By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Defender Dakar Launch Set for 2027 – New Rally SUV Details Revealed
Defender Dakar gets a 635hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The SUV features 35-inch tyres, Bilstein dampers and a new Flight Mode. Reservations will open in early 2027, with full specs coming at the Dakar Rally.
Defender has revealed the new Dakar as a limited-run road-legal SUV inspired by its Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R competition car. Previewed at the 2026 Monterey Car Week, the Defender Dakar brings rally-derived hardware to a road-going model based on the Defender Octa. Reservations for the new Defender Dakar are scheduled to open in early 2027, while its full technical specifications will be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.
Defender Dakar Gets 635hp V8
The Defender Dakar is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that develops 635hp and 750Nm. The engine is shared with the D7X-R rally car, although Defender says the road-going SUV will run unrestricted compared with the competition version.
The Dakar also retains the D7X body architecture, transmission and driveline from the rally car. This gives the new SUV a closer mechanical connection to Defender's Dakar programme than a conventional special edition.
Also Read: New Aston Martin Valen Revealed – 850hp V12, 345kph Top Speed and More
35-Inch Tyres and Rally Suspension
The new Defender gets a wider track and increased ride height, along with 35-inch all-terrain tyres mounted on forged 20-inch wheels. Suspension hardware includes coil springs and Bilstein Advanced dampers. Defender has also introduced new Dunes and Gravel drive modes to help optimise the SUV for different off-road surfaces.
One of the standout features is Flight Mode. Developed specifically for the Dakar, the system is designed to improve stability when the SUV becomes airborne and during landings over uneven terrain.
Rugged Exterior Design
The Defender Dakar's exterior takes direct inspiration from the D7X-R rally car. It gets roof-mounted auxiliary lights, a fixed metal roof and a carbon-fibre bonnet. The SUV also features raised carbon-fibre air intakes, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, signature mud flaps and a tailgate blanking panel. Additional underbody protection and a front undershield are designed to protect the SUV during demanding off-road driving. Among the available exterior finishes is a Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination inspired by the race-winning D7X-R.
Cabin Gets a Rally-Inspired Layout
Inside, the Defender Dakar moves away from the conventional luxury-focused layout of the regular Defender Octa. It gets a 2+2 seating configuration with specially designed front race seats. Four-point racing harnesses will be available as an option, adding to the rally-inspired character of the cabin. The rear storage area has also been designed to carry race helmets. The load bay gets dedicated mounting points for the spare wheel and an air compressor, making the interior more practical for serious off-road use.
Also Read: 5 New Toyota Cars Coming to India – Fortuner, EV MPV and More
Defender Dakar Reservations in 2027
Defender has not yet revealed the production numbers or price of the Dakar. The company will open reservations in early 2027, while the complete technical specifications will be announced during the 2027 Dakar Rally.
With a 635hp V8, 35-inch tyres, rally-derived suspension and Flight Mode, the Defender Dakar is shaping up to be one of the most extreme road-legal versions of the SUV yet.
About Author
Konica Singh
Sub-Editor
Konica Singh is a passionate Automotive Journalist who brings the world of cars to life, from EV trends to exciting new car launches. Backed by 7 years in content creation, she is skilled in writing, editing, and SEO strategy that drives engagement.
Education: MA English (Delhi University)
Social Media: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Email: konica.carlelo@gmail.com
Location: New Delhi
ADVERTISEMENT
Explore Similar Cars
Top Car Brands in India
Trending Car News in India
3 Cars Launching in 2 Days - Slavia and Elevate Facelifts
The Mercedes Maybach S-Class facelift is scheduled to be launched on 5th Oc, while the Elevate facelift and Slavia facelift will go on sale in our market on Oct
Amit Sharma
Read More
Honda Elevate Facelift and 0 Alpha EV to Launch Soon
Honda Cars India will launch the Elevate facelift on October 6, 2026, while the 0 Alpha EV concept based electric SUV will be launched before the end of this FY
Chhavi
Read More
BYD Announces Denza Luxury Brand for India; Denza D9 and Z9 GT
Denza will initially launch two luxury vehicles, including the Denza D9 luxury MPV and the Z9 GT Shooting Brake in the Indian market.
