Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



French drivers Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret drove a Mini Countryman to a class win at this year's Dakar Rally, and to commemorate their win, Mini has introduced a limited-volume car that will only be sold in France. The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 might be a mouthful to say, but it's a fitting tribute to Peterhansel's eleventh Dakar win as this Countryman is painted to look like the rally car and only 11 will be sold in the Peterhansel's home country.

Sporting a similar green-over-matte-black paint scheme as the Dakar Countryman, the JCW Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 also adds green accents to the full-length top and side stripes, the side marker lights and also contrasting stitching inside the cabin. Adding to the car's rally look, this special edition will also include the racers' number card on the front doors, Dakar decals on the front and rear and Peterhansel's signature on the hood. Grille-mounted rally lights, bright red brake calipers and unique 19-inch wheels with dark-painted inserts finish off the exterior design.

Continue reading Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013

Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymandakardakar 2013dakar rallyJean-Paul Cottretjohn cooper worksminimini john cooper works countryman all4 dakar winner 2013Stéphane PeterhanselTue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20487384/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/20487384/article-detail.xml 20487384 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mini-jcw-countryman-dakar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mini-jcw-countryman-dakar.jpg <![CDATA[French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Thomas Bourgin

The 2013 Dakar Rally has claimed another life. Organizers have confirmed 25-year-old motorcycle rider Thomas Bourgin died after colliding with an oncoming Chilean police vehicle while in transit to the start of a stage.

The accident occurred at 8:23 local time, and the rally's medical teams responded to the scene. Medics say Bourgin likely died instantly as a result of the collision. The Frenchman was ranked 68th in the 2013 Dakar Rally at the time of the accident. This was his first running of the event, though he had competed successfully in the Morocco Rally, Africa Race and the Tunisia Rally.

This year's race claimed the lives of two passengers in a taxi when a support truck struck their vehicle head on last week. A second taxi rolled several times attempting to avoid the wreck, resulting in a total of seven injuries. You can read the full press release on the latest incident below.

Continue reading French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar

French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dakardakardakar deathdakar rallyrallythomas bourginSun, 13 Jan 2013 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427345/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/20427345/article-detail.xml 20427345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/thomas-bourgin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/thomas-bourgin.jpg <![CDATA[Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dakar Rally route 2013

Dakar Rally organizers report a support vehicle and two taxis were involved in an accident on January 9. The support vehicle collided head-on with a taxi carrying six people, while the second taxi, carrying four people, overturned several times in an attempt to avoid the accident. Seven people were injured and are now being treated in a hospital in Tacna, Peru, including three occupants of the support vehicle. Tragically, the driver and one passenger in the first taxi died of injuries sustained in the crash. Three local ambulances, a fire engine and local police all responded to the scene.

Peruvian police have also supplied a helicopter to transport the seriously injured from Tacna to a hospital in Peru. Local law enforcement has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. You can read the brief press release from the Dakar Rally below for more information.

Continue reading Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle

Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar 2013dakar crashdakar rallydakar rally crashperu taxi crashtaxitaxi crashThu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/20425491/article-detail.xml 20425491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Robby Gordon Dakar 2013

Robby Gordon is off to a rough start in the 2013 Dakar Rally Raid. First, the racer broke reverse trying to free his rig from a sand dune. That news sent him into a fit of rage captured on an in-cabin camera. We'll just say the language isn't safe for work or for younger ears, but for everyone else it's well worth checking out below. Shortly thereafter, events turned even worse when Gordon cleared a dune only to fall victim to deep, soft sand at the bottom. When his Hummer hit the loose terrain, the nose dug in, pitching the whole machine onto its roof. Both Gordon and his co-driver wound up having to dig themselves out of the wreck.

Somewhat miraculously, Gordon seemed less upset about putting his racer shiny side down than he was about shredding reverse. Either way, his shot at landing on the podium has up and vanished. You can check out both clips for yourself below.

*REMEMBER: NSFW language.

Continue reading Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin'

Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dakardakarrobby gordonrobby gordon cursingrobby gordon tantrumrobby gordon wrecktantrumWed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/20423978/article-detail.xml 20423978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/robby-gordon-dakar-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/robby-gordon-dakar-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When it comes to specialty applications of the Smart Fortwo, "off-road motorsports" may seem about as likely as "amphibious assault vehicle." Yet a team has come up with just that (the former, not the latter), creating a rally-ready runabout dubbed the Smart Dakar.

