The new Peugeot 2008 DKR16 is an evolution of the front-drive 2008 DKR that the French automaker fielded earlier this year. Only it's gone through a raft of improvements to make it more competitive.
The 2016 model is bigger, to start with; longer and wider, but lower than its predecessor. The front and rear overhangs have been reduced for better approach and departure angles. There are new magnesium one-piece wheels to replace the old aluminum two-piece units, shod with lighter Michelin rubber. The aerodynamics have been optimized for better downforce and airflow balance, with a new roof-mounted air scoop to better feed the engine. And the 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel V6 is more powerful than the previous version that produced 340 horsepower. The engine still drives just two wheels instead of all four, sacrificing some traction for greater leeway in the regulations.
Peugeot says it started working on the improvements as soon as this year's rally was over, and began applying the enhancements incrementally to run during events like the China Silk Road Rally and a recent test session in Morocco. It benefits from the expertise of an experienced team of drivers, including 11-time Dakar winner Stéphane Pererhansel, two-time World Rally Champion and former Dakar winner Carlos Sainz, and five-time Dakar motorbike champion Cyril Despres.
