While reliable power may be first and foremost when setting out to win the Paris-Dakar rally, a hefty amount of the burden is set on the car's aerodynamics. As evident in the photos, its front end has been slightly restyled to split the fierce desert winds that can often shift a car off course.
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| Enhanced aerodynamics, racecar suspension, and knobby tires may bