Could this body be what Robby will be driving 2012 Dakar?

The article talks about international sales so I'm thinking this could be something Robby might be involved in. What do you think?

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/06/first-look-chevrolet-colorado-...

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on June 30, 2011 at 12:08pm

Here is a link to the Dakar Rally car & truck rules and regulations. Please take your time to read and understand what can and cant be done with 4 wheel drive, 2 wheel drive and gas vs diesel engines. So many ideas posted on on here about what Robby should do sound great. But until you read and educate yourselves you will see why Robby has done what he has.

This is a long read, but it is worth it to understand the Dakar Rally and what you can and cant do. I am posting both 2010 and 2011 rules. Both are pretty much the same, but there are some small changes.

2010 Dakar Rules and Regulations

2011 Dakar Rules and Regulations

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on June 30, 2011 at 12:39pm

@Nikal, so are you say'n what Robby has now fits Robby's driving style and budget?! For the 2011 event look for the new body/engine combo on the current platform.

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on June 30, 2011 at 12:57pm

Yes and Yes! And actually the race will be the 2012 Dakar as it starts Jan 1st. If a manufacture is picked up and if that Manufacture is willing to spend some money. I would expect a completely new vehicle for 2013, but I would not expect to see 4 wheel drive. My guess is any new vehicle would still be 2 wheel drive, but a big change might be making the vehicle mid engine. The reason I dont see RG ever doing a 4 wheel drive is the suspension limitations, a much smaller tire and a huge part of the budget has to be focused on drive-train components. VW was not spending $250 million on the Dakar program just because. Can you imagine what RGM might do with a $10 or $20 million dollar budget?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on June 30, 2011 at 1:08pm

my bad,I should proof read before hitting the enter button.Robby said as much during the Glen Helen interview, that 2013 would be something new.I don't see a short travel chassis in RGM's future except in 'CUP'

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Permalink Reply by WJM on July 1, 2011 at 1:09am

I think you're on the right track, Todd. A mid-engine Hemi(?) and 2-wheel drive seems the most logical. People tend to forget that Jean-Louis Schlesser, a two-time winner of the Dakar, was very competitive in 2-wheel drive buggies for many years. In fact, I believe his first buggy, the Schlesser Original, he drove in the '92 Dakar was purchased from Bob Gordon.

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on July 1, 2011 at 11:15am

His first car could have been from Bob Gordon? I dont know? If this is the case then I would think it would have to have been based off a Chenowth chassis as this is what Bob drove. I do know the chassis he won the overall with was built in San Diego by a guy who worked for RCD (Race Car Dynamics) Then he switched to using a Jimco chassis which is what he currently has. (At least I think he still has)

What I find funny is here in the states and even in Australia we call our cars by who built the chassis. Over in Europe they call the cars by their name or what ever they want. They never reference or give credit to the actual chassis builders.

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Permalink Reply by Davin Wilson on June 30, 2011 at 11:36am

LOL - Soooo true.

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Permalink Reply by Mark R on July 1, 2011 at 12:31am

and those pics justify why i stopped a life time of chevy buying and switched to AUDI and FORD. damn thats ugly.

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Permalink Reply by Josh Fisher on July 1, 2011 at 3:24am

It's a shame that Colorado Concept will join the ranks of the Toyota Hilux & International Ford Rangers as light-duty trucks that look great with their "Off-Road Packages" but will never be sold in the USA because they'll take away sales from the full-size trucks.

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Permalink Reply by Wheaton56 on July 1, 2011 at 10:25am

If he does go with dodge, I sure hope dodge is building a.good enginen the GM LS he was running as sick and very dependable. As of now I can't say the same for the hemi.