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A beige D7X-R off-road vehicle speeds through a dusty desert trail, kicking up a large cloud of sand, with mountains visible in the background.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  January 05, 2026

Defender Begins Racing The D7X-R In The Dakar Rally

Defender’s Dakar Rally racing debut is here. The run-up to Defender’s first year racing in the Dakar Rally is over, and the historic and cherished off-roading brand has spent the past year creating its D7X-R race car, which is based on the current performance flagship of the Defender lineup, the OCTA. The legendary Dakar Rally is known as the “Everest” of the rally-raid competition, and the team, consisting of three cars and drivers Stéphane Peterhansel, Rokas Baciuška and Sara Price, began the two-week journey towards hopeful victory on January 3, facing over 3,000 miles of racing. YETI and watchmaker Bell & Ross have become partners of the racing effort, and to promote its journey in the unique motorsport, the Defender D7X-R has now become a part of the video games Fortnite and Rocket League. Competing in the ‘Stock’ category of the race, the vehicle features the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and many of the same performance-oriented characteristics as the roadgoing Defender OCTA, but it will run on advanced sustainable fuel on a wider track with modified ride height, suspension, and cooling. As the race begins, the anticipation is building to see if the Defender team will make its debut in the legendary Dakar Rally a victorious one, and with a compelling vehicle and a star-studded team including some incredible and highly experienced drivers even within the Dakar Rally itself, the D7X-R could very well clinch victory in the historic Dakar Rally in its first outing in the legendary race. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

Two Defender vehicles race across sandy terrain at sunset, dust trailing behind as they follow their route planning, evoking the thrill of the Dakar Rally.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  December 22, 2025

Defender Brings Route Planning Vehicles For The 2026 Daka...

Defender heads to the 2026 Dakar Rally early. While Defender is making its racing debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally, which is approaching incredibly soon, a different kind of participation from the brand began at last year’s Dakar Rally, when Defender became the official car partner to the race. In that role, a fleet of six Defenders have been supplied to the race organizers, with the purpose of route reconnaissance, and they are finalizing the route for the 2026 Dakar Rally. The route of the rally spans thousands of miles, with racing taking place 10-15 days through the remote reaches of the Saudi Arabian desert. Based on the P300 variant of the Defender 110, the current fleet of Defenders has been modified to optimally handle the sandy conditions of the route planning task. Those modifications include extra cargo, an auxiliary fuel tank, a rally‑spec cooling pack kit, a high‑level air intake with cyclonic intake pre‑filter, and more. The Dakar Rally involves desert camping, and for that purpose, the Defenders also have fridges, additional lighting, and a 10.5-gallon water tank for showering. During the race, the vehicles will be used to “open” each stage, as well. An additional fleet of Defenders will be provided to the race to transport officials and VIP media during the competition. With Defender racing as a manufacturer this year, as well, its partnership with the Dakar Rally in 2026 has evolved since it was introduced earlier this year, and it’s set to continue through 2028. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

Three Land Rover Defender vehicles—including a Classic Defender and a Defender OCTA—in black, green, and beige are parked side by side in a studio setting with a neutral gray background.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  December 10, 2025

Land Rover Classic Offers Defender OCTA Colors For Classi...

