New-look Peugeot ready for Dakar

Defending Dakar Rally champions Peugeot and sponsors Total and Red Bull have released photos and some – albeit scant – details of its all-new 2017 event challenger, the 3008 DKR.

The all-new 3008 DKR is the successor to the  machine with which Stéphane Peterhansel claimed his 12th Dakar victory back in January, and fellow former motorcycle ace Cyril Despres clinched his first win on four wheels on the Silk Way Rally in July.

Peterhansel’s 2016 win was the first for a two-wheel-drive car in 15 years and the new 3008 continues in champion rear-wheel over four-wheel-drive.

The look of the new machine takes its cues from Peugoet’s latest SUV models, not surprising since they were designed by the same man, Sebastien Criquet, Peugeot’s senior exterior designer.

The new 3008 DKR is powered by a twin turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine promising greater torque at lower revs, and enough in hand to justify equipping the cockpit with air conditioning!

Red Bull, Total, Sparco and BF Goodrich join Peugeot in backing a  four car campaign comprising Stéphane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb and Cyril Despres.