Land Rover Defender Dakar As Capable As It SoundsLand RoverLest you think that Land Rover's most capable off-roader, the Defender, had reached its peak, the company will produce a limited run of burly wide-stance Defender Dakar versions.Unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week, the model commemorates Land Rover's class victory in the 2026 Dakar Rally with the Defender D7X-R. And the Dakar is more than just a paint and trim package. Because the Stock-class race truck ran in was very close to a road-going Defender Octa, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 and eight speed transmission, turning it back into a road-legal, Raptor-esque beast was straightforward.Land RoverThis is not to say it will be inexpensive, because it will not be. Land Rover has not released a price for the Dakar but, for perspective, a Defender Octa Black Edition already starts at about $170,000. So, figure well above that. The company says it will take reservations for the Dakar in "early 2027."AdvertisementAdvertisementSo what do buyers get for that undisclosed large pile of money? Well, they get a twin-turbo V-8 that makes 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That is considerably more power than the race truck, which was required to run with an air restrictor to reduce power. It is, however, the same output as the existing Octa.The Dakar gets 35-inch all-terrain tires mounted to new forged 20-inch wheels. Land Rover has modified the suspension using coil springs and motorsport Bilstein Dampers. The Dakar will come with new Dunes and Gravel Drive modes as well as a what the company enticingly calls Flight Mode. That last one was developed for the race truck, to help smooth out landings.Land RoverThe exterior is distinguished by roof-mounted light pods, a carbon-fiber hood, and raised air intakes. Huge wheel flares with exposed rivets bring the brawn. The usual rear-mounted spare tire has been moved inside the truck to the cargo area where it's joined by an air compressor. Improved underbody protection. And buyers get signature mud flaps, too.Inside, the Dakar has 2+2 seating, with the front seats being specially designed race-style buckets. Four-point harnesses will be optional. The Dakar will be offered in a variety of colors, including the Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination seen on the race truck as well as here on this design preview model.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
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