The classic Land Rover Defender takes on its flagship successor’s colors. The classic Land Rover Defender is one of the automotive industry’s most cherished icons, and certainly one of the biggest legends in the world of off-roading. Creating a reputation for dependability, adventure, and go-anywhere engineering that has since created a new brand within the Land Rover umbrella, the classic Defender is nothing short of mythical, and Land Rover Classic is the official home of restoration and customization, dedicated to keeping legends like the classic Defender strong. Along with the classic Defender, however, is the new reimagination of the legendary model, which is blazing its own trail as another off-roading icon with a design that combines futurism, luxurious elegance, and plenty of nods to the original. With a new performance-focused flagship, the OCTA, which is serving as the basis for the Defender D7X-R rally car, whose attempt at winning the Dakar Rally is quickly impending, the new Defender is building more legacy than ever since its introduction. The OCTA’s 626-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, luxurious features, and engineering meant for comfort, thrills, and all-terrain confidence certainly help, as well. Blending the best of the old and new Defenders, Land Rover Classic has announced that colors from the Defender OCTA can be specified for the Classic Defender V8, including Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue, Patagonia White, and Narvik Black. Available for the 90 and 110 station wagon body styles, as well as the 90 soft top body style, the color selection is available for customers to match color and trim specs on the new Defender OCTA luxury performance flagship. Each Classic Defender V8 is painstakingly finished for 300 hours in the paint shop, with a glossy finish or a matte finish that matches the OCTA’s optional protective film available. Other options, like a gloss black grille and carbon fiber lettering on the hood, also help match OCTA specs, but OCTA ownership isn’t required to enjoy the level of customization available for the Classic Defender V8. Individual vehicles are created to order by the UK-based Land Rover Classic, with each based on a donor vehicle from 2012 to 2016 and restored with a 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. Combining the highlights of both the modern and classic eras of the Defender, the new Defender OCTAs give the Classic Defender the style of its successor’s peak performance flagship. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

A black Range Rover SUV is displayed in a minimalist, light-colored showroom with bright horizontal light panels.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  December 04, 2025

Range Rover SV Black Debuts At Design Miami

Range Rover’s sophisticated new flagship makes an appearance during Art Basel Miami. Range Rover is undoubtedly a household name, being one of the original and quintessential luxury SUVs, and an undeniable icon when it comes to elegance, opulence, and capability. At the top of the current Range Rover lineup is the Range Rover SV, an ultra-luxurious SUV combining the sumptuousness of the most incredible luxury sedans with the iconic silhouette and legendary versatility of the Range Rover. Recently, Range Rover unveiled the new Range Rover SV Black, a reimagination of the Range Rover SV that combines dark elegance, consisting of black accents throughout, with elevated luxury features like Body and Soul Seat technology and the Sensory Floor. As Art Week and the iconic annual Art Basel Miami descend on the glittering South Florida city, Range Rover has debuted the new Range Rover SV Black at the iconic event, set in a gorgeous space that further highlights its elevated luxury and timeless design. In the ‘Dipped in Black’ installation at Design Miami, the new Range Rover SV Black is showcased within a space inspired by the iconic Seagram building in New York, designed by Miles van der Rohe, combining golden natural light with the sumptuousness of the color black.  With gloss black accents enveloping the entire vehicle, the Range Rover SV Black occupies the space with unmistakable, intimidating elegance and presence, and in a fashion appropriate for Design Miami, it’s complemented by a bespoke audio experience inspired by the audio technology featured in the new SV Black, as well as a bespoke scent curated by luxury fragrance specialist Aeir, inspired by the color black. The vehicle and its ‘Dipped in Black’ display will be at Design Miami from December 2-7, and not just a must-see for luxury enthusiasts, but a glimpse at the ultimate level of Range Rover luxury. View All Range Rover For Sale

A red SUV, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV, is parked next to an electric vehicle charging station on a concrete surface, with a modern building in the background.

