Defender Rally made history on its competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally. After 14 days of gruelling competition, the three D7X-Rs finished in first, second and fourth places in the new Stock class, as well as achieving a ‘1,2,3’ result on 10 of the 13 demanding stages

Land Rover  Defender is building a road-legal evolution of its 2026 Dakar Rally-winning race car, representing the pinnacle of durability and performance forged in the heat of competition.

The exclusive limited-run 4×4 is a race-bred evolution of the victorious D7X-R. It brings trailblazing rally-raid capability to the road. A combination of 75 years of off-road innovation and competition-derived design.

Special features include:

• Wider track, increased ride height and rally suspension inspired by the winning D7X-R
• Retains the body architecture, transmission, driveline, and 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine of the rally car – all of which is based on Defender OCTA
• Colour options led by signature Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination
• Interior features rally-inspired details including unique race seats
• Defender Dakar will be available to reserve from early 2027.

Further technical details and specifications will be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. And its fair to say there is a lot of interest on the model.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

More details about the Defender Dakar Rally Car can be found HERE

To LISTEN TO  THE Defender Dakar Rally – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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It certainly stands out with its bright orange colour, contrasting with black wheel arch fenders, grill inserts , and lower body highlights.

The Raptor is all about performance. It comes with a 3.0 L V6 petrol engine that has power of 292 kW and torque of 583 Nm. This drives through a 10 speed AT and selectable 4WD.

Ranger Raptor also has 272 mm of ground clearance and excellent approach and departure angles. It also has Ford Performance developed FOX 2.5” Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers. They are awesome.

Drivers can choose from seven different drive modes. They can also adjust the steering input, damper modes as well as exhaust note.

Other features include

• 850 mm of water fording depth,
• front and rear performance disc brakes,
• 17” Alloy wheels,
• LT 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich KO2 High Performance All-Terrain tyres
• And Trail control, which allows cruise control off road for constant speeds.

The Ranger Raptor is designed for a specific purpose and does that extremely well. It’s also a lot of fun to drive.

Being priced from $90,440 plus the usual costs doesn’t deter the large number of buyers.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger Raptor – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger Raptor – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Big bold – look at me styling
• Performance, ride and handling
• Adjustable everything – steering, shocks, drive mode and exhaust

What is not so good?

• Poor towing capacity
• Can be thirsty
• Attracts unwanted attention

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.  

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Ford Ranger Raptor driven for 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.