Peugeot 2008 DKR16

The 2008 DKR16 is longer, wider, lower and more powerful than its predecessor and is characterized by a more aggressive stance.

The front and rear overhangs have been reduced, enhancing the all-terrain capabilities.

The aerodynamics has been improved thanks to the revised hood and roof-mounted air-intakes, which now provide more balanced downforce between front and rear. The new air scoop also ensures better airflow.

Other evolutions lie under its carbon skin. The suspension has been redesigned to deal more effectively with the different and rough terrains. It also benefits from better weight distribution, as well as magnesium one-piece wheels for the first time, matched to lighter tires from Michelin.

These replace the aluminium two-piece wheels from last year, with the combination resulting in a significant weight saving.

Despite the air restrictor, the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine now has more power and better drivability.

Above: the original 2008 DKR

The new car has been a continual work in progress, with development work starting as soon as the original car crossed the finish ramp in Buenos Aires just over seven months ago, at the conclusion of this year’s Dakar.

Peugeot’s engineers worked in collaboration with Dakar experts Stéphane Peterhansel (an 11-time winner), Carlos Sainz (a two-time world rally champion and also former Dakar winner) as well as Cyril Despres (a five-time Dakar winner on bikes).

(Source: Peugeot)