The team used a Fortwo to create a "Smart Buggy 4x4." The creator's website claims that the vehicle is in compliance with FIA regulations, and weighs only 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds). As the name suggests, the intent of this vehicle is to compete in the Dakar Rally, and it looks the part.

It may be the most hard-nosed Smart that you'll ever find, but it has an uphill battle to make it to competition. The race team, headed by Jose Luis "JL" Alvarez, does not have the funds to field a full assortment of vehicles, including two Smarts and a Honda CRF-450, and now all plans have been canceled for this year's Dakar Rally.

JL even appealed to his fans via a YouTube video with the hopes of crowd-funding the project, though it appears that attempt has failed. At any rate, the 2013 Dakar Rally starts January 5 in Lima, Peru, and ends January 20 in Santiago, Chile, and it appears that this team, with its unique ride, will not be attending.

Continue reading Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video]

Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 smart dakardakarfortwosmartsmart dakar 2013smart fortwoFri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/20412817/article-detail.xml 20412817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Countryman with Off-Road Package

Mini is gearing up to head back to Dakar. The company campaigned five ALL4 racecars last year, and took the overall victory with driver Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret. Second place also fell to Mini, and the remaining three cars soaked up spots in the top ten for an impressive finish. This year, Mini is headed back with specially-prepared Countryman models in competition as Peterhansel attempts to defend his crown from a new crop of rivals. The team will also make use of Countryman service vehicles, all fitted with an off-road package and a spate of Mini accessories to help them overcome the 5,000 miles of brutal terrain through Peru.

Those include a four-piece body kit made of durable plastic to help protect the body from dings and chips, and the beefy fender flares call to mind the exaggerated arches on the competition vehicles.

Speaking of the competitors, Peterhansel piloted his ALL4 race car to gold in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies this year in preparation for Dakar. We'll keep an eye on his progress once the race gets started in January. In the interim, you can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar

Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dakarcountrymandakardakar 2013dakar mini countrymanminimini countrymanrally raidTue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/20383407/article-detail.xml 20383407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mini-countryman-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mini-countryman-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The São Paulo Motor Show continues to heat up and bring us interesting new vehicle unveilings. Next year, we may have to tough it out and trek down to Brazil for the 28th edition of the auto show. The most recent development from São Paulo is the Renault DCross concept. In what appears to be a gussied-up Dacia Duster, the DCross gets a bright green and matte black paint scheme, a raised ride height, roof racks and a spare tire atop the concept. If off-roading is your thing, the DCross, at the very least, looks the part.

Little else is given in details other than what we can gather from the photos. The concept, which catches the eye far more in the live shots than in the OEM image, was joined on the Renault stand by the Fluence GT, Clio 2013, and Captur concept.

Will this concept predict the future for a Renault SUV/CUV? We're not sure, but its bullish looks seem ready for the Dakar Rally. The 2013 edition of Dakar is not until May of 2013, but the DCross already has us thinking of the grueling endurance race, held Peru, Chile and neighboring Argentina. Read up on Renault's debuts from Brazil in the press release below.

Continue reading Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil

Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcrossoverdakardcrossoff-roadrenaultrenault dcrosssao paulo auto showsuvTue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/20357863/article-detail.xml 20357863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/renault-dcross-concept-628-1351002764_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/renault-dcross-concept-628-1351002764.jpg <![CDATA[Honda debuts production Dakar Racer CRF450 Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Honda CRF450 Rally

The Dakar Rally Raid is a spectacle unlike anything else in motorsports. With a course that tracks its way through some of the most unforgiving and forgotten areas in South America, the event is challenging enough for those who tackle the race on four wheels. The guys who make for the dunes on motorcycles, however, are simply our kind of insane.

Honda has chosen to honor this year's factory team with a production version of the race bike. The CRF450 Rally debuted at the 2012 International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bike Fair in Cologne, Germany, and is based on the standard CRF450.

