Meet the machine behind the Defender’s dominant Dakar win

There’s nothing on earth as tough yet luxurious as a diamond. So, if this precious stone were to have an automotive equivalent, it would have to be the OCTA – the most capable Land Rover Defender ever made.  

In fact, its name derives from ‘octahedron’, the diamond’s geometric shape. A lot to live up to, you might think, but the OCTA isn’t exactly shy. It’s just been named the BBC TopGear.com Off Roader of the Year, partlydue to its feral 635bhp V8 engine, which makes it the most powerful Defender ever produced.  

And if that alone doesn’t have you arranging a test drive, there’s also the fact the OCTA’s chassis and drivetrain gave birth to the Defender Dakar D7XR, which just won every single stage of motorsport’s toughest, maddest challenge on its first outing. Unsurprisingly, it’s a pretty cool story.  

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From good Stock

There’s a reason key figures in the Defender Rally team targeted the Stock class at this year’s prestigious Dakar event in Saudi Arabia. The category stipulates that any entrant must be a production car and only minor tweaks to key components are permitted to tackle the punishing desert terrain, so they knew they had the perfect blueprint to propel them to glory: the OCTA.  

The Dakar D7XR began life the same way as any other custom Defender, on Land Rover’s Slovakian production line. It carries the same robust D7x body architecture, transmission and driveline layout as the OCTA, and was also powered by the OCTA’s 4.4‑litre twin‑turbo V8 engine. The necessary modifications for the W2RC competition included a wider track, increased ride height, new suspension and enhanced cooling. 

Over a gruelling fortnight, Defender Rally drivers Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal proved a formidable pairing and swept all before them to romp home in an overall time of 58h 09' 45''. Fellow teammates Sara Price and Sean Berriman finished second, and ‘Mr Dakar’ Stéphane Peterhansel and co‑driver Mika Metge rounded off a dominant display in fourth, while all three crews locked out the podium across 10 of the 13 stages. 

Not bad for a debut year, then. But what made the OCTA such an effective jumping off point when conceiving this winning machine? The same reason it’s now the standard bearer for the Defender range in showrooms up and down the country. 

Find out more about Defender Rally’s Dakar journey here   

Tougher than ever

As with any Defender model, the exterior oozes brawn and purpose, but because this is the OCTA, everything’s turned up to 11. Compared to the core Defender, it has a raised ride height and wider stance, which builds on that innate sense of command you feel when sitting behind the wheel.   

The bumper’s clearly been to the gym, and the extended grille delivers the dual benefit of both looking great and improving cooling for that banshee of an engine behind it. Meanwhile, textured graphite finishes all over, plus a hard-wearing graphite front undershield, add to its durability against the most uneven terrain. 

Of course, a rugged exterior is all well and good, but any off-roader worth its salt needs the mechanical capability to go with it. And wherever you’re planning to take your OCTA, you can be sure it’ll be equal to the task. Crossing a stream? You’ll enjoy a wading depth of up to a metre. But to see it at its most agile, simply select OCTA mode for a unique ABS calibration designed for loose gravel surfaces.  

Increased ground clearance and wheel articulation provide further aptitude for any topography. You can also choose from a range of specially developed 838mm diameter tyres, including all-season and advanced all-terrain specs.  

Refined power

It’s not all about the road less travelled, though. The OCTA has been optimised for everyday excellence and is equipped with features such as 6D Dynamics air suspension, which intelligently responds to different driving styles. Combined with hydraulic interlinked dampers and height-adjustable air springs, it makes for nimble, sporty driving on regular roads, as well as the smoothest of rides. 

Which brings us back to that twin turbo V8 engine. Its 635bhp can take the OCTA from 0-60 in a zippy 3.8 seconds, while still maintaining exceptional driveability and greater fuel efficiency. The torque and sprint performance are also supplemented by the 48V mild hybrid system, while the active exhaust system allows for optimum thermal management in OCTA mode and provides a distinctive, satisfyingly throaty roar. 

Naturally, all that car with all that grunt needs impressive stopping power, which is why the OCTA has its own integrated power brake system, including bespoke pads, callipers and discs.  

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A good place to sit

The cabin is also awash with modern features to elevate the OCTA experience for both drivers and passengers, with even the smallest details being given the greatest attention. For instance, you’ll notice a Moonlight Chrome switchgear with which you can choose a chopped carbon fibre finisher, should you wish.   

When it comes to seats, the options only broaden. All about in-car entertainment? Choose Body and Soul Seats, fitted with the next generation of vibro-acoustic technology: the industry-leading SUBPACTM platform, allowing you to not just hear sounds, but feel them, too.  

If ultimate comfort is the order of the day for you, go for the Performance Seats, featuring supportive bolsters and integrated headrests. With four distinct colourways to choose from, you can completely style your OCTA to your own taste.  

Discover the true capability of the OCTA with a highly curated experience at select LRE centres, including an in-depth test drive 

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