By Kirk Bell –  November 15, 2025

Review: 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV

Just over 100 miles into my drive of the 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV, the trip computer says I’m averaging 209.6 mpg. Thanks to two full charges that added at least 50 miles of range each, a good 100 of those miles were driven on electricity. This is the way a plug-in hybrid should work, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s wrapped in the masculine good looks and high-end off-road capability of the Range Rover Sport. Plug-in hybrids often have too little electric power to feel useful when driven only on electricity. Their engines usually turn on when the driver digs too deep into the throttle or when the vehicle reaches a certain speed on the freeway. Their batteries are also often too small to provide a reasonable range. The Range Rover Sport PHEV avoids or mitigates those problems.  I’m driving the lesser of two PHEV powertrains, this one dubbed the P460e. Admittedly, its 105-kilowatt (140-horsepower) motor, located between the engine and transmission, doesn’t have the oomph to move 5,860 pounds of SUV with gusto. However, it’s plenty to keep up with traffic and even get up to freeway speeds without worry.  The vehicle defaults to the EV mode, and the engine won’t come on unless the battery charge runs out or I floor the throttle past a detent at the end of pedal travel. During my first 101 miles, the engine only started when I switched over to Hybrid mode. An available Save mode maintains the battery charge level for use at a later time.  A large 31.8-kilowatt-hour battery gives the Range Rover Sport PHEV an EPA-rated 53 miles of electric range, and the onboard computer indicates 54 and 58 miles the two times I fully charge it. That’s more than enough for most commutes, so you can drive this big beast as an EV most of the time.  If you want the most power, however, you have to use the gas engine. Switch over to the Hybrid mode, and the motor will aid the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Together, the duo makes 454 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The engine starts with a deep thrum that sounds more refined than the typical V6. The power comes on quickly thanks to the immediacy of the electric motor, which also provides torque fill upon shifts of the smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s enough to launch this heavy SUV from 0-60 mph in a tidy 5.3 seconds. The step-up P550e plug-in hybrid powertrain increases the output to 542 horsepower and cuts the 0-60 mph time to 4.7 seconds thanks to a larger 218-hp motor. The downside to using the engine is inefficiency. It’s EPA rated at 21 mpg city, 22 highway, 21 combined when running on gasoline. After my stint of electric driving, I drive another 110 miles in Hybrid mode, and watch fuel economy drop precipitously to 36.2 mpg. That’s still efficient for a powerful and heavy SUV, and it could be more efficient with another charge. There’s also a dynamic downside to the plug-in hybrid system because it adds about 800 pounds to the Range Rover Sport. This isn’t the sporty luxury crossover of past generations. It has too much lean in turns, too much understeer, too little grip, and only modest road feel through the weighty steering. However, it’s one of the best riding SUVs on the market. My tester’s optional 285/45R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires work with the standard air suspension and adaptive dampers to obscure bumps almost entirely. This isn’t just a great ride for an SUV; it would be welcome in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Buyers looking for better handling have alternatives. A $7,185 Stormer Handling Package adds active anti-roll bars powered by the 48-volt electrical system and rear-axle steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 7.3 degrees opposite of the fronts. The roll bars would better control the body lean, and the rear-axle steering would shorten the turning circle and increase stability during high-speed cornering. The air suspension also unlocks impressive off-road capability. It gives the vehicle 8.5 inches of standard ground clearance, but an Off-Road mode increases that to 10.8 inches to better clear obstacles on the trail. It can also drop the vehicle two inches to make it easier to get in and out or to load stuff in the back.  Other off-road features include standard all-wheel drive with a locking center differential, an available two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and a low-speed cruise control that can be set from 1.8 to 19 mph. The Range Rover Sport also has the Terrain Response 2 system that automatically adjusts vehicle systems for different surfaces, and offers specifically tailored Mud Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, Wade, and Grass Gravel Snow modes.  Short front and rear overhangs aid the off-road capability as well, but those all-season tires won’t be great at digging into mud and sand. From the cockpit, the Range Rover Sport has a luxury feel to match its ride quality, but it relies too heavily on technology. The SEL Dynamic’s standard luxury features include Windsor leather upholstery, 20-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering. My tester also has the optional 19-speaker, 800-watt Meridian audio system ($1,200) and heated and ventilated outboard rear seats ($300). The leather is offset by attractive charcoal gray fabric on the door panels, piano black trim on the center console, and bits of metal trim. The tech features include a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. However, the touchscreen absorbs almost all of the controls, including the climate settings. It creates a clean layout, but I have to dig into the touchscreen for controls that should be a button push away. It’s especially risky given Land Rover’s reputation for electronic gremlins.  The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV starts at $96,725, including a $1,625 destination fee. That’s $4,300 more than the base version with just the inline-six. With a spate of options, my tester costs $106,405, and I’d recommend adding the Stormer Handling Package. I’d also be tempted to move up to the Autobiography with its more powerful P550e powertrain for $121,260, though I couldn’t justify going all the way up to $182,550 for the SV Edition Two model. Either Range Rover Sport PHEV choice is a good one. This is a plug-in hybrid done the right way, and the vehicle around it is one of the best-looking, best-riding, most capable on- and off-roaders on the market. View All Range Rover Sports For Sale Images: Land Rover

