Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/volkswagen-amarok-to-tackle-desert-as-official-support-vehicle-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/volkswagen-amarok-to-tackle-desert-as-official-support-vehicle-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/volkswagen-amarok-to-tackle-desert-as-official-support-vehicle-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokDakardakar rallyDakarRallydesert racingdesert rallyDesertRacingDesertRallyvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokVolkswagen pickupVolkswagenAmarokVolkswagenPickupVWVW AmarokVW commercialVW pickupVwAmarokVwCommercialVwPickupTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM pulls out of Dakar Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/06/ktm-pulls-out-of-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/06/ktm-pulls-out-of-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/06/ktm-pulls-out-of-dakar-rally/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar 2009dakar 2010dakar rallyDakar2009Dakar2010DakarRallyktmktm dakarKtmDakarrally raceRallyRaceSat, 06 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi pulls out of Dakar and other cross-country races]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/mitsubishi-pulls-out-of-dakar-and-other-cross-country-races/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/mitsubishi-pulls-out-of-dakar-and-other-cross-country-races/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/mitsubishi-pulls-out-of-dakar-and-other-cross-country-races/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar rallyDakarRallyeconomymitsubishimitsubishi racing lancermitsubishi ralliartmitsubishi ralliart racing lancerMitsubishiRacingLancerMitsubishiRalliartMitsubishiRalliartRacingLancerWed, 04 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Robby Gordon signs up for the 2010 Dakar, adds a third HUMMER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/robby-gordon-signs-up-for-the-2010-dakar-adds-a-third-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/robby-gordon-signs-up-for-the-2010-dakar-adds-a-third-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/robby-gordon-signs-up-for-the-2010-dakar-adds-a-third-hummer/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar 2009dakar rallyDakar2009DakarRallyeliseo salazarEliseoSalazarhummerhummer h3HummerH3motorsportsrobby gordonRobbyGordonteam gordonTeamGordonWed, 04 Feb 2009 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dakar rally claims its first casualty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/dakar-rally-claims-its-first-casualty/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/dakar-rally-claims-its-first-casualty/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/dakar-rally-claims-its-first-casualty/#commentsFiled under:

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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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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar rallyDakarRallymotorsportsparis dakarparis dakar rallyParisDakarParisDakarRallySat, 29 Nov 2008 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volkwagen-readying-touareg-2-for-2009-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volkwagen-readying-touareg-2-for-2009-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volkwagen-readying-touareg-2-for-2009-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dakar2009 dakar rally2009Dakar2009DakarRallydakardakar rallyDakarRallymotorsportsrace touareg 2RaceTouareg2touareg 2Touareg2volkswagenvwMon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi "Racing Lancer" hits the sandbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/mitsubishi-debuts-cross-country-rally-racing-lancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/mitsubishi-debuts-cross-country-rally-racing-lancer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/mitsubishi-debuts-cross-country-rally-racing-lancer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for more high-res pics of the Racing Lancer

You're looking at the replacement for Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart's venerable rally version of the Pajero sport ute. The Japanese automaker's rally team has just revealed its newest cross-country rally vehicle based on the Lancer, dubbed simply the "Racing Lancer". The Racing Lancer will makes it debut at the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal at the end of October. There it will show off its new turbo diesel engine, specifics of which have been withheld though the new mill has logged over 8,000 km during testing and limited competition. Mitsubishi's new motor marks yet another instance of diesel power gaining prominence in motorsport just like Audi did in the American Le Mans Series with its oil-burning R8 and R10. And just like Audi, Mitsubishi's decision to use a turbodiesel in the Racing Lancer is part of a larger plan that has but one objective: win the 2009 Dakar rally.

Gallery: Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Racing Lancer


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Mitsubishi "Racing Lancer" hits the sandbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dakar2009Dakarcross country rally lancerCrossCountryRallyLancerdakardakar lancerdakar rally lancerDakarLancerDakarRallyLancermitsubishimitsubishi racing lancerMitsubishiRacingLancerracing lancerRacingLancerrally lanceryRallyLanceryFri, 22 Aug 2008 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" to tackle Dakar in '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/mitsubishi-mrx09-racing-lancer-to-tackle-dakar-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/mitsubishi-mrx09-racing-lancer-to-tackle-dakar-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/mitsubishi-mrx09-racing-lancer-to-tackle-dakar-in-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above image to enlarge

