability of four-point racing harnesses and rear storage, it sets the stage for a truly badass Defender evolution.AdvertisementAdvertisementI mean, even the rear load space is being touted as featuring "specially engineered mounting" for the spare wheel and air compressor.Land Rover is keeping some details under wraps, but the MO is essentiall "racecar for the road." - Credit: Jaguar Land RoverAccording to the announcement, Land Rover is now registering interest in the Defender Dakar. Reservations will be available from early next year, and further technical details and specifications will be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Land Rover Defender Dakar Learn More About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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