A SV Black Range Rover SUV is parked indoors on a neutral, softly-lit background, viewed from the front left corner.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  November 05, 2025

Range Rover Reveals New SV Black & New SV Luxury Features

The flagship Range Rover emerges with a dark new look. The latest generation of the Range Rover has been a futurization of one of the most prominent and respected luxury SUVs in the world. One of the defining models in the ever-growing genre of luxury SUVs, Range Rover has become its own brand and a household name, symbolic of status and luxury, with a highly anticipated electric model poised to transform the Range Rover’s legacy even further. In the vast Range Rover lineup, the Range Rover SV serves as the flagship model, with stunning craftsmanship, sumptuous details, and high-tech features that help it punch in the weight class of some of the most opulent ultra-luxury SUVs on the market. The Range Rover SV is also the basis for various bespoke Range Rover models, which feature unique, groundbreaking details and stunning finishes, making for collector-worthy ultra-luxe few-offs. Now, Range Rover has unveiled the new Range Rover SV Black, which has been added to the Range Rover SV lineup alongside the Range Rover SV Serenity and the Range Rover SV Intrepid. Throughout its configuration, the new Range Rover SV Black, hence its name, features black accents throughout, with a Narvik Gloss Black exterior color, and an interior finished with a new Ebony Near-Aniline leather and black birch veneers, as well as black ceramic used in the shifter and SV roundel to complete the all-black look. However, the black-on-black color scheme is far from the only feature that sets the new Range Rover SV Black apart from other luxury SUVs. With the introduction of the new SV Black, Range Rover has debuted rear “Body‑And‑Soul‑Seat” and “Sensory Floor” features across the SV range. Standard for the Range Rover SV, Body-And-Soul-Seat, or BASS technology, along with the available Sensory Floor technology, uses haptic feedback in the seats and floormats through transducers, to turn the already ultra-luxurious in-car audio into a full-body experience. With its 606-horsepower engine, new Pirelli P Zero tires, an elevated audio experience with haptic feedback, and the sumptuous materials, finishes, and attention to detail that have made the model one of the most prominent luxury SUVs on the market, the new Range Rover SV lineup is better than ever before. With the new Range Rover SV Black coming to the lineup, an elegant new look is complementing the opulence of the legendary flagship. View All Range Rover SV For Sale Image Source: JLR

Three Range Rover SUVs are shown—a red model above, with blue and black models below—highlighting the Range Rover Expands 2026 Sport Lineup with SV Black SV Carbon and SV Bespoke Editions against a gradient background.

By Khris Bharath –  November 04, 2025

Range Rover Expands 2026 Sport Lineup with SV Black, SV C...

