First time: Peugeot 2008 DKR

A quarter-century Peugeot decided to return to the “Dakar”. With slightly tuned 2008 …

Prior to “Dakar” guessed French. Not surprisingly, since they came up with the Foreign Legion. Romantic conquering deserts them close. “Dakar” and now through the French race. For the night, even in the wilderness, there is always a red wine and cheese.

It would seem that in the “Dakar” should be full of French manufacturers. Once (from 1987 to 1990 minutes, to be exact) Peugeot really was the leader of the grueling two-week marathon in the world. But lately the leaders entirely Japanese and German brands.

 “Dakar” – Peugeot 2008 DKR

The next year, things must change, because to participate in the “Dakar” he is ready – Peugeot 2008 DKR. Since 2008, the crossover machine does not have anything in common. Except all-wheel drive: it is not present at that, nor another. Yes, looks can be deceiving: the participant of “Dakar” RWD. Not that it’s unusual for extreme rally since the front axle will be too vulnerable if it lay two responsibilities: to steer and pull. A less tear, the better. But there is another reason for the denial of a full drive.

Mini won the “Dakar” the last three years. Sountryman Team X-Raid-wheel-drive, diesel and neubivaemye like toy dump. And in the “Dakar” survivability is vital. “When our opponent was Audi, we did the same thing – says the boss of motorsport in Peugeot Bruno Famenne. – But we do not want to copy what they do, we want to go the other way. “

Rear-wheel drive is beneficial for Peugeot 2008 DKR, as the race organizers want to stop lead-wheel drive cars. “The two driving wheels in the” Dakar “three benefits – continues Famenne. – Less weight, more suspension travel, and you can change the tire pressure, without leaving behind the wheel. ” The last point greatly saves time on stage, where the sand and stones replace each other. In addition, gasoline car with a driving axle allowed more capacious fuel tank (as much as 700 liters), and they have the right to develop 100 more strength than all-wheel drive. However, we do not know whether DKR gasoline.

Secret project – the technical details will manifest no earlier than July. But do not expect that the engine will be in any way similar to road engines Peugeot. On the Mini Countryman are three-liter twin-turbo diesel from BMW, Peugeot but not generous Papic with powerful units. The company itself has developed a diesel V12 for “Le Mans” and the 875-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 to 208 T16 Pikes Peak. Maybe last just fit.

Modified for maximum traction and resource V6 may be out of place. Running skeleton and DKR also completely unique. He has a tubular space frame and a special suspension with twin shock absorbers in a circle. No, do not expect a civilian version will not. If Peugeot 2008 DKR could not give us a real hot hatch for all those years that he was involved in the WRC, it is unlikely that we will get stuffed 2008 for fighting with the Audi RS Q3 or Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG.

The project will be done entirely by the company. The French will not give up his car in the wrong hands. Peugeot Sport designs, assembles and tests Peugeot 2008 DKR. This is the same team that worked on the T16 Pikes Peak, 908 Le Mans and rally WRC. Team working mechanic who remembers the era of glory Peugeot 2008 DKR “Dakar”.

Already known pilots. Veteran rally, multiple winner Carlos Sainz, who is now 52. Too old, you think? Nothing like that. “Dakar” – is primarily experience. Neither pilot under 30 did not win this race. Never victory lacked newbie here nobody lucky the first time. “Dakar” too hard and heavy. Need a cool head and a great experience.

Peugeot starts all over again, but the team experienced pilots crept: Carlos Sainz (above) and Cyril Despres (left) for two 21 race. Bruno Famenne (right) – the head of Peugeot Sport. It is mandated to bring the company to its first victory since 205 T16 Grand Raid and 405 T16 Grand Raid leaders in “Dakar”

Another pilot never participated in a rally car. Cyril Despres won the “Dakar” five times, but on a motorcycle. Now the Frenchman (tick puts more) peresyadet into the car. Think hard? But in the “Dakar” long and do so with great success. Great example – Stephane Peterhansel, the first pilot Mini and 11-time winner of the “Dakar”. Famenne Bruno explains, “80% of management skills and a car and a motorcycle are similar. In the “Dakar” is important to look where you’re going and not rush headlong. Although the race has changed. In South America, it’s different: there “Dakar” is more like a big WRC, and in this we are more spice. ”
So what are the goals Peugeot puts on next January? “It’s simple. Even in a challenging race our goal – to win. “