2017 Peugeot 3008 DKR

In the relentless quest for glory at the Dakar Rally, Peugeot Sport unleashed a beast that would dominate the desert dunes – the 2017 Peugeot 3008 DKR. Born from the triumphs and tribulations of its predecessor, this rally raid marvel brought a blend of power, precision, and sheer grit to the unforgiving terrains of the world’s toughest off-road race.

The story began 25 years earlier when Peugeot last tasted victory at the Dakar Rally. In 2015, they made a bold return with the 2008 DKR, a two-wheel-drive powerhouse that ran on diesel V-6. After a shaky debut, the team rallied, securing a commanding win in 2016 with the legendary Stéphane Peterhansel behind the wheel.

Then came the evolution – the 2017 Peugeot 3008 DKR. It shared the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine as its predecessor but boasted a newly fortified chassis. With 340 horsepower and a staggering 600 pound-feet of torque, the 3008 DKR was a force to be reckoned with. Stéphane Peterhansel, a Dakar icon, harnessed its power to clinch his seventh Dakar car crown in an awe-inspiring 13 outings.

Teammates Sébastien Loeb and Cyril Despres completed the podium, solidifying the Peugeot dominance. Notably, Cyril Despres piloted chassis C22, a machine that later found itself in the hands of Peugeot customer team PH Sport.

Acquired in mid-2017 by PH Sport, C22 became the chariot of Khalid Al Qassimi. The Emirati driver etched his name in the annals of Dakar history, securing victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2017. Over the following years, C22 faced the challenges of the Dakar Rally, showcasing its prowess on diverse terrains and underlining its resilience.

Sébastien Loeb, in 2019, guided C22 to a remarkable 3rd overall in the Dakar Rally, a feat not often achieved by non-Works teams. The car, with four stage wins out of 10, proved its mettle, offering a testament to both Peugeot’s engineering and PH Sport’s prowess in handling such a powerful machine.

The technical marvel that is C22 remained a force on the rally scene, navigating through deserts and challenging landscapes with finesse. A car with historical significance, the 2017 Peugeot 3008 DKR C22 stands as a symbol of triumph over adversity and a reminder of Peugeot’s resurgence in the Dakar Rally.

As we look back at the races it conquered and the challenges it overcame, the 2017 Peugeot 3008 DKR C22 remains a beacon of automotive excellence and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Dakar Rally.