Autoblog

Bentley plotting Dakar effort with used VW Touareg racers?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Bentley, Off-Road, Racing

Bentley is an automaker not without its own racing pedigree, but the bulk of that is anchored in the 1920s and at Le Mans, to which it returned in winning form in the earlier part of the new millennium with the Speed 8. The latest development could, however, see the Flying B marque enter into another class of motorsport competition altogether.

That opposite end of the endurance racing spectrum is the torturous Dakar rally. We first published rumors of Crewe's consideration of the possibility back in November, but according to CAR Magazine, those rumors are apparently kicking into high gear.

That much is owed largely to the emergence of the above-pictured EXP 9 F program, Bentley's concept SUV currently under development. Well, sorta. Bentley's parent company Volkswagen recently withdrew from the Dakar rally after winning it three times in a row - ostensibly to focus on its new World Rally Championship effort, but spurring rumors all the same of it transferring the team to another brand.

Given that the EXP 9 F is based (or would be, anyway) on an architecture related to the Touareg - the race model of which is what the VW team used to dominate the event - the facilitation of Bentley's take-over of the program could prove even more straight-forward than the manner in which Audi successfully supported Bentley's Le Mans team.

To wit, the boys from Crewe are said to be in the process of buying back all the Race Touareg rigs - complete with their 2.5-liter twin-turbo diesels producing 300 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque - that Volkswagen sold to privateer teams upon its departure, suggesting rather poor planning and perhaps only a passing resemblance to the eventual production EXP 9 F (which, incidentally, isn't expected to look like the concept above).

Bentley plotting Dakar effort with used VW Touareg racers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle

There's just no getting around the fact that, despite technological advances and a host of regulations aimed at improving safety, organized racing is a dangerous occupation. We saw it last year with the deaths of Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli - pushing the limits on either two or four wheels is sometimes life threatening.

The Dakar Rally is one of the most dangerous races of all, with more than 58 deaths - 25 competitors plus at least 33 spectators, though official spectator fatalities aren't kept - recorded in 31 races since 1979. Though the 2012 edition has only just begun, it has already suffered its first fatality.

Argentinian rider Jorge Martínez Boero, age 38, died on the very first stage of the 15-day race of cardiac arrest while being transported to a hospital. Boero suffered head and chest injuries after crashing his motorcycle. This was his second Dakar Rally.

A demonstration of how quickly things can go bad can be seen in the video after the break. Quin Cody, a racer for the Factory Honda team, crashed out of the event on January 3, suffering a concussion and broken collarbone. Thankfully, some other competitors stopped for assistance, and Cody ought to make a full recovery.

Continue reading Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes

Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen, South America, Off-Road, Racing

Volkswagen may not be returning to the Dakar Rally next year as a competitor - having already proven everything it has to prove - but don't count on seeing a desert completely bereft of VW badges altogether. That's because the German automaker will still be providing the support vehicles that the race organizers couldn't do without.

This will be the third year running that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be supplying the Dakar's support fleet. This year's comprises some 40 vehicles, including 30 Amarok pickups, specially equipped for the occasion.

Along the way F1 legend Jacky Ickx - who, not incidentally, won the Dakar for Mercedes-Benz in '83 - will be giving off-road racing lessons to those lucky enough. Follow the jump for the press blast as the contestants get ready to blast through the South American deserts themselves starting on New Year's Day.

Continue reading Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally

Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Range Rover Evoque readies for Dakar with BMW power

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, Land Rover, Specialty, South America, Racing

The Land Rover Evoque is headed to participate in the next running of the Dakar Rally with a few necessary modifications. The British Excite Rally Raid Team is planning to take to the sands of South America with three cars shelled in the body of an Evoque. Under the hood, however, the T3 racers will make use of BMW straight-six power. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine is good for 275 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque with a ZF six-speed gearbox handling the shifting duties.

Each machine will be built by RaBe Race Cars, which has a long history of churning out Dakar-ready hardware for other teams. All three Evoque bruisers will be campaigned by a fully British crew that includes names like Martin Rowe, Andrew Coley and John Hardy. The 2012 Dakar Rally Raid kicks off on January 1, 2012.

Range Rover Evoque readies for Dakar with BMW power originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latvian team aims to be first to contest Dakar rally with EV [w/video]

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Racing

2012 OSCar eO - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Dakar Rally covers more than 5,500 miles of rough terrain through some of the harshest conditions in South America. It's hell on both machines and drivers, demanding reliability from high-strung engines and full focus from people running on very little sleep.