Honda swapped in programmable fuel injection in place of the old carbs, bumped up the total fuel capacity and incorporated a new navigation system. Engineers also worked in new changes to both the chassis and bodywork to increase durability and protect the drivetrain from damage. Honda will first test the CRF450 Rally in the Morocco Rally later this month before putting it to task in the Dakar Rally in January. Take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Honda debuts production Dakar Racer CRF450 Rally

Honda debuts production Dakar Racer CRF450 Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crf450dakardakar rallyhondahonda crf450honda crf450 rallyrallyMon, 08 Oct 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/20342673/article-detail.xml 20342673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-honda-crf450-rally-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-honda-crf450-rally-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda will compete in 2013 Dakar Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/honda-will-compete-in-2013-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/honda-will-compete-in-2013-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/honda-will-compete-in-2013-dakar-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Honda CRF450X Dakar

Honda has announced that it will take part in the 2013 Dakar Rally next January with a special motorcycle works team. It's been 23 years since Honda last took part in the rally, back when it took place in Europe and Africa and sailed under the Paris-Dakar banner. Between 1981 and 1989, Honda walked away with the gold five times, but hasn't so much as touched a grain of sand on the new course that spans from Peru through Chile and into Argentina. Team HRC is out to change that with its new four-rider team.

Helder Rodrigues, Felipe Zanol, Sam Sunderland and Javier Pizzolito will each command a new prototype race bike based loosely on the CRF450X. Honda has also whipped up a ration of kit parts designed to be bolted to a factory CRF450X should any privateer team feel like following in the Japanese bike maker's tracks. Check out the quick press release below for more information.

Continue reading Honda will compete in 2013 Dakar Rally

Honda will compete in 2013 Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dakar2013 paris-dakardakardakar rallyhondahonda crf450xparis-dakarTue, 03 Jul 2012 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270578/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/honda-will-compete-in-2013-dakar-rally/20270578/article-detail.xml 20270578 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/honda-crf450x-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/honda-crf450x-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley plotting Dakar effort with used VW Touareg racers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/bentley-plotting-dakar-effort-with-used-vw-touareg-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/bentley-plotting-dakar-effort-with-used-vw-touareg-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/bentley-plotting-dakar-effort-with-used-vw-touareg-racers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bentley EXP 9 F

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley dakarbentley exp 9 fbentley suvdakardakar rallyexp 9 frace touaregrallytouaregvolkswagen touaregFri, 18 May 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/bentley-plotting-dakar-effort-with-used-vw-touareg-racers/20240273/article-detail.xml 20240273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/exp96_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/exp96.jpg <![CDATA[Dakar Rally especially dangerous for bikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/dakar-rally-especially-dangerous-for-bikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/dakar-rally-especially-dangerous-for-bikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/dakar-rally-especially-dangerous-for-bikes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quin Cody Dakar crash

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dakar rallycrashdakardakar crashdakar rallymotorcycle crashquin codyWed, 04 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140227/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/dakar-rally-especially-dangerous-for-bikes/20140227/article-detail.xml 20140227 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/dakar-motorcycle-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/dakar-motorcycle-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Amarok

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokdakardakar rallyvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokTue, 20 Dec 2011 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20131378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/20131378/article-detail.xml 20131378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/amarok-dakar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/amarok-dakar.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this vintage Porsche 911 channel its Dakar roots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche 911 hillclimb

We've grown accustomed to seeing all manner of modified machinery power through the sand in an attempt to get to the top of a hill. We're even used to seeing vintage German machinery do the deed... that is, if you count sand rails and buggies built using air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle bits and pieces.

What we're not generally prepared for, however, is a Porsche 911 - considered by many to be the quintessential road-going sports car - joining the motocross bikes, Jeeps and other various four-wheelers at the hill climb. Except for perhaps one place: Dakar. Porsche won the event with a 911 in 1984 and then again in 1986 with the legendary 959.

So, vintage Porsche 911s are clearly up to snuff when it comes to traversing the dunes, so long as they are properly modified to do so. We have no idea what modifications the owner of the 911 has performed other than a cool set of driving lights, but we do know that he made it to the top of a pretty gnarly looking hill.

Watch it go up and back down again the video after the break.