Chhavi
Read More
Kia to Launch 4 Hybrid Cars in India: New Sonet to Carnival
From next-gen Kia Sonet to Carens Clavis MPV, here is a list of top 4 upcoming Kia hybrid models heading to the Indian market in the next couple of years.
Chhavi
Read More
Kia Sorento Mileage Revealed - Hybrid Vs Diesel
Kia Sorento Hybrid 2WD and 4WD versions are claimed to deliver an ARAI certified fuel economy of 19.60 kmpl and 17.70 kmpl, respectively.
Chhavi
Read More
Why fuel efficiency has become a top priority for used car buyers
With running costs rising and daily commutes growing longer, buyers are placing fuel efficiency near the top of their list when choosing a pre-owned car.
Team CarLelo
Read More
Does Zero Depreciation Cover Every Replacement Part after an Accident?
Zero depreciation is an optional add-on on car insurance that changes how depreciation is treated during an admissible own-damage claim.
Team CarLelo
Read More
Latest Land Rover Car News and Updates
First-Ever Electric Range Rover – 543bhp and 600km Range
First-ever Range Rover Electric revealed with 543bhp, 850Nm torque, 118.5kWh battery, 600km range, 900mm wading and fast charging.
Konica Singh
Read More
Range Rover Sport Twenty Edition Priced at Rs 1.90 Crore
The new Range Rover Sport Twenty Edition is a limited run edition, priced at Rs 1.90 crore, ex-showroom India. Deliveries will commence from October 2026.
Chhavi
Read More
Range Rover SV Ultra Launched in India at Rs 3.8 Crore
Priced at Rs 3.8 crore, the new Ultra SV is the new top-spec variant of the Range Rover line-up which comes with a range of bespoke touchces.
Amit Sharma
Read More
New Freelander 8 Gets 46.3-Inch 8K Display, Huawei ADAS and 800V Platform
The new Freelander 8 gets a 46.3-inch 8K display, Huawei ADS 5.0, Snapdragon 8397 chip and an 800V platform ahead of its China debut.
Konica Singh
Read More
New Pajero Teaser Reveals Cabin, LED Lights and Rugged Shape
Mitsubishi has released a new teaser of the next-gen Pajero, revealing its premium cabin, LED lighting signature and rugged SUV shape ahead of debut.
Konica Singh
Read More
Next-Gen Range Rover Velar to Get a Big Change – Hybrid Power Confirmed
The next-gen Range Rover Velar will get a new design, EV option and JLR's first full-hybrid powertrain. Global debut is expected by late 2026.
Konica Singh
Read More
Latest Land Rover Defender News and Updates
Freelander SUV Set to Return – First Model to Debut on March 31
Jaguar Land Rover and Chery to revive Freelander as electrified SUVs. First model to debut on March 31. Check platform, design and details.
Konica Singh
Read More
Baby Land Rover Defender Sport Confirmed - Development Work Fast Paced
The baby Land Rover Defender Sport is likely to be based on JLR’s Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, which will underpin future EV line-up.
Amit Sharma
Read More
New Land Rover Defender India Launch Soon - Key Features Revealed
2026 Land Rover Defender gets design tweaks, new features, and better comfort while retaining its powerful petrol and diesel engine options.
Konica Singh
Read More
Refreshed Land Rover Defender Coming to India By Year-End
The 2025 Land Rover Defender gets a design and tech upgrade; India launch expected by year-end with refreshed looks, new features, and improved off-road tech.
Konica Singh
Read More
Land Rover Defender Updated: New Features, Colours, and Off-Road Tech Revealed
Land Rover updates the Defender with new styling, features, and off-road tech across all variants, including a refreshed OCTA with added customisation options.
Konica Singh
Read More
Land Rover Baby Defender Electric 4x4 to Launch in 2027
Land Rover Baby Defender Electric 4×4 is expected to launch in 2027. Built on the new EMA platform, this compact SUV will feature fast charging, bold design, and advanced EV technology.
Konica Singh
Read More
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Trending Cars in India
Explore Similar Cars
Trusted Dealer
All Over India
Irresistible Offers
Stay Updated, Pay Less
Compare Cars
Choose the Right Car
Easy Finance
Multiple Finance Options
Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 6:30pm
contact@carlelo.com