The strains are enough to kill even the stoutest internal combustion engines and make veteran drivers crack. Despite all that, Latvian race car builder OSCar has decided to tackle the race in an EV. Powered by a permanent magnet motor making between 180 and 315 kW with between 370 and 590 lb. ft. of torque, the OSCar eO is an electrified version of the company's Chevrolet LS-powered e3.

The eO's top speed is a slightly underwhelming 86 miles per hour, but OSCar says the top speed won't be an issue since it won't be competing against conventionally-fueled entries.

OSCar says the eO will have a small, Nissan-sourced gasoline engine serving as a generator to help it cover long distances, but propulsion will be 100 percent electric. Helping the generator charge the batteries will be a regenerative braking system. Without the generator's help, OSCar expects the e0 to be good for about 190 miles under light strain, and roughly half that under pressure.

To make sure the EV makes it from one end of the rally to the other, OSCar is sending along a support truck and an gas-powered e3 to make sure the car makes it to the finish in one piece. Watch for the OSCar eO when the 2012 Dakar Rally kicks off on January 1. Check out the video and press release after the break.

Gallery: 2012 OSCar eO

[Source: OSCar]

Continue reading Latvian team aims to be first to contest Dakar rally with EV [w/video]

Latvian team aims to be first to contest Dakar rally with EV [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen celebrates hat-trick victory in Dakar Rally

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen, South America, Off-Road

Volskwagen claims victory in the Dakar Rally - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has plenty to celebrate this year in the deserts of South America. The German team claimed its second consecutive podium lock-out and its third consecutive overall victory in the brutal Dakar Rally. But if you think it was business as usual, take a look at who took the winner's trophy - Qatari national Nasser Al-Attiyah is the first Arab to win the desert rally in its 33-year history.

All four of teams of the new Race Touareg 3 not only finished the race - which is more than could be said of the new X-Raid Mini Countryman - but they took four out of the top six spots, with American driver Mark Miller coming in sixth behind two of X-Raid's BMW X3s. The Star-Spangled Banner was held just as high, though, by the team of Sue Mead and Darren Skilton who took the OP class trophy north to the United States behind the wheel of their Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

Unfortunately, this year's rally wasn't all fun and games, and sadly claimed a life in the process: according to reports, an Argentinean Toyota team struck the vehicle of non-competing motorist, killing the victim and prompting local officials to conduct an inquiry to establish the circumstances. For the full press release on this year's Dakar events, follow the jump.

Gallery: Volkswagen wins 2011 Dakar Rally

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen celebrates hat-trick victory in Dakar Rally

Volkswagen celebrates hat-trick victory in Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Journalist Sue Mead, racer Darren Skilton become first U.S. team to win a class in Dakar Rally

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Ford, South America, Off-Road, Racing

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at the 2011 Dakar Rally - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is still proving that it can do whatever deed needs done, whenever it needs doing. Sue Mead and Darren Skilton managed to pilot a largely stock version of the desert-raiding pickup through all 12 stages of this year's Dakar rally. The team survived 16 days of some of the most brutal terrain on the South American continent and covered over 11,800 miles in the process. Their effort was enough to net the Raptor a 40th place finish over all and a first place finish in the OP class.

In fact, from what we hear, Mead and Skilton were the only contestants to even finish in the OP class, even with big names like Robbie Gordon gunning for the win.

That marks the first time that an American crew has ever managed to take a class win in the history of the Dakar Rally. The F-150 SVT Raptor that Mead and Skilton campaigned boasted the same 5.4-liter V8 that it rolled off the production line with, though a larger cooling system was fitted to handle the harsh temperatures of the course. Likewise, the pickup was equipped with a host of other race-capable bits including a new locker system for the differentials, more robust shocks, springs and tires.

Overall, Volkswagen took the top three spots in the 2011 Dakar Rally. BMW filled out the remaining spots in the top five with its entries. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2011 Dakar Rally

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Journalist Sue Mead, racer Darren Skilton become first U.S. team to win a class in Dakar Rally

Journalist Sue Mead, racer Darren Skilton become first U.S. team to win a class in Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen unveils Race Touareg 3 for 2011 Dakar Rally duty

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen, Diesel, Off-Road, Racing

Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has had great success with its diesel-powered Race Touareg 2, earning wins in both the 2009 and 2010 Dakar Rally. For the 2011 event, however, a brand new race truck will be entered, mimicking the changes made to the road-going Volkswagen Touareg for the 2011 model year.

