Land Rover has announced that the Defender OCTA, its fastest and most capable model yet, will serve as the foundation for its entry into the Dakar Rally and FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) starting in 2026.

Competing in the “Stock” category for production-based vehicles, the competition-spec Defenders will retain key components of the OCTA model, including its D7x aluminum monocoque body architecture, transmission, and driveline. Power will come from the OCTA’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.

“The Dakar will be an immense challenge, but Defender OCTA combines huge performance with characteristic Defender capability and durability,” said Mark Cameron, Defender’s managing director.

New regulations for the Stock category will come into effect in 2026, increasing performance standards for high-powered 4x4s and SUVs. These updates aim to showcase the durability and off-road prowess of production-based vehicles like the Defender.

Defender’s motorsport program includes a two-vehicle entry in all five W2RC rounds and a three-vehicle entry in the Dakar Rally. Preparation is already underway, with testing set to continue throughout the year.

In 2025, Defender began its four-year partnership as the official vehicle provider for the Dakar Rally, fielding 20 vehicles to support race logistics and event planning.