Tag Archives: dakar rally

NEWS

Land Rover Defender Octa to compete in Dakar Rally, W2RC next year

The Land Rover Defender Octa is undeniably powerful, boasting 635 PS and 750 Nm on tap. But that’s on paper – does it have what it takes to perform in the real world?

To test the true capabilities of the Defender Octa, Land Rover has announced that it will participate in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) starting next year.

The automaker said it will run a two‑vehicle entry of competition‑spec Defenders in W2RC under the ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles, and a three‑vehicle entry in the Dakar Rally.

Competing in the Stock category means the Defender Octa will retain its engine, transmission, drivetrain, and body design as per the production model.

Racing with a standard powertrain may sound dull, but new regulations set to be implemented by 2026 will make said category significantly more competitive.

Launched in July 2024, the Defender Octa is the fastest Defender ever produced by Land Rover. It is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the SUV features a D7x architecture based on a monocoque aluminium construction, which is said to be three times stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs.

The suspension system comprises semi-active dampers designed to reduce pitch and body roll while maximising suspension articulation, allowing it to tackle more extreme terrains.

NEWS

Land Rover Defender set to conquer the Dakar Rally in 2026

Land Rover has announced its participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally in a recent statement.

Not stopping there, Land Rover will also serve as the official vehicle partner of the Dakar Rally for three years starting next year.

This means that Land Rover will provide a fleet of Defender models for transportation and support vehicles for the Dakar Rally until 2028.

In addition, six modified Defenders will be supplied for route testing for the upcoming race.

While the Defender is renowned for its off-road driving capabilities, this marks the first time a formal Defender team has participated in the Dakar Rally.

According to JLR Motorsport Managing Director James Barclay, “Our first time ever with a factory entry into the Dakar means we are right at the beginning of our journey.

“We are conscious of how much we have to learn and achieve before taking the start in 2026, but we are already well under way and looking forward to the adventure.”

More details about the program will be revealed prior to the 2025 Dakar Rally.

The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally, located in Saudi Arabia, will take place from January 3 to January 17 next year, covering a route from Bisha to Shubaytah across the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert.

Engear Volt

Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar boasts off-road ruggedness

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AUDI will be competing in this year’s Dakar Rally with a RS Q e-tron designed specifically for the gruelling endurance race. To mark its participation, the automekr has introduced the new Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, inspired by the rally car.

According to Audi, only 99 units of the edition Dakar will be made available. It will open for booking in the first quarter of this year, with a starting price of 120,000 euros (RM608,211) in Germany.

The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. It is equipped with a 114 kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 487 km. The battery powers a pair of electric motors making 402 hp (300 kW) and 664 Nm of torque.

With standard tyres, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. All-terrain General Grabber AT3 tyres increases the century sprint time by a tenth of a second to 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h.

While the chunky tyres render the SUV a little slower, they provide a higher ground clearance (+31 mm) and better grip on rocky or snowy surfaces.

The edition Dakar also comes standard with a roof rack capable of carrying up to 40 kg of load. Included are a bag for the rack and straps for attaching accessories.

In the base setting, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 206 mm. At higher speeds, it gradually lowers – by 15 mm at 85 km/h, 17 mm at 100 km/h, and 13 mm at 120 km/h.  Audi says the control strategy for the air suspension was revised for off-road driving.

Meanwhile, its approach, ramp, and departure angles are 20, 26, and 19 degrees, respectively. Audi also claims a water wading depth of up to 300 mm.

The four rings brand also offers plenty of optional acessories, which include decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron, ambient light package plus, second high-voltage heater to monitor heating power, Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound and virual side mirros.

In addition to the AT rubbers, each unit of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar comes with a set of summer tyres along and 20-inch wheels in 5-V spoke S design.