Continue reading Watch this vintage Porsche 911 channel its Dakar roots

Watch this vintage Porsche 911 channel its Dakar roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911959dakarhill climbhillclimbOcotillo Wellsporscheporsche 911 hill climbshell reefWed, 07 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123124/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/20123124/article-detail.xml 20123124 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche-911-hillclimb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche-911-hillclimb.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley gearing up to take on Dakar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bentley Continental Supersports

Dakar. The very name conjures up images of daring dashes through the brutish desert, running down scorpions and dodging terrorists at full throttle. Not exactly the place you'd expect to find a Bentley, then, but that's what the rumormill is pointing towards today.

Wait a second, you say, Bentley's parent company Volkswagen is already a dominant force in the Dakar rally! And right you are. But now that it's heading to the World Rally Championship, VW isn't expected to return to the iconic desert race. Which leaves it with two options: either mothball the operation it's been cultivating to domination over the past several years and hand victory to one of its erstwhile rivals, or bring in one of its subsidiary divisions.

Okay, makes sense, but why Bentley? Well, the British luxury marque is understood to be preparing to roll out an SUV, and Dakar could be just the place to prove it won't be just some pampered show horse.

The last rumor linking Bentley with a world-class racing series revolved, much like its actual last foray, around Le Mans. But with sister-companies Audi and Porsche gearing up to contest the endurance race next season, this Dakar scenario suddenly doesn't seem so far-fetched.

Bentley gearing up to take on Dakar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley suvdakardakar rally raidsuvMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/20099800/article-detail.xml 20099800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/conti-ss-offroad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/conti-ss-offroad.jpg <![CDATA[Range Rover Evoque readies for Dakar with BMW power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/range-rover-evoque-readies-for-dakar-with-bmw-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/range-rover-evoque-readies-for-dakar-with-bmw-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/range-rover-evoque-readies-for-dakar-with-bmw-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Land Rover Evoque Dakar

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar rallydakar rally raidevoqueexcite rally raid teamland roverland rover evoqueland rover evoque dakarFri, 23 Sep 2011 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050905/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/range-rover-evoque-readies-for-dakar-with-bmw-power/20050905/article-detail.xml 20050905 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/land-rover-evoque-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/land-rover-evoque-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen unlikely to return to Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/volkswagen-unlikely-to-return-to-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/volkswagen-unlikely-to-return-to-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/volkswagen-unlikely-to-return-to-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Race Touareg 3

Everything has its cost. And in the case of Volkswagen's new WRC effort, that cost appears to be Dakar.

The German automaker has dominated the famous rally raid for the last three years, but if the latest reports come to pass, VW could be preparing to retire the Race Touareg. Volkswagen, it seems, has nothing left to prove out there on the dunes, and with its focus shifted on the World Rally Championship, a return to Dakar doesn't look to be in the cards.

The news will undoubtably be welcomed by X-Raid, the team operated by Sven Quandt (of the Quandt family that owns BMW) which has campaigned off-road Bimmers and Minis at Dakar for the past several years, and which has come closest to defeating Volkswagen. The team will reportedly be returning to the South American event next year with four of its specially-built Mini Countrymen, and with Volkswagen out of the way, this team looks poised to finally claim the trophy.

Volkswagen unlikely to return to Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakarrace touaregvolkswagenvolkswagen race touaregvwworld rally championshipwrcTue, 28 Jun 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976868/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/volkswagen-unlikely-to-return-to-dakar/19976868/article-detail.xml 19976868 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/racetouareg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/racetouareg.jpg <![CDATA[Latvian team aims to be first to contest Dakar rally with EV [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/latvian-team-aims-to-be-first-to-contest-dakar-rally-with-ev-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/latvian-team-aims-to-be-first-to-contest-dakar-rally-with-ev-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/latvian-team-aims-to-be-first-to-contest-dakar-rally-with-ev-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 OSCar eO
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

