The Peugeot 2008 DKR16 shared an unmistakable family resemblance with Peugeot’s former road-going 2008 Crossover, albeit with more muscular forms and more imposing overall proportions that were honed to meet the challenges that lay ahead in a number of races during 2016. The spectacular lines of the Peugeot 2008 DKR were the fruit of close cooperation between the experts at Peugeot’s Style Centre and their colleagues at Peugeot Sport’s Design Department.
The final evolution of the car, which won both the Dakar rally and the China Silk Way Rally in 2016 was longer, wider, lower and more powerful than its predecessor: and presented a more aggressive stance, with a raft of improvements under the skin as well.
The front and rear overhangs were reduced, enhancing the car’s go-anywhere ability. The Peugeot 2008 DKR also benefitted from improved aerodynamics: the bonnet and roof-mounted air-intake were heavily revised in order to provide more balanced downforce between front and rear. The new air scoop also ensured better airflow.
Other evolutions lay under its carbon skin. The suspension was redesigned to deal more effectively with the different and rough terrains. It also benefitted from better weight distribution, as well as magnesium one-piece wheels for the first time, matched to lighter tyres from Michelin. These replaced the aluminium two-piece wheels with the combination resulting in a significant weight saving.
