Land Rover has announced its participation in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally Championship (W2RC). A racing version of the Defender OCTA off-road vehicle will be built for the event.

Land Rover has announced the entry of two cars in all five rounds of the FIA World Touring Car Rally Championship (W2RC) in the Stock category for production cars. As well as three cars in the championship's main event, the Dakar Rally, from 2026.

A comprehensive programme of testing and preparation of the Defender for the event has already begun. It will culminate in test runs and a full team launch later this year, on the eve of the Dakar and the FIA World Rally Championship 2026.

Land Rover Defender OCTA Land Rover Defender OCTA

TheLand Rover Defender OCTA was officially unveiled in July 2024. It is the most powerful version of the SUV ever. Under the bonnet of the vehicle is a 4.4-litre V8 turbo engine that develops 635 hp and 750 Nm. Acceleration 0-100 km/h takes only 4.0 seconds.

In addition to the powerful engine Defender OCTA received off-road tyres, wheel arch extenders and increased ground clearance. The suspension and steering system have been changed, a sports exhaust system has been installed, and special driving modes have been added to the transmission settings.

The cost of Land Rover Defender OCTA in the UK starts at £145,300 (about 171 thousand euros). The Land Rover Defender OCTA Edition One Limited Edition starts at £160,800 (almost 190 thousand euros).

Source: Land Rover

Tags: Land Rover
Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving