Latest news with #Dakar
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Defender D7X-R: Land Rover's continuous innovations ahead of the 2026 Dakar Rally
The Defender D7X-R made its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, showcasing the competition version that will tackle the 2026 Dakar Rally. Showcased at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, it was the public's first glimpse of the competition version of the Defender 110 that will be competing in the newly updated 'Stock' category for production-based vehicles. The Defender D7X-R Dakar programme is going full steam ahead as they prepare for the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). New regulations The 2026 edition of the W2RC will implement new regulations that are aimed at making the Stock category significantly more competitive overall, as the FIA and Dakar organisers respond to the increasing capacity and popularity of high-performance 4x4s and SUVs. The new regulations will allow increased performance benefits, allowing Defender to showcase its durability and capability through the harshest terrains. The Defender Dakar D7X-R shares the same D7X aluminium body architecture, transmission and driveline layout as production Defenders and is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Drivers debut Also making their debut at the famous festival were four-time Dakar stage winner Sara Price and the legendary Stéphane Peterhansel, who has won the Dakar Rally 14 times. Both Price and Peterhansel were recently announced as official drivers for Defender, along with Rokas Baciuška. 'I loved being at Goodwood. I drove on the famous hillclimb four times, which was so awesome. And I also drove in the Off-Road Arena, which was super fun. The car felt really good. "We were showing off our prototype car at Goodwood, but it's about to get even more real as our competition Defender will be finished soon and the real testing will begin,' said Price. Peterhansel concurred, saying, 'I'm looking forward to the next few months of preparations ahead of our entry to Dakar. To go back to the roots with a production car, and with Defender, I'm really proud to be part of it. "We will try to write a new chapter of history with Defender at Dakar. It's going to be an adventure and an opportunity to show what a production car can do."
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Defender Dakar D7X-R breaks cover ahead of 2026 rally entry
The Defender, formerly the Land Rover Defender, is probably one of the most loved 4x4s in the world. According to The Citizen, it is certainly the most iconic — and considered the most capable too. Now, Land Rover is going rallying with its new Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype. Taking on Dakar Unveiled at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Defender parent company JLR announced it will be entering the Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in 2026. The Defender Dakar D7X-R's global debut gave the public a first glimpse of the type of cars that will compete in the newly updated 'Stock' category for production-based vehicles in the 2026 Dakar Rally and W2RC. The car is a competition version of the Defender 110. The changes to the 'Stock' category will make this Defender significantly more competitive and provide the perfect platform to authentically demonstrate the extreme capability and durability of Defender. Also making their debut at the famous festival were four-time Dakar stage winner Sara Price and 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel. 'I've loved being at Goodwood, there's so much going on. I drove on the famous hillclimb four times, which was so awesome,' said Price. 'I also drove in the Off-Road Arena, which was super fun, because anytime I get in this vehicle is just so exciting for me. The car felt really good – it's the total package.' Peterhansel added: 'For many years, I have been intrigued by the famous hillclimb, and now I have experienced it for myself. It has been a great event to attend, and I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting some fans. I'm looking forward to the next few months of preparations ahead of our entry to Dakar in the 'Stock' category.' Team and car The reveal comes as the Defender Rally team continues to take shape with the signing of its first official partners. Joining the team as official fluids partner is Castrol, who will equip the rally car with the products it needs for optimal performance throughout the five rounds of the W2RC. In addition, Defender Rally has confirmed that British expedition and performance apparel company Shackleton will be the official apparel supplier. The first prototype of the Defender Dakar D7X-R was tested in the sand dunes of Morocco in April, from which the team took a wealth of learnings, then applied to the next stage of the programme. Shown at Goodwood, the second prototype features a number of upgrades suited to its performance requirements and is closer in spec to the official competition car due to be unveiled later this year. These include: 17-inch wheels fitted with 35-inch tyres Increased track width and ride height Upgraded steering rack Competition exhaust system
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Testing continues for almost Dakar Rally-ready Defender D7X-R