Cosmetically, the Race Touareg 3 gets new LED running lamps up front, as well as a new grille, rear clamshell, window line and a different set of 16-inch wheels wrapped in 235/85 BF Goodrich tires. It still looks mean as ever, and new improvements to the roof-mounted cooling systems won't affect airflow at higher speeds out on the dunes.

Power will still come from a twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter TDI engine, producing 296 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen says that the diesel powerplant has been tweaked to give slightly better fuel economy without sacrificing power, and the Race Touareg 3 will be capable of reaching 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 117 mph.

Will the Race Touareg 3 be able to secure another win for Volkswagen in the 2011 Dakar Rally? We'll have to wait until next year to find out. Hit the jump to read Volkswagen's official press release and scroll through the gallery below for high-res shots of the new race truck.

Gallery: Volkswagen Race Touareg 3

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen unveils Race Touareg 3 for 2011 Dakar Rally duty

Volkswagen unveils Race Touareg 3 for 2011 Dakar Rally duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eco Unfriendly: Dakar 2010 caused 570K of damage in Chile

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., South America

Despite the best efforts of racing organizations the world over to clean up their image, it's pretty tough to consider any kind of motorsport squeaky clean. Apparently, that's especially true of the recent Dakar rally in South America. Besides the expected burning of fossil fuels and the emissions associated with it, the National Monuments Council (NMC) of Chile reports that the off-road race caused roughly $570,000 (300 million pesos) of damage to 56 of the country's 111 heritage sites.

Further, the NMC says that 13 of those heritage sites suffered from lost archeological data. Apparently, this isn't the first such instance of collateral damage during the Dakar race. Last year, a similar report was filed by the NMC, and the organization is again asking that the rally organizers pay these costs.

For what it's worth, such damage was not unexpected. Late last year, the NMC drafted a detailed report of expected damage to the sites it monitors. Next year, though, the NMC is hoping that its report, which will be completed this August in anticipation of the event early in 2011, will be handed out to rally participants so they know where to tread especially lightly.

[Source: Moto-Net via Motorbiker | Image: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images]

Eco Unfriendly: Dakar 2010 caused 570K of damage in Chile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen, South America

Carlos Sainz wins the 2010 Dakar Rally for VW - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we joined Volkswagen on its first run in the Baja 500 back in 2008, the diesel-powered Race Touareg 2 suffered two lengthy breakdowns before the first hundred miles had passed. Just a few months, later VW's diesel runner was taking the top two spots in the Dakar Rally. Not content with having to share the podium with Robby Gordon, VW went ahead and took the top three spots in this year's Dakar.

Two-time World Rally Championship winner Carlos Sainz can now add a Dakar trophy to his cabinet. Avoiding the kind of mistakes that took him out of the race last year on the 12th stage, Sainz held on to win by just two minutes and 12 seconds over VW driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, even though Al-Attiyah won twice as many stages. Giniel de Villiers, last year's winner, was in the third VW, 32 minutes behind Al-Attiyah.

You can read the presser on VW's win-win-win after the jump, and check out the action in the gallery of high-res photos below. On a side note, VW Group diesels have now won Le Mans (Audi, Bentley), the Dakar Rally, and the World Touring Car Championship (Seat). Maybe now's a good time to reconsider whether we really want them in NASCAR or F1...

Gallery: Carlos Sainz wins the 2010 Dakar Rally

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar

Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New QT Wildcats promise tube-framed filthy good times

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, SUV, Europe, Specialty, Off-Road

QT Wildcat 500DKR - click above for high-res image gallery

Quite a long time ago, we told you about the Bowler "Race" Rovers. As it turns out, about 18 months ago, these Race Rovers (actually called Wildcats) were sold to another British company, QT Services. The Wildcats have been busy: aside from being sold to new owners, a Jaguar-engined 500DKR Wildcat placed third in Egypt's treacherous Pharaoh's Rally.

What's a Wildcat? You can think of them as an extreme crossover vehicle of sorts - specifically the least hardcore of the three model lineup, the 300STR. It's a crossover in the same way that a Porsche Cayenne is a crossover. Full of capability on both the street and the dirt. Though we would imagine that the Wildcat 300STR might be a touch more capable than the Porker...

