- Defender brings its unstoppable 4x4 family to The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
- The Defender brand’s past, present and future will be on display—from a rare, early NAS model to the high‑performance Defender OCTA
- US debut of Defender Dakar D7X‑R, developed for the World Rally‑Raid Championship and the Dakar Rally
- American driver Sara Price—one of the stars of Defender Rally team’s winning Dakar Rally program—will be on hand to engage with guests
- Guests can push Defender to its limits on guided off‑road experiences that showcase the brand’s unstoppable capability
- For guests of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering join the Defender press conference at 12:00PM noon PST for a special global preview
MAHWAH, NJ – MONDAY AUGUST 10, 2026: Defender brings its bold spirit of adventure, engineering excellence and relentless pursuit of capability to The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, to celebrate the vehicles, people and achievements that define the brand today.
Since its U.S. return in 2020, Defender has grown from the original 4x4 into a robust family of tough luxury vehicles. From the agile Defender 90 and highly capable Defender 110 to the spacious Defender 130, each model embodies the Defender brand’s unique blend of unstoppable capability and modern luxury. At the pinnacle sits Defender OCTA—the most powerful, most advanced Defender ever built. It underpins the D7X‑R Defender that dominated its category at this year’s Dakar Rally, the world’s most demanding motorsport challenge.
Set within one of the world's premier automotive gatherings, Defender will demonstrate why it occupies a category entirely of its own. Purposeful. Durable. Unmistakable. Defender pushes beyond convention, proving luxury and capability belong together.
Designed with purpose, then and now
The display will celebrate the authenticity of the original North American Spec (NAS) Defender models that established a devoted following in the United States. Produced in limited numbers between 1993 and 1997, these vehicles set the standard through their honesty of purpose, rugged design and expedition‑ready character. Their influence remains at the heart of every Defender built today.
Power, Performance and Capability
Attendees will also experience the modern evolution of the brand through the Defender OCTA, the ultimate expression of Defender capability and Tough Luxury. Powered by a 626 hp twin‑turbo V8 engine and equipped with advanced 6D Dynamics suspension technology, Defender OCTA redefines what a luxury adventure vehicle can achieve. Engineered for the world’s harshest environments, yet finished with uncompromising modern luxury, OCTA represents the Defender brand’s most powerful and capable production vehicle ever.
Defender conquers the legendary Dakar Rally
Beyond production vehicles, Defender will showcase its growing presence in international motorsport through Defender Rally, the factory‑backed competition program competing in the FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship.
Taking center stage will be the Defender Dakar D7X‑R—a competition machine forged from the Defender OCTA and developed to conquer the legendary Dakar Rally. Built to FIA stock‑class regulations, every D7X‑R begins life on the standard Defender production line, retaining its production‑based aluminum D7x body architecture, driveline layout and powerful 4.4‑liter twin‑turbo V8 engine.
Modified for the world's toughest off‑road race, the D7X‑R features increased ride height and a wider track. Enhanced cooling systems and motorsport‑focused suspension prepare it for the extreme. It is designed to endure thousands of miles of punishing terrain, from towering desert dunes to unforgiving rock‑strewn stages.
Special Global Preview
The Defender brand will present a special global preview of an exclusive all‑new derivative built with unique features, giving guests an opportunity to experience a highly anticipated brand moment. Please join our press conference at the Defender booth at 12:00pm pst to learn more.
American Racer Sara Price, Defender Rally team driver on hand
The Defender display will also shine a spotlight on Sara Price, one of the most talented American off‑road racers competing today and an asset to the Defender Rally team.
A veteran of motocross, desert racing and rally competition, Price embodies the determination, courage and competitive spirit central to the Defender ethos. Her presence in the Defender Rally program represents a new chapter for the brand, connecting the Defender brand’s legendary heritage with the next generation of global adventure and motorsport excellence.
Defender has always stood for adventure without limits. From the NAS vehicles that established the brand in North America to the 626hp Defender OCTA and our success at The Dakar Rally, this showcase highlights the diversity of Defender. Together with the Defender Rally Team, we're proving that Defender is engineered to thrive in the world's toughest environments while delivering uncompromising Tough Luxury.
Paula Gharizi
North American Brand Director, Defender
Experience Defender at the Land Rover Experience Center
In addition to the vehicle showcase, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the Defender brand through the nearby Land Rover Experience (LRE) at The Quail Lodge, which will be open throughout the event. The center offers expertly guided off‑road driving experiences designed to demonstrate the extraordinary capability, durability and confidence of Defender vehicles in a controlled environment. Attendees can learn more about Defender's legendary all‑terrain performance and explore experiences available through the Land Rover Experience program.
Defender Past, Present and Future
From the authenticity of the original NAS vehicles to the technological sophistication of the 626hp OCTA and the desert‑conquering ambition of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R, the Defender display at The Quail will showcase a brand that continues to evolve while remaining true to its roots.
Whether on the world's most prestigious concours lawns or the most hostile terrain on the planet, Defender remains the definitive symbol of modern adventure—built to embrace the impossible and inspire journeys without limits.