Oshkosh LCV Ends Baja 1000

One of the most challenging races of the year, the 1,061-mile desert course which makes up the Baja 1000 is in its closing stages. As the event comes closer to end, more and more competitors are crossing the finish line.

Oshkosh announced today that its Light Concept Vehicles (LCV) has reached the end of the line, 51 hours after it took off from the starting line. The defense contractor had two vehicles in the race, dubbed M1 and M2, but the M1 failed to meet a checkpoint time requirement and was slammed with a “did not finish.”

“Off-road racing teams compete in the Baja 1000 to push the limits, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see our vehicle overcome the difficult desert terrain,” said Chris Yakes, Oshkosh vice president of Advanced Products Engineering.

“Our team’s performance on this world-renowned course speaks to both the quality of our technologies and the expertise of our drivers and technical crew. I couldn’t be more proud of our team.”

The vehicles which raced in the Baja 100 use the TAK-4 independent suspension system featured on the military vehicles deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Under the hood, Oshkosh fitted the ProPulse diesel-electric powertrain, a modular series-hybrid arrangement.

The ProPulse uses a diesel engine to power an electric generator, which provides direct power to the wheels. This means that the vehicles have no torque converter, automatic transmission, transfer case and drive shafts.

Regenerative braking is also available, with the entire setup being responsible for the reduction in fuel consumption figures by some 40 percent compared to conventional powertrains.