The Peugeot 2008 DKR is a muscular, tough-as-nails vehicle that has been custom-built to endure the rigors of the Dakar Rally event. The vehicle is named after the Peugeot 2008 crossover, to which it bears a close resemblance.
Unlike the production model 2008 crossover however, the 2008 DKR wasn’t designed for paved roads but for the tough, unpredictable off-road conditions of South America, where the Dakar Rally has been held since 2009.
The 2008 DKR is taller than its older brother, and has massive 37-inch Michelin tires, a hammerhead front end and beefy body, making it significantly more badass than the comparatively meek-looking 2008 crossover.
The Peugeot DKR 2008 will be used by the drive team of Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres at the next Dakar Rally, which will be held at the start of 2015. Peugeot has chosen to not reveal the mechanical details of its vehicle just yet.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Off-road Rally Vehicles
- Custom-built muscular vehicles designed to tackle the unpredictable terrain of the Dakar Rally and other off-road races.
- Heavy-duty Tires
- Tires with larger diameters and more rugged tread patterns manufactured to withstand the harsh conditions of off-road racing.
- Hammerhead Front Ends
- Aggressive-looking front end designs that improve aerodynamics and protect vehicles from impact damage during off-road rallies.
Where This Applies
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Opportunities for introducing specialized off-road vehicles with features designed specifically for off-road racing events.
- Tire Manufacturing
- Opportunities for developing heavy-duty tires with larger diameters, more rugged tread patterns, and better durability for off-road racing.
- Automotive Design
- Opportunities for designing improved front-end designs that improve aerodynamics and protect vehicles from impact damage during off-road rallies.