2012 OSCar eO2012 OSCar eO2012 OSCar eO2012 OSCar eO2012 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar evdakar rallymaris saukansoscaroscar eoWed, 13 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19907219/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/13/latvian-team-aims-to-be-first-to-contest-dakar-rally-with-ev-w/19907219/article-detail.xml 19907219 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/oscar-o3-02-lead-1302279890_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/oscar-o3-02-lead-1302279890.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen celebrates hat-trick victory in Dakar Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/18/volkswagen-celebrates-hat-trick-victory-in-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/18/volkswagen-celebrates-hat-trick-victory-in-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/18/volkswagen-celebrates-hat-trick-victory-in-dakar-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen on the podium in Dakar
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dakar rallyal-attiyahattiyahdakardakar rallynasser al-attiyahrallyvolkswagenvolkswagen race touareg 3Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19805003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/18/volkswagen-celebrates-hat-trick-victory-in-dakar-rally/19805003/article-detail.xml 19805003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/web630-62796vw-vw-110117-0586_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/web630-62796vw-vw-110117-0586.jpg <![CDATA[X-Raid Mini Countryman reportedly crashes out of Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/x-raid-mini-countryman-reportedly-crashes-out-of-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/x-raid-mini-countryman-reportedly-crashes-out-of-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/x-raid-mini-countryman-reportedly-crashes-out-of-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


X-Raid Mini Countryman All4 Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery

So much for the maxi Mini. The X-Raid Countryman rally raider, whose development we've been following from the get-go, was forced out of the Dakar rally over the weekend, ending the rally-prepped Mini's campaign even faster than it started.

With French rally driver Guerlain Chicherit behind the wheel, the Mini Dakar had gotten up as high as ninth place overall by the sixth stage on Friday. But when the convoy came to a rest on Saturday, Chicherit took the opportunity to get in some practice runs and reportedly got into a big crash that sent the car tumbling end-over-end. Chicherit sustained a minor head injury, as rally medical personnel monitored his condition at the on-site medical center.

While the Mini is out of the running, this year's rally is far from over for the X-Raid team as one of their BMWs - driven by Stephane Peterhansel - is running third behind the Volkswagens of Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah.


Gallery: X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

[Source: Autosport]

X-Raid Mini Countryman reportedly crashes out of Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakarminimini countrymanmini dakarx-raidX-Raid Mini All4 RacingX-Raid Mini Countryman All4 RacingMon, 10 Jan 2011 13:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19794398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/10/x-raid-mini-countryman-reportedly-crashes-out-of-dakar/19794398/article-detail.xml 19794398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/mini-all4-xraid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/mini-all4-xraid.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Carlos Sainz and VW lead Dakar through two stages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/04/report-carlos-sainz-and-vw-lead-dakar-through-two-stages/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/04/report-carlos-sainz-and-vw-lead-dakar-through-two-stages/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/04/report-carlos-sainz-and-vw-lead-dakar-through-two-stages/#commentsFiled under: ,

Carlos Sainz leads the 2011 Dakar in his VW Touareg race truck

The 2011 Dakar Rally is only two stages old, but there's already a big-time force at the top of the leader board. CNN reports that defending Dakar champion and Volkswagen driver Carlos Sainz has put the pedal to the metal to win the first two events and is leading BMW driver Stephane Peterhansel by a substantial three minutes, five seconds. Sainz's Touareg race truck whooped on the competition in the 324 kilometer second stage with a one minute, three second lead over teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah. Sainz managed the impressive stage despite consistent issues with his windscreen wiper blades. Sainz claims the problem forced him to slow down for 12 kilometers since his vision was so compromised. In total, the Dakar rally stretches 13 stages and 9,500 kilometers. Today's stage is 500 kilometers from San Miguel de Tucuman to San Salvador de Jujuy.

Sainz isn't the only former champ faring well at Dakar. Three-time motorcycle champ Cyril Despres is having his way with the two-wheeled competition, as the talented pro took his second straight stage. Despres leads Marc Coma of Spain by two minutes 35 seconds.

[Source: CNN | Image: Stephane Mantey/Associated Press]

Report: Carlos Sainz and VW lead Dakar through two stages originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw dakarcarlos sainzcyril despresdakardakar rally 2011stephane peterhanselvolkswagen dakarTue, 04 Jan 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19785353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/04/report-carlos-sainz-and-vw-lead-dakar-through-two-stages/19785353/article-detail.xml 19785353 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/carlos-sainz-dakar-2011-vw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/carlos-sainz-dakar-2011-vw.jpg -1 2