The purpose-built rally car that Mitsubishi fields in the no-longer-aptly-named 2009 Dakar (the venue for the race is now South America, remember) will shed its Pajero moniker as well as the nominal styling elements that tied it to the Mitsu SUV. Instead, the new MRX09 is the "Racing Lancer". As such, the front end gets the Lancer's "Run for your lives!" gaping maw grille and squinty headlamps. In its press release announcing the updated vehicle, Mitsubishi also reaches for another Lancer tie-in when it points out the happy coincidence that the MRX09's bodywork "is redolent of the Lancer Sportback", which is another way of saying, "it slopes down in the rear." In any case, the Lancerized bodywork is more appealing than the squareback rump the Pajero racer wore. The new race buggy's drivetrain consists of the erstwhile Pajero Evolution's competition-prepped e4WD system and 3.0L turbodiesel producing over 260 horses and 480 lb-ft of torque. Air will be caught, sand will be kicked, and if history is any indication, a trophy will be hoisted when all's said and done.

[Source: Mitsubishi via Paul Tan]

Continue reading Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" to tackle Dakar in '09

Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" to tackle Dakar in '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buggydakarlancermitsubishimrx09racing lancerRacingLancerralliartrepsolsportbackWed, 16 Jul 2008 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dakar looks at alternatives, South America tops list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/dakar-looks-at-alternatives-south-america-tops-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/dakar-looks-at-alternatives-south-america-tops-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/dakar-looks-at-alternatives-south-america-tops-list/#commentsFiled under:

Following the unfortunate cancellation of this year's Dakar rally, race organizers are examining a number of potential alternatives to permanently move the race away from northern Africa. Last year's race had stages canceled due to security considerations, but this year's event, which would have been going on right now, was the first to be cancelled in the rally's history. With reports now suggesting that the French foreign ministry's urging to cancel was based on direct threats from Al Qaeda to the Dakar rally itself, last year's modified race will likely have been the last to run the traditional, if oft-modified, route.

ASO - the French outfit that organizes the event, along with the famous Tour de France bicycle race - has considered a number of alternatives, including Dubai, Australia, and even running the distance from Paris all the way to Beijing, but reports are now suggesting that following the offer from the Chilean tourism minister, a deal has already been signed to hold the rally beginning next year on a route from Argentina to Chile and back.

Although the South American rally likely won't happen this year, when it does it will likely revert to Dakar's traditional January 1 starting gun and take the place of the Pampas Rally in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup.

[Source: Autosport]

Dakar looks at alternatives, South America tops list originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al qaedaAlQaedaargentinacancelledchiledakarlisboalisbonmaghredpampasparisrallysouth americaSouthAmericaTue, 15 Jan 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dakar Rally cancelled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/dakar-rally-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/dakar-rally-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/dakar-rally-cancelled/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since 1979, the Dakar Rally has never been canceled. Individual stages have been eliminated, but never the entire rally. This year is marks the end of the run: Dakar organizer ASO have decided to cancel the race in light of terrorist threats from Mauritania. The rally was to run from Lisbon, Portugal to Dakar, Senegal from January 5-20.

Mauritania was formerly a French colony, and the ASO (Amaury Sport Organization, the same folks who put on the Tour de France) is a French organization. It appears that anything French is a target for the time being: on December 28, 2007, four French tourists were murdered in Mauritania by "a branch of Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb," and threats have also been made directly against the race.

Eight of the race's fifteen stages were to take place in Mauritania. After being advised not to hold the race by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ASO felt it had no choice but to cancel this year's edition. It's regrettable, and a sad day for motorsport, but it had to be done. Follow the jump to read the full press release.

Thanks for the tip, Young!

[Source: BBC]

Continue reading Dakar Rally cancelled

Dakar Rally cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 paris dakar rally2008ParisDakarRallyamaury sport organizationAmaurySportOrganizationasodakardakar rallyDakarRallylisbon dakarLisbonDakarparis dakarparis dakar rallyParisDakarParisDakarRallyrally raidRallyRaidFri, 04 Jan 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Drivers gear up for Dakar 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/drivers-gear-up-for-dakar-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/drivers-gear-up-for-dakar-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/drivers-gear-up-for-dakar-2008/#commentsFiled under:

With the 2008 Lisbon-Dakar Rally confirmed to proceed, a star-studded roster of drivers is shaping up for what promises to be an exciting event spanning two continents over the course of two weeks.