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the luxury performance SUV market, you already know that the Range Rover Sport is one of the most important models in the segment it helped create. When it debuted in ‘05 as the first-generation L320, it went head-to-head with the Porsche Cayenne, proving that an SUV could deliver grand-touring comfort without sacrificing genuine off-road ability. That dual personality, equal parts performance and capability, is what set it apart from its rivals then and continues to do so today. The second-generation L494 sharpened its focus with lighter aluminum construction and supercharged V8 power, while the current L461 generation, introduced in 2022, refined the formula and brought electrification, and the SV line introduced in 2023 (a derivative of JLR's Special Vehicle Operations) put even more emphasis on performance. Today, the Sport sits alongside the Defender as one of Land Rover’s best-selling models.  For 2026, Land Rover is expanding the Range Rover Sport SV lineup to meet a new kind of demand, one driven by customers seeking exclusivity, personalization, and performance in equal measure. The new SV Black, SV Carbon, and SV Bespoke editions represent the most ambitious evolution of the Sport yet. Range Rover Sport SV Black As the name suggests, the SV Black is all about the stealthy monochrome all-black aesthetic both inside and out. Black being a popular shade on this high-performance luxury SUV,  every visible surface on the SV Black, from the Narvik Gloss Black body to the forged 23-inch wheels and painted carbon fiber hood, is finished in gloss black. This further extends to the SV Roundel badging is black ceramic, and exhaust tips and brake callipers.  Inside, Ebony Windsor leather wraps sculpted performance seats, with illuminated SV treadplates and Grand Black finishers completing the dark aesthetic. Body and Soul seats integrate tactile transducers that let you feel the music through your seatbacks, blending luxury with technology in a way few SUVs can match. Under the hood, the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine with 626-horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque powers all SV variants. The dash to 60 mph happens in 3.6 seconds before topping out at 180 mph. Range Rover pairs this with its advanced 6D Dynamics Suspension, which replaces traditional anti-roll bars with hydraulically interlinked dampers to keep the SUV perfectly level through corners, living up to the Sport’s top-drawer dynamics. Range Rover Sport  SV Carbon If the SV Black is about presence, the SV Carbon is all about blistering performance and pace. Compared to the standard model, it sheds 167.6 pounds, achieved through an extensive use of forged carbon, lightweight 23-inch carbon fiber wheels, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes with exclusive eight-piston calipers. Those brakes can be finished in Blue, Yellow, Carbon Bronze, or Black. The SV Carbon is available in four optional paint colors, including a model-exclusive Copper Gloss. The standard Forged Carbon Exterior Pack includes carbon-fiber detailing, exhaust surrounds that are crafted from Twill Carbon with a diagonal-weave finish. An exposed carbon-fiber hood is optional. Inside, forged carbon extends to the seatbacks and dashboard, with Windsor leather or sustainable Ultrafabrics available in four curated interior themes. Illuminated SV logos, anodized metal accents, and extended Moonlight Chrome detailing bring a high-performance tone to the cabin without compromising the brand’s traditional craftsmanship. Under the hood, the SV Carbon shares the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 mild-hybrid as the rest of the SV range, now capped with a forged carbon engine cover. Range Rover Sport  SV Bespoke With a thriving custom and after-market scene for the Range Rover Sport, it comes as no surprise that Land Rover is also expanding on how customers can customize their vehicles directly from the factory. In a bid to offer even more exclusivity, for 2026, Range Rover is also introducing SV Bespoke for the Range Rover Sport, a commissioning service that gives you nearly limitless control over design.  Available exclusively on the flagship Range Rover since 2023, the Bespoke commission allows you to choose from 230 exterior colors, explore over 1,500 interior combinations, or bring in your own paint sample through the Match-to-Sample program. Every Bespoke model receives a “glass-like” gloss finish, achieved with a thicker topcoat lacquer and extensive hand polishing that delivers a mirror-quality sheen. The personalization extends beyond color. You can also specify a two-piece precious metal Range Rover script available in 22 finish combinations, contrast roofs, and even bespoke mirror caps. Inside, options range from unique treadplates and embroidered seat motifs to handcrafted veneers and custom stitching. You can choose from 15 hues, such as Navy, Brogue, Pimento, Ecru, Lunar, Raven Blue, and many more, joining the catalog, with more than 100 contrast stitch combinations available. The first Range Rover Sport SV Bespoke example, dubbed Nocturne, debuted at Range Rover House in Mykonos. Its Indigo Gloss exterior with Narvik black mirrors and a contrasting roof, inspired by the Mediterranean night sky, was paired with Champagne Gold Satin 23-inch Thunderball wheels and a Satin Twill Carbon Fiber pack, setting a striking new benchmark for personalization. To support this growing demand for ultra-customization, Range Rover has expanded its network of Global Commissioning Suites, now spanning London, Antwerp, Munich, Vancouver, Beijing, Tokyo, and Dubai, with five more set to open across North America and the Middle East. Customers can collaborate with SV designers in person or virtually, reflecting Range Rover’s growing footprint in the high-luxury sector. 2026 Range Rover Sport SV Price Pricing for the 2026 Range Rover Sport SV lineup starts at $152,000 for the base model, $161,600 for the SV Black, and $169,500 for the SV Carbon, depending on configuration. The SV Bespoke program could push that ceiling even higher, with fully commissioned one-off builds in the ballpark of $200,000 or more. The expansion of the Range Rover Sport SV reflects how Range Rover is adapting to a performance SUV landscape now crowded by rivals like the BMW X5 and X6, the Audi RSQ7 and RSQ8s, Mercedes-AMG’s GLE and GLS models. At the top tier, you also have models like Lamborghini Urus Performante, Aston Martin DBX707, and Ferrari Purosangue. But unlike them, as previously mentioned, the Range Rover Sport SV is a Land Rover first, and it still packs legitimate off-road hardware, making it far more capable than much of the field. View All Range Rover Sport SV For Sale Images: Land Rover

Three Land Rover Defenders navigate a rugged, bushy trail with text overlay: Destination Defender West, Nov. 14-16, Temecula Valley, California, 2025.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  October 24, 2025

Destination Defender West Comes To California Nov. 14-16

Defender’s adventurous spirit comes to Temecula, California. One of the most important names in the world of off-roading, Defender has evolved into its own brand, embodying the spirit of adventure and manufacturing go-anywhere vehicles that combine luxury, sound engineering, and undeniable capability. Destination Defender is a series of festivals that gather enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors and off-roading to celebrate Defender vehicles and participate in activities surrounding the stunning natural environments that Destination Defender festivals are set in. This year, Destination Defender is returning to California for Destination Defender West, specifically descending on Galway Downs in Temecula, nestled in southern California’s wine country, from November 14-16. Surrounded by mountains, Destination Defender West will feature an off-road driving course, elevated culinary offerings, live music and entertainment with acts including Grammy-nominated band Kaleo, and enriching outdoor activities like a mountain biking demo course, yoga instruction, equestrian demonstrations, and photography/videography classes. The festival is also where the winners of the 2025 Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase, will be announced, which honor charitable organizations that do meaningful work by awarding six customized Defender 130 vehicles to the winning US and Canadian organizations to bolster the support they provide to their communities. In addition to the SUVs, the category-winning organizations will also receive $30,000 thanks to the generosity of the award sponsors, as well as $5,000 from Chase for 30 finalists across the six categories to support their efforts. Rally driver Sara Price will be present at Destination Defender West, sharing her experience as a member of the Defender Rally Team ahead of her participation in the upcoming 2026 Dakar Rally behind the wheel of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R, racing in the ‘Stock’ category of the legendary rally. The race will mark Defender’s anticipated Dakar Rally racing debut. A display of vehicles from ‘The Great Expeditions’ collection that was previously displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, showcasing the incredible history and heritage that Land Rover vehicles carry, including the 1950 Series I “Pollyanna” that Barbara Toy drove from London to Baghdad, and the ‘Oxford’ Land Rover that took part in the 1955–56 Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition. With a cherished legacy of off-roading excellence, this year’s Destination Defender West is bringing unbridled adventuring spirit to southern California’s winemaking paradise. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

A black off-road vehicle drives on a dirt path between palm trees in a desert landscape.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  October 01, 2025

Defender Tests Dakar Rally Car In Sahara Desert

Defender tests its upcoming rally challenger in a legendary rally arena. For the past few years, the rally has been held in Saudi Arabia, but the Dakar Rally earned its name from its original route, challenging teams, cars, and drivers with the task of traveling from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal, with the most well-known part of the original challenge being crossing the Sahara Desert of North Africa. Starting in 2026, Defender is set to compete in the Dakar Rally, bringing one of the most iconic and celebrated names in off-roading to one of the most challenging rally challenges in the world. Using the performance-oriented Defender OCTA as the basis for the competing rally car, the new Defender Dakar D7X‑R has completed an important milestone in its testing ahead of its entrance to the hallowed competition in 2026 by emerging from a grueling round of testing in the part of the world where the Dakar Rally earned its reputation: the Sahara Desert. Competing in the ‘Stock’ category of the race, the D7X-R is heavily based on the production Defender OCTA, and the test verified the rally car’s ability to handle similar conditions and stage lengths to the actual rally. At the Dakar rally, three Defender cars will be competing, while the rest of the W2RC will feature two Defender vehicles competing. Drivers Stéphane Peterhansel, Sara Price and Rokas Baciuška will be taking on the 2026 Dakar Rally behind the wheel of the new Defender Dakar D7X-R, and when they do, a new chapter will be written for the legendary Defender off-roading brand, and its cherished legacy of adventure and go-anywhere capability. After a successful round of testing in the Sahara, Defender’s bold rally ambitions are coming very close to fruition. View All Defender For Sale Image Source: JLR

