After the flight last night , here are the official images of the Peugeot 2008 DKR , accompanied by a video presentation, which allow us to discover all angles one who is merely a 2WD !
You could find here yesterday already are back but this time with more details and better pictures !
We sensed , it is now official : the prototype designed by Peugeot Sport will not be equipped with AWD ! Here is the reason for this bold choice: " We conducted a very thorough analysis of what is practiced in rally raids assessing precisely the strengths of different opportunities and have adopted a rather different approach to competition. In considering the crossing skills and the ability to roll in the sand offered the two-wheel drive , we finally opted for this choice. This allows us to benefit from larger wheels and suspension deflections more generous "
And when it comes to large wheels, Peugeot is not done things by half since 2008 DKR is equipped with 37 inch tires ! What face South American tracks peacefully!
The style is awesome, bestial , it is far from the 2008 series ! The lines are the result of a collaboration between the Peugeot Style Centre and motorsport department of the manufacturer. The imperatives of competition have forced designers to shake their habits and style of the original 2008, but we recognize still here and there some elements recalling the urban crossover brand in Lion:
" The challenge was to transform the stylistic codes to implement a technical base and to very different demands of the inhospitable terrain . There were two ways to do this: take a 2008 series , and add patches or draw on themes of 2008 to design a new car according to data constraints . This is what we chose to do: a reinterpretation of the 2008! " Says Giovanni Rizzo , exterior designer of 2008.
Michael Found, responsible figure adds: "For reasons related to crossing conditions specific difficulties facing our drivers on sporting events , the angle of approach is very vertical . This induces a door overhang very small and thus very different front end of the series. Fortunately , the technical team was really listening to us and repositioned certain elements that might compel us. She has left us a small space of freedom to draw a front that is as far as possible , the expression of 2008 " .
The general appearance can even evoke a large remote buggy ! In short, the craft thing and has nothing to envy its little sister, the 208 T16 Pikes Peak and excessive aero appendages ! The chrome grille with its center in the Lion would make pretty good on the model series, is not it ? To see the evidence to its facelift , there is only one step ...
Apart from the type of transmission, all other technical details remain secret for now . Carlos Sainz, one of the drivers of this 2008 DKR is confident about the future performance of the car he hopes to lead to the top of the podium : "The philosophy of the 2008 DKR is really radical with many new ideas. It is unlike any other two-wheel drive car . It is very compact and it is a very interesting point. After playing my last two Dakar with two-wheel drive , I am convinced that it is possible to win the Dakar with this technical choice . Of course, this involves designing a very special car that can also show at home on all terrains . I am sure that Peugeot Sport has the know-how to achieve it and to deploy the technology and the necessary work. This promises to be a unique and exciting technical challenge for the whole team . "
Hopefully the choice of Peugeot Sport reveals actually win !
Finally, here is the video :