It's very pleasing to see Peugeot continue with the 2008 DKR project. There was a concern that it was so barmy Peugeot couldn't see the value in continuing, particularly as the link to the real 2008 is very tenuous. And they
didn't win
Yep, those overhangs are very short now
But here we are with the 2008 DKR16, a lower, wider, faster
2008 DKR
. Cos it was so unassuming and slow beforehand. Peugeot Sport hasn't yet released any detailed numbers but this is more than just a power boost and a new look; the overhangs are shorter to make it more manoeuvrable off road, the wheels and tyres are lighter and the suspension has been completely redesigned.
The new look is not just for intimidating fellow Dakar racers either; Peugeot claims the bonnet and roof intakes, plus a new air scoop, improve the downforce balance between front and rear.
Peugeot Sport's director Bruno Famin describes it as not one big change but instead "a series of small evolutions", which surely lends itself pretty well to renaming the 2008... He also added that "you can never say that you are completely ready for the Dakar either... but certainly this time we are more ready."
Peugeot has already tested a few of the 2016 upgrades in a 2015-spec car with success, the interim specification car taking a one-two at the China Silk Road rally. Expect a full debut of the 2016 DKR later this year ahead of the three-week epic in South America at the start of January.
here