All three Wildcats feature a lightweight, tubular spaceframe chassis with fiberglass bodies. The three models go up only in off-road prowess - in order they are the aforementioned 300STR, the medium duty 400NSR and the hardcore, Pharaoh's Rally running 500DKR. If you didn't guess, DKR is an abbreviation of "Dakar."

The 300STR is the street legal one of the bunch. As such, it's available with air conditioning, some form of audio system and even a place to stow your golf bag. Notice we didn't say "bags." The next level up 400NSR has been developed for smaller events like the British Cross Country Championship or the French Tout Terrain series. It's not street legal, but it's not an out-and-out thug like the 500DKR, either.

Speaking of the 500DKR, it's the self-described "jewel" in QT's "crown." Whereas the less extreme Wildcats featured Rover's ~~tired~~ tried-and-true 4.0-liter V8, the 500DKR gets a previous-gen Jaguar petrol motor good for 285 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Everything else on the 500 DKR has been "ruggedised" to the Nth degree. It also sounds like if you write a large enough check, QT will build you whatever you like. As they put it, "Options are available to make this car a serious contender for international honours." Indeed. Press release after the jump, high-res images below.

Gallery: QT WIldcat

[Source: QT Services | Images: Richard Streeton]

Continue reading New QT Wildcats promise tube-framed filthy good times

New QT Wildcats promise tube-framed filthy good times originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Volkswagen, Off-Road

Volkswagen Amarok Dakar Support Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Dakar Rally, which is no longer run in Africa due to terrorism threats, kicked off from its designated starting point in Argentina on January 1st. Eventually, the competitors will end up back in Buenos Aires on January 17th, but not before traversing 5,600 miles of some of the toughest terrain on the planet.

This year, Volkswagen will be having a rather large presence at the Rally with four race-prepped Touareg SUVs taking part in the event along with 35 Amarok pickups that are acting as support vehicles. In the process, we imagine that the drivers will have plenty of opportunity to put the ridiculously named truck's electronic differential lock, Off-Road ABS, Hill Descent Assist, ESP Plus system and Hill Hold Assist to the test.

Volkswagen would like you to know that the Amarok will be available starting this September in the UK, but has given numerous indications that it won't be coming Stateside. Anyway, hit the jump for the press release and check out the high-res image gallery below of the truck gettin' its rally on.

Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok Dakar Support Vehicle

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally

Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Spectator killed during opening stage of Dakar Rally

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Casualties are nothing new in the history of the Dakar Rally, and unfortunately the 2010 event has already claimed a life. During the opening stage of the 32nd running of the 9,000-kilometer race this weekend, 28 year-old Natalia Sonia Gallardo was struck and killed by a truck being driven by Mirco Schultis. As a result of large crowds along the route, Gallardo was reportedly standing in an unauthorized area where spectators were not supposed to be and police did nothing to stop people from gathering there.

The 16 day rally starts and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina again this year. The rally then winds across South America into Chile. Last year, the race was moved from Africa to South America after terrorist threats caused the 2008 race to be canceled. Over the three-decade history of the race, more than 50 competitors and spectators have died.

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

Report: Spectator killed during opening stage of Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Volkswagen

Volkswagn Amarok pickup - click above to enlarge

Two months from now, Volkswagen will be expanding its involvement in the annual Dakar Rally in South America. Just as they did last January, factory-backed teams will be competing in the 5.600 mile race through Argentina and Chile. However, this time, those outfits will be fielding four race Touaregs rather than two.

Perhaps more interesting is official word that VW's new Amarok pickup truck will be the official support truck of the for the entire rally. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has struck a deal with the race organizers, and as a result, the specially outfitted Amaroks will travel the same route as the competitors carrying media, checking out route conditions, and carrying VW crews and race organizers. The Amarok will be built by VW in Argentina starting in 2010, but the automaker has repeatedly said the truck won't be offered in the U.S. market. Learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM pulls out of Dakar Rally

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

Austrian motorcycle maker KTM stakes its reputation on the ability of its off-road motorcycles to tackle the toughest terrain on earth, and it's made a habit of proving these capabilities with both a factory team and a far-reaching privateer support program in the Dakar Rally each year. Up through 2009, that is - KTM has just announced that it's pulling out of next year's event.

The reason cited for the shocking decision is the French ASO's ruling that all motorcycles taking part in the Dakar race in 2010 must use engines displacing 450cc or smaller. KTM's entries all use engines displacing a little over 650cc and will therefore not qualify. Instead of waiting for next year to react, KTM "has decided to immediately accept the consequences and announces its withdrawal from the Dakar."