A silver Range Rover SV SUV parked on dry grass with mountains and the blue ocean in the background at Asilomar during Monterey Car Week.

By Tyler Rampersaud –  August 15, 2025

New One-Off Range Rover SV Asilomar Unveiled At Monterey ...

This year’s Monterey Car Week sees Range Rover reveal an undeniably stunning bespoke masterpiece. One of the most prestigious and anticipated gatherings for automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and industry titans each year, Monterey Car Week, and of course, the beautiful Monterey Peninsula area on which it’s situated, is one of the various venues that have become home to Range Rover House, a luxury lifestyle concept that brings Range Rover’s vehicles and the brand’s other products that have been unveiled recently like its home decor objects and apparel items to a gorgeous location with curated design that reflects Range Rover’s sleek, modern, understated, and undeniably elegant approach to luxury. This year, the Range Rover House at Monterey Car Week greeted VIP guests with displays of its current lineup, like the new Range Rover SV, Range Rover Sport SV, and more, as well as historic Range Rover icons from years past, including a non-production ‘Velar’ prototype from before the earliest days of the Range Rover nameplate. Inside, beautiful golf course views and a VIP celebration served as the backdrop for the main event of the night, which was the unveiling of the new Range Rover SV Asilomar, a one-off creation from SV Bespoke that is arguably the most ambitious and opulent creation from the bespoke division yet. Previous years have seen Range Rover unveil few-offs like the iconic Carmel Edition, but the new Asilomar brings the level of luxury, detail, and craftsmanship involved to an even higher level than in years past. Inspired by the Asilomar Cove, one of the area’s greatest gems of natural coastline beauty, the new Range Rover SV Bespoke Asilomar evokes the sea and sky of the area with its dazzling ode to blue. Meticulously applied, its paintwork is a two-tone blue, with the bottom half showcasing a lighter blue, and the top half showcases a gradient from dark blue at the front, to light blue at the rear, paying homage to the beauty of Monterey Bay from day to night. The Range Rover Script logos at the front and rear are color-matched to the exterior and outlined in chrome, and the wheels feature flashes of the stunning blue paintwork, as well. Inside, Liberty Blue leather upholstery floods the interior, seen throughout the seating, the steering wheel, and the headliner, and paired with gray Kvadrat fabric inserts and metallic thread accents that reflect the glittering waters of the bay. The four-seat configuration and long-wheelbase body style allow for incredible ultra-luxury features like fully reclining rear seats and club tables, as well. The new one-off Range Rover SV Asilomar is set to be sold to one lucky collector, with the owner receiving a Titleist Professional golf club fitting experience for two to create a bespoke and fully customized set of clubs for each guest, along with the stunning vehicle. In addition, like the Carmel Editions of the past, Range Rover will donate $5,000 to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation along with the sale, a foundation dedicated to fueling efforts and spreading awareness and education about the stunning and near-unprecented natural beauty, ecological richness, and biodiversity of the Monterey Bay area, and the crucial importance of preserving it for future generations. Continuing to occupy a space of ultra-luxury, craftsmanship, and artistry usually spoken for by models like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga, the new Range Rover SV Asilomar is a stunning one-off that shows the incredible abilities of SV Bespoke, with a beautiful natural environment as its inspiration and cause. View All Range Rovers For Sale Image Source: Range Rover

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