Jaguar Land Rover Begins Testing Defender Dakar D7X-R Prototype
Jaguar Land Rover has officially started testing its Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype in preparation for its entry into the Dakar Rally series next year. The British marque recently released images of the mule tackling the harsh desert terrain in Morocco, simulating the extreme conditions that the team will face in the 2026 series.
The Defender Dakar D7X-R will compete in the Stock category for production-based vehicles. While it shares the same D7x aluminium monocoque chassis, transmission, and driveline layout as the standard Defender, bespoke components such as suspension and bodywork have been developed specifically for the Dakar Rally. More details on the modifications will be disclosed later this year.
Notable Dakar rally veterans StĂ©phane Peterhansel and Rokas Baciuška have been announced as the first two drivers for the Jaguar Land Rover team. James Barclay, JLR’s motorsport boss, expressed his excitement about the progress made so far, stating, “Completing our first official test is a huge milestone and kicks off a busy calendar of testing activity on our journey to Dakar.”
Jaguar Land Rover will be fielding a works team in the Dakar Rally, leveraging the Defender’s renowned durability and off-road capabilities. Barclay emphasized the brand’s commitment to the challenge, stating, “Our first time ever with a factory entry into the Dakar means we are right at the beginning of our journey.”
Further details about Jaguar Land Rover’s participation in the Dakar Rally will be unveiled next year as the team continues to prepare for what Barclay described as the “Everest of motorsport.” He added, “We are conscious of how much we have to learn and achieve before taking the start in 2026, but we are already well underway and looking forward to the adventure.”