Robby Gordon will be returning for the fourth time to fight for America's glory in, what else... a Hummer (pictured above). The NASCAR star will be competing against a host of rally champions, including double WRC champ and 2007 FIA Cross Country Cup winner Carlos Sainz (VW Touareg), and Monte Carlo rally winner Bruno Saby who will be driving the late Colin McRae's BMW. Two former F1 drivers, Ukyo Katayama and Tiago Monteiro, will be also competing, along with Vanina Ickx, daughter of famed grand prix and Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx.

All these drivers will be aiming to oust Mitsubishi, which has dominated the dunes and won the rally every year since 2001. Mitsubishi will be fielding no less than four Pajero/Montero this year in the event, which is set to depart from Lisbon, Portugal, on January 5 and finish in Dakar, Senegal on January 20. Watch this space for coverage.

[Source: Autosport]

Drivers gear up for Dakar 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitorsdakardriverslisbonmitsubishirallyrallyerobby gordonRobbyGordonWed, 02 Jan 2008 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dakar officials won't cancel rally despite Al-Qaeda attacks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/dakar-officials-wont-cancel-rally-despite-al-qaeda-attacks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/dakar-officials-wont-cancel-rally-despite-al-qaeda-attacks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/dakar-officials-wont-cancel-rally-despite-al-qaeda-attacks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following meetings between the head of security for the Lisbon-Dakar Rally and government authorities in Mauritania, race organizers, undeterred by recent terrorist attacks in the country, have announced that the event will go on as planned.

Last week, terrorists in Mauritania shot and killed four French tourists and four Mauritanian soldiers. Reports indicated that the attacks were perpetrated by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the infamous terrorist network's North African wing, praying on fears that the militants were expanding southwards from their previous activities in Morocco and Algeria.

Last year's rally had two stages canceled due to security concerns regarding Algerian rebels. This year's rally is set to depart from Lisbon, Portugal, on January 5, passing through Mauritania on January 11 en route to the finish line in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20, covering a total of 9000km (5600 miles).

[Source: Autosport]

Dakar officials won't cancel rally despite Al-Qaeda attacks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al qaedaalgeriaAlQaedaattackdakarlisbonmaghrebmauritanianorth africaNorthAfricarallyrallyesecurityterroristsMon, 31 Dec 2007 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[McRae Enduro: Dakar doesn't stand a chance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mcrae-enduro-dakar-doesnt-stand-a-chance/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mcrae-enduro-dakar-doesnt-stand-a-chance/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mcrae-enduro-dakar-doesnt-stand-a-chance/#commentsFiled under:



It's obvious that the fast-paced risks Colin McRae endured during his time behind the wheel have set the tone of his retirement. The term "retirement" is a total misnomer however, as McRae has kept himself busy consulting, marketing and developing his own line of rally machines. The R4 is so close to completion that McRae has taken on another project dubbed the Enduro.

Much like the R4, its purpose is to offer privateers an entry-level means of competing in cross-country rallies, approved by the FIA's T1 regulations that cover everything from Dakar to other Baja-style campaigns.

The machine was developed in conjunction with MDV Specialist Engineering and is made up of a space-frame chassis in which a Land Rover-sourced, turbocharged diesel 2.7-liter V6, tuned by Roush, produces 240 HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the all four wheels via a six-speed ZF transmission equipped with a non-variable LSD in both the rear and center.

As with the R4, McRae envisions the Enduro competing in a one-make series, named the Pirelli McRae Enduro Trofeo, which will include three FIA World Cup events and three Baja series campaigns. Pricing is expected to be around 150,000 euros when it's finally offered up next year.

[Source: EVO]

McRae Enduro: Dakar doesn't stand a chance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajacolin mcraeColinMcraedakarenduror4racerThu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW 1-Series Trio ready to tackle Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-1-series-trio-ready-to-tackle-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-1-series-trio-ready-to-tackle-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-1-series-trio-ready-to-tackle-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

While Bimmerphiles are still unwinding from the excitement of the launch of the 1-Series coupe, and the spy shots of the upcoming 1-Series convertible, a team in France has been hard at work building a 1-Series-based Dakar racetruck.

The monster truck called the Trio is the brainchild of Pascal Boutet, and shares about as much in common with the 1-Series hatchback, whose likeness it bares, as a NASCAR stocker shares with the family sedans they're made to resemble. Under the fiberglass body, the unique chassis cradles BMW's stock 3-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 265 horsepower. The Trio will be hitting its top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph) when it hits the trail in the 2008 Dakar rally.