Whether this is nothing more than a case of sour grapes or an intentional move to limit KTM's chances of winning a ninth-consecutive victory at the Dakar Rally, it's disappointing to a whole bunch of fans with orange-colored blood running through their veins. For what it's worth, KTM says it will continue racing, just not in the Dakar. Make the jump to read KTM's official press release. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: KTM via Bikes in the Fast Lane | Photo: AlexCamPro]

Continue reading KTM pulls out of Dakar Rally

KTM pulls out of Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi pulls out of Dakar and other cross-country races

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi joins makers like Honda, Audi, Porsche, Suzuki, Subaru, and Kawasaki in pulling out of some form of motorsports because of... well, do we really need to say it? Neither the Mitsubishi Pajeros that won the Dakar Rally twelve times in total (out of 26 attempts), nor the diesel Racing Lancer that earned a seventh place in this year's race, will be seen plying the sands again any time soon. The Japanese automaker has ended its factory efforts in order to focus on its core business. Having stamped its red rhombus logo all over the Dakar after seven consecutive Dakar victories, its presence will be sorely missed come 2010. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi pulls out of Dakar and other cross-country races

Mitsubishi pulls out of Dakar and other cross-country races originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robby Gordon signs up for the 2010 Dakar, adds a third HUMMER

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hummer

One of two American's on the final podium, Robby Gordon finished third in this year's Dakar Rally. Driving a HUMMER H3, he took the bottom step behind South African Giniel De Villiers and American Mark Miller, both of whom were driving VW's diesel Race Touareg2 and ended Mitsubishi's vise-like grip on the rostrum. In fact, if Carlos Sainz hadn't crashed, the Touaregs would have taken all three top spots.

Team Gordon was driving HUMMER H3s, and Robby's third place was joined by teammate Eric Vigoroux's 13th place. For 2010, the team is going to add a third H3 driven by former F1 and IndyCar driver Eliseo Salazar. The 55-year-old Salazar might seem like an unlikely choice, but he is Chilean, and he currently pilots a Mitsubishi in the Chilean Rally Championship. Should the Dakar return to South America next year, he should make a decent addition to the team. Team Gordon just might want to stock up on HUMMER parts before then...

[Source: Team Gordon]

Robby Gordon signs up for the 2010 Dakar, adds a third HUMMER originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dakar rally claims its first casualty

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

The Dakar Rally is famous for its unfortunate history of taking the lives of those who dare to take part in the endurance race, and this year's running is no exception. The body of 49-year-old French motorcyclist Pascal Terry has been found after the rider went missing for three days. Race officials had gone searching for Terry after they received word that his Yamaha motorcycle had run out of fuel. Pascal's body was found in the shade near his motorcycle and he reportedly had abundant food and water. An autopsy revealed that the rider died of a respiratory and cardiac arrest caused by a lung edema. Here's hoping that the rest of the field finishes the rally with no further casualties. Thanks for the tip, Ashutosh.

[Source: The Canberra Times]

Dakar rally claims its first casualty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dakar scrutineering, in pictures

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

The preparations have begun for the race formerly known as the Paris-Dakar. The entrants have begun to gather in Le Havre, France, for scrutineering before shipping out to South America for the Dakar's run across Argentina and Chile. Mike Werner was in Normandy and captured in photographs what was going on. If you ever wondered wanted to see what it takes to get ready for a big-deal international race, the words to describe the images are "intense preparation" -- right down to making sure the vehicle sound level doesn't breach 95 decibels. Follow the link to check out all the photos. And get ready to rumble.

[Source: Motorbiker]

Dakar scrutineering, in pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Touareg 2 Race

Volkswagen Motorsport is putting four factory-backed teams in next year's 'Dakar' Rally, which will actually be held in South America, and they'll all be driving the new Race Touareg 2. The insanely intricate spaceframe chassis vehicles are being built in Germany and will use will use a 2.5-liter TDI with 276 hp and. The 15-stage race is expected to be more grueling than usual because of the extreme changes in altitude and terrain, but perhaps it will give other teams a chance to break Mitsubishi's seven-year chokehold on the winner's dais. Volkswagen's best chance at victory could be with driver Carlos Sainz, the 1990 WRC champion, and navigator Michel Perlin, a three-time Dakar winning navigator. The last -- and only -- time VW won the Dakar Rally was in 1980, with the Volkswagen Iltis.

Gallery: Volkswagen Race Touareg 2

Continue reading Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar

Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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