Peugeot Sport have unveiled their new Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi ahead of the 2017 Silk Way Rally that goes from Russia to China next month.
The team has developed the Peugeot 3008DKR that won the 2016 and 2017 Dakar Rally into a bold, new car. It is set to conquer the gravel roads, dunes and mountains of the most famous endurance rallies in the world.
The 3008DKR Maxi is 20 centimetres wider than its illustrious predecessor. That is possible courtesy of the suspension track on each side is increased by 10 centimetres.
New upper/lower wishbones, front/rear track rod ends and driveshafts improve the stability and dynamics. The team hopes that also means increased performance.
Nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, who finished second on the Dakar this year, will get the chance to test it out when he contests the Silk Way Rally for the second time in July.
He will be joined on the adventure by team-mates Stephane Peterhansel and last year’s Silk Way Rally winner Cyril Despres. They will both drive the current 3008DKR specification. The event runs from July 7-22.
Carlos Sainz, the fourth member of Peugeot’s ‘dream team’, has also helped to develop Peugeot’s newest off-road challenger using his veteran experience.
We wanted bigger results, bigger performances. We needed the @Peugeot #3008DKRMaxi! by @peugeotsport pic.twitter.com/hITqH1j8cf
— JP Imparato (@JPImparato) June 28, 2017
Peugeot Sport have unveiled their new Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi ahead of the 2017 Silk Way Rally
“I think the car is much more stable now. In the very narrow and technical parts that does mean it’s more cumbersome of course. But in terms of stability and driving it’s definitely a step forward”, Loeb revealed.
“The car has less of a tendency to roll on its suspension now. So that gives you more confidence to attack and get it sideways. It can tackle anything, especially dunes.”
Sainz added, “After a few years, improving the package always becomes harder but the work that Peugeot Sport’s engineers do is great and I obviously try to help as much as possible.”
Peugeot Sport Director Bruno Famin explained:
“As soon as we crossed the finish ramp of the Dakar in January, we started to work on the next generation of car.”
“The data that will now be collected in a real competition will help us define the definitive specification for next year’s Dakar.”
MAXIMUM ATTACK for @Peugeot as the #3008DKRMaxi is launched ?
ft. @redbullmotors @TotalRacingENG @BFGoodrichTires @SparcoOfficial pic.twitter.com/DPCSXQVH0n— Peugeot Sport (@peugeotsport) June 28, 2017