Defender parent company, JLR, is providing factory backing to a team that will be led on the driver front by 14 time Dakar Rally winner, Stéphane Peterhansel. JLR showcased an improved version of the Defender Dakar D7X-R at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed. Picture: JLR The Defender, formerly the Land Rover Defender, is probably the most loved 4x4s in the world. It is certainly the most iconic. And considered the most capable too. Now Land Rover it is going rallying with their new Defender Dakar D7X-R prototype. Taking on Dakar Unveiled at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Defender parent company, JLR, announced it will be entering the Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in 2026. The Defender Dakar D7X-R's global debut gave the public the first glimpse of the type of cars that will compete in the newly updated 'Stock' category for production-based vehicles in the 2026 Dakar Rally and W2RC. The car is a competition version of the Defender 110. The changes to the 'Stock' category will make this Defender significantly more competitive and is the perfect platform to authentically demonstrate the extreme capability and durability of Defender. ALSO READ: Hardcore off-road suited Defender OCTA officially revealed Also making their debut at the famous festival was four-time Dakar stage winner Sara Price and 14 times Dakar winner, Stéphane Peterhansel. 'I've loved being at Goodwood, there's so much going on. I drove on the famous hillclimb four times, which was so awesome,' said Price. 'I also drove in the Off-Road Arena which was super fun, because anytime I get in this vehicle is just so exciting for me. The car felt really good – it's the total package.' Peterhansel added, 'For many years, I have been intrigued by the famous hillclimb, and now I have experienced it for myself. It has been a great event to attend, and I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting some fans. I'm looking forward to the next few months of preparations ahead of our entry to Dakar in the 'Stock' category.' Team and car The reveal comes as the Defender Rally team continues to take shape with the signing of its first official partners. Joining the team as Official Fluids Partner is Castrol, who will equip the rally car with the products it needs for optimal performance throughout the five rounds of the W2RC. In addition, Defender Rally has confirmed that British expedition and performance apparel company, Shackleton, will be the official apparel supplier. The first prototype of the Defender Dakar D7X-R was tested in the sand dunes of Morocco in April, from which the team took a wealth of learning then applied to the next stage of the programme. Shown at Goodwood, the second prototype features a number of upgrades suitable for its performance requirements and closer in spec to the official competition car due to be unveiled later this year. These include: 17-inch wheels fitted with 35-inch tyres; increased track width and ride height; upgraded steering rack; competition exhaust system NOW READ: Plug-in hybrid Defender would not have pleased the Camel Man
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Hasan Al Sadadi ready for Dakar 2026
Bahraini driver Hasan Al Sadadi has confirmed his readiness to participate in the Dakar Rally 2026 and continue representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in international championships, despite the many challenges he faces along the way. Al Sadadi stated: 'It brings me great joy and honour to participate in rallies and raise the flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain high at various sporting events. 'I am also proud to be the only Bahraini currently active in rally championships.' Al Sadadi shared that he is working hard to prepare for next year's Dakar and is seeking the necessary support to ensure an honourable representation of Bahrain in this major international event. He added: 'I hope that Bahraini companies, institutions, and relevant officials will provide the necessary support to raise Bahrain's flag in such a massive competition, which should be viewed as a national responsibility – not just an individual effort – so we can assert our presence in one of the toughest desert rallies in the world.' Al Sadadi extended his deep gratitude and appreciation to the companies and entities that supported him during the Dakar Rally 2025. 'I extend my sincere thanks to Bahrain International Circuit for being the official sponsor and for playing a major role in providing the necessary support. 'I also thank Beyon Group Bahrain, Racing Force Bahrain – specialised in manufacturing sportswear and equipment – and Bell Helmets, which provided the certified racing helmet. 'This support gave me a great morale boost during the Dakar Rally, and I hope that other companies and institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain will follow their example and provide the needed backing to Bahraini racers in international events.'
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Hasan Al Sadadi Gears Up For Dakar Rally 2026
Bahraini driver Hasan Al Sadadi has confirmed his readiness to participate in the Dakar Rally 2026 and continue representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in international championships, despite the many challenges he faces along the way. Al Sadadi stated: 'It brings me great joy and honour to participate in rallies and raise the flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain high at various sporting events. 'I am also proud to be the only Bahraini currently active in rally championships.' Al Sadadi shared that he is working hard to prepare for next year's Dakar and is seeking the necessary support to ensure an honourable representation of Bahrain in this major international event. He added: 'I hope that Bahraini companies, institutions, and relevant officials will provide the necessary support to raise Bahrain's flag in such a massive competition, which should be viewed as a national responsibility – not just an individual effort – so we can assert our presence in one of the toughest desert rallies in the world.' Al Sadadi extended his deep gratitude and appreciation to the companies and entities that supported him during the Dakar Rally 2025. 'I extend my sincere thanks to Bahrain International Circuit for being the official sponsor and for playing a major role in providing the necessary support. 'I also thank Beyon Group Bahrain, Racing Force Bahrain – specialised in manufacturing sportswear and equipment – and Bell Helmets, which provided the certified racing helmet. 'This support gave me a great morale boost during the Dakar Rally, and I hope that other companies and institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain will follow their example and provide the needed backing to Bahraini racers in international events.' Also read: Bahrain: Authorities Warn Of Fake Video Calls By Scammers Posing As Police
