The Peugeot 2008 DKR Rally Car Will Win the Dakar on Looks Alone

Peugeot will compete in the 2015 Dakar Rally in this amazing 2008 DKR rally car.

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

We were pretty excited when Peugeot announced the team would return to the 2015 Dakar Rally. Needless to say, we were thrilled when Pug revealed that Carlos Sainz (2010 Dakar Champion) and Cyril Despres (five-time bike champ) would take the helm of the new car. Now we’re speechless. Feast your eyes on the 2008 DKR, Peugeot’s official 2015 challenger.

Little has been revealed about the new rally-fighter, but Peugeot Sport does have a few interesting tid-bits. The 2008 DKR is based (albeit very roughly) on the 2008 hatchback, in an engineering partnership with Red Bull Motorsports and Total. The vehicle sits on massive 37 inch tires – the same size as you’ll find on the terrifying Mercedes AMG 6x6 or a custom rock-crawling Jeep.

Most surprisingly, it’s only two-wheel-drive. Grunt is sent from an unnamed powertrain straight to the rear wheels, allowing the 2008 DKR to compete in the Dakar’s buggy class, which permits bigger tires and larger suspension travel in comparison to the 4WD X-raid Mini Countryman.

Remember, Peugeot won the Dakar from 1987 to 1990. If there was ever an opportunity to dethrone the rock-solid Mini’s – this could be it.

RELATED: Peugeot Will Return to the Dakar Rally in 2015
RELATED: Peugeot 208 T16 at the Goodwood FOS

[via TopGear]

Latest in Sports