Junior Range Rover transformed into a hardcore rally raid machine for entry into the Dakar Rally
This is Desert Warrior 3, a Range Rover Evoque-based rally raid vehicle created by British company Rabe Race Cars.
Compliant with FIA T3 regulations for rally raids, the Desert Warrior is destined to compete in the Dakar rally, taking place across South America in January.
It uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine developing between 275-300bhp – depending on competition regulations – and has 627lb ft of torque. The Evoque’s regular torque-converter automatic gearbox has been replaced with a six-speed sequential item.
The chassis has also been replaced for one of tubular construction for extra strength, and the suspension changed for Reiger coilovers. New rally raid wheels are shod in BF Goodrich Desert Race G series tyres. And last of all, a 260 litre fuel tank has been installed, to give the 750-mile range needed to compete in the Dakar.
The car has been delivered to owners Excite Rallye Raid, who are putting the car through shakedown tests prior to its competition debut.
Daljinder Nagra