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Today JLR has given us more information on the rally raid vehicle that they will be entering in Dakar next year. We already knew it was going to be based on the OCTA and competing in the Stock category, and now we know it is going to be called D7X-R, with the name coming from the D7x platform that the Defender is based upon. The engine, transmission and drivetrain are all the exact same as you'll get in a stock OCTA. The suspension is I'm sure going to be a long-travel reinforced setup, and not the air suspension and 6D Dynamics hydraulically cross-linked dampers you'll get on an OCTA. Wheels appear to be the standard 20" forged OCTA wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich KM3 tires. Not sure the size, but clearly oversized. Other than that, it looks to be very much a stock Defender OCTA with a slick top and minus the spare wheel. Definitely looking forward to seeing this compete in next year's Dakar Rally!
What is great is that we know this must be hard core to work in this environment.
As a completely unrelated aside, I’m a sucker for some livery and I love DEFENDER on the roof like that.
I think the camo they're using is fantastic, too. Also noticed that the Defender lettering on the hood is part of the camo wrap, and not an actual logo itself.
I also really hope they are successful at Dakar. Winning is one thing, but just finishing it is an achievement in its own right.
Appears that the public debut of the D7X-R was today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. JLR also announced that Castrol is the "official fluids partner" for the Dakar team. Not surprising, as JLR has been using Castrol as the OEM oil for decades.
Also, look closely and I think I see side pipes? Looks like the wrap is melting round that pipe, which makes me think its the exhaust.
Highly recommend going to FoS if you ever have a chance. I flew across the pond last year to attend and it was amazing - truly a bucket list event.
Last edited by CincyRovers; Jul 10, 2025 at 09:29 AM.
Side pipes are always supremely awesome, even if these ones look to be squarely in the "burn your leg every time you get out" region. Really excited to see it compete.
Defender D7X-R Dakar prototype
