Peugeot has developed an all-new race car for the 2017 Dakar Rally, and it is called the 3008 DKR.
The French brand made a switch from 2008 to 3008, so that Peugeot could help promote the upcoming 3008 production model with the aid of its competition version, the 3008 DKR.
With the unveiling of the all-new racing car from Peugeot Sport, the French brand has also published an image of the production model 3008, which is scheduled to be revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show. We expect to see the 3008 DKR as well, especially since Paris used to have a link with the Dakar Rally.
Peugeot has explained that it has improved all of the strengths of the 2008 DKR and placed them on the 3008 DKR, while weaknesses were reduced to the smallest possible degree. Evidently, all was done according to FIA specifications, so some restrictions were applied here and there.
We already know that the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel unit will have an output that will be lower by 20 HP because of new regulations. The latter which mandates the use of a 38-mm restrictor instead of a 39mm unit.
Peugeot Sport says that its latest racing car should be faster regardless, because peak output will be reached sooner in the rev range and that drivability was improved.
The suspension of this car has been overhauled, and the team has worked most on geometry and dampers. Another significant improvement is with the air conditioning system, which is meant to operate in scorching heat for up to 12 hours a day, so that the athletes onboard will have more focus when driving in the desert.
Peugeot has not ditched the two-wheel-drive configuration with the 3008 DKR. The brand managed to win the Dakar with a 2WD car nine months ago, for the first time in 15 years.
Therefore, the French believe 4WD is unnecessary to win in Dakar. To ensure their success, the reliability of this model was significantly improved, Peugeot says.
The roster for the Peugeot Total Team of 2017 includes champions Sebastien Loeb, Cyril Despres, Stephane Peterhansel, and Carlos Sainz. None of the drivers above requires any presentation to a petrolhead.
The first race that the new 3008 DKR will enter is the Morocco Rally, held this October, which will bring the new model against the 2008 DKR.
Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland. Full profile
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