2008 DKR
can practically climb vertical walls! Longer suspension travel -460mm instead of 250mm - enhances its ability over dunes and when soaking up uneven ground. That's a key asset on an event like the Dakar!"
4m long, 2m wide, 2m tall...
So says Jean-Christophe Pallier, Peugeot's Technical Project Manager for its Dakar return. Peugeot remains adamant that 2WD (presumably to the rear) will prove successful in the dunes, with longer suspension travel and small overhangs key to that. Furthermore, 2WD allows bigger wheels and tyres to be used than 4WD and the ability to adjust tyres remotely from the cabin which should save further time. Can the gamble pay off?
Peugeot has now confirmed the DKR's engine also, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 340hp and 590lb ft mounted in the middle. The road car links are becoming very tenuous... Top speed is 200kph (124mph) with acceleration to be confirmed. You suspect it will probably reach that speed fairly swiftly.
The DKR sits on a tubular steel chassis with carbon panels and some outrageous dimensions: it's just 4,099mm long but 2,033mm wide and 1,912mm high! "Fitting all of the vital assemblies into such as small space gave us quite a headache" says Pallier. The fuel tank is 400 litres. Weight is again TBC.
See below for a video of the DKR in action. No climbing vertical walls but it looks more than competent here. Peugeot says all that remains for the 2008 now 'is to let it off the leash', an event we can't wait for.