Vehicles and classes Dakar Rally

1 vehicles , classes

1.1 motorbikes
1.2 quads
1.3 cars
1.4 trucks

vehicles , classes

the 4 major competitive groups in dakar motorcycles, quads, cars class, (which range buggies small suvs) , trucks class. many vehicle manufacturers use rally’s harsh environment both testing ground , opportunity show off vehicles’ durability—though in fact vehicles heavily modified or purpose-built.

motorbikes

as of 2011, engine capacity limit motorbikes competing in dakar rally 450cc. engines may either single or twin cylinder. riders divided 2 groups, elite (group 1) , non-elite (group 2), latter subdivided 2 further groups - super production (group 2.1) , marathon (group 2.2) classes. marathon competitors not permitted change such key components engine (including engine case, cylinders , cylinder heads), frame, forks or swinging arm, whereas in super production , elite classes may replace these components.

ktm has dominated motorcycle class in recent years, although honda, yamaha, sherco , gas gas compete currently. bmw , cagiva have enjoyed success in past.

quads

prior 2009, quads subdivision of motorbike category, granted own separate classification in 2009 , designated group 3 in current regulations. divided 2 subgroups - group 3.1, features two-wheel drive quads single cylinder engine maximum capacity of 750cc, , group 3.2, permits four-wheel drive quads maximum engine capacity of 900cc, in either single or twin cylinder layout.

yamaha unbeaten in quad category since 2009, main current opposition coming courtesy of honda , can-am.

for 2017 rally ssv category added defined four-wheel side-by-side vehicles 1000 cc maximum displacement.

cars

the car class made of vehicles weighing less 3,500 kg (7,716 lb), subdivided several categories. t1 group made of improved cross-country vehicles , subdivided according engine type (petrol or diesel) , drive type (two-wheel or four-wheel drive). t2 group made of cross-country series production vehicles , subdivided petrol , diesel categories, while t3 group light vehicles . there open category catering vehicles conforming score regulations.

mini have been successful marque in car category in recent years, efforts of non-factory x-raid team, limited involvement coming toyota, ford , haval. several constructors produce bespoke buggies event, notably smg , damen jefferies.

mitsubishi historically successful manufacturer in car class, volkswagen, citroen, peugeot , porsche having tasted success in past factory teams. jean-louis schlesser has won event twice renault-supported buggies. factory teams nissan , seat have won stages, has bmw, courtesy of x-raid team.

trucks

the truck class (group t4), first run separate category in 1980, made of vehicles weighing more 3,500 kg (7,716 lb). trucks participating in competition subdivided series production trucks (t4.1) , modified trucks (t4.2), whilst group t4.3 (formerly known t5) trucks rally support trucks - meaning travel bivouac bivouac support competition vehicles. these introduced rally in 1998. truck event not run in 1989 after decided vehicles, stage twin engines generating in excess of 1000 horsepower, dangerous following death of daf crew member in accident during 1988 rally.

kamaz has dominated truck category since turn of century, although has come under increasing pressure rivals such iveco, man, renault , tatra, enjoyed success in 1990s. hino, daf, perlini , mercedes-benz have been among winners in past. in 21st century kamaz won truck class, winning thirteen out of seventeen times.