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Trio Dakar

[Source: Carscoop]

BMW 1-Series Trio ready to tackle Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1bmwdakarracerallyseriestriotruckMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi offering Dakar Rally replica Pajero in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/26/mitsubishi-offering-dakar-rally-replica-pajero-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/26/mitsubishi-offering-dakar-rally-replica-pajero-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/26/mitsubishi-offering-dakar-rally-replica-pajero-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi Pajero rally replica
Click image to enlarge

To celebrate its seventh consecutive (and twelfth overall) Dakar Rally victory, Mitsubishi is selling a rally-replica version of the short-wheelbase Pajero 2-door in Japan. Plans call for a 20-vehicle run, all of which will be fully decked out in the rally car's red finish and full Repsol/Valeo/Ralliart racing livery. A skidplate package, red mudflaps and dark gray aluminum wheels with Ralliart centers complete the road-ready race replica.

Power comes from Mitsubishi's 3.8L DOCH V6 coupled with a 5-speed automatic and 4WD. Stability control is also standard. Orders for the special-edition SUV will be taken from February 23 to March 31. Buyers have to pony up ¥3,801,000 (around $32,200 and change) for the privilege.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Mitsubishi offering Dakar Rally replica Pajero in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 units20Unitsdakarjdmpajerorally replicaRallyReplicaMon, 26 Feb 2007 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Little car, big race: Fiat's PanDAKAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/29/little-car-big-race-fiats-pandakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/29/little-car-big-race-fiats-pandakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/29/little-car-big-race-fiats-pandakar/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for photo gallery

Fiat's little Panda miniwagon is taking on the Dakar Rally. A pair of race-prepped Pandas will compete in the 8,100 kilometer event. Our sister site, AutoblogGreen, reports that the PanDAKARs, as they're called, will be equipped with 42-gallon fuel tanks. That should give the cars, which are powered by 1.3L Miltijet turbodiesels, unbelievable range.

As you'd expect, the panelized Pandas will also be stocked with water reserves, tools to help them extract themselves when stuck in the sand, and 3 spare wheels. The support machinery consists of a Fiat Sedici (a.k.a. Suzuki SX4) service vehicle, which we'd love to see in its Dakar trim, as well as a trio of Iveco trucks.

We're looking forward to seeing how the cuddly 'lil Pandas do in the challenging race. Follow the jump for Fiat's full press release, and make sure you check out our PanDAKAR Photo Gallery.

[Source: Fiat via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Little car, big race: Fiat's PanDAKAR

Little car, big race: Fiat's PanDAKAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakarfiatpandapandakarFri, 29 Dec 2006 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Flight of the Rally Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/video-flight-of-the-rally-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/video-flight-of-the-rally-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/video-flight-of-the-rally-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

The coolest part about rally racing is undoubtedly those precious moments of air time, when racing cars - usually designed to great lengths to stay glued to the tarmac or dirt - take flight. People will camp out in the woods all day and watch entire races on television just for those rare glimpses.

This video gives you just the good stuff: WRC and Dakar racing machines flying over crests and down hills, plus some touring cars and open-wheelers spinning out, just for good measure. It's three minutes and nineteen seconds that elevates the levitating cars to a ballet. All for your viewing pleasure - see if you can stay in your seat.

[Source: motorpasion]

VIDEO: Flight of the Rally Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardtmrallyvideowrcwtccFri, 13 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Porsche 959]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-porsche-959/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-porsche-959/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-porsche-959/#commentsFiled under: ,



Between limited edition beanie babies and water glasses adorned with the lipstick marks of Yasmine Bleeth, eBay proves to be the useful sales source for all things obscure. For the consummate speed junkie, however, it doesn't get more day dreamy than a Porsche 959 and it seems that this owner, possibly of unsound mind, has decided to unload this bastion of late 80's asphalt displacement.

What more can be said about the 959? The stats speak for themselves. The 959 was the first Porsche to dawn AWD, it produced 450 hp, weighed just shy of 3,000 pounds and dispatched the run to 60 mph in a paltry 3.5 seconds. In 1986! As successful as the 959 was, our favorite motor sports campaign has to go to the Dakar Rally machine (pictured) that claimed a 1-2 victory in 1986.

Beauty and perfection are now available for bidding. Now who's going to pony up the cash and give us a ride?

[Dennis made our morning with this tip.]

eBay Find of the Day: Porsche 959 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>959dakarebayporscheThu, 10 Aug 2006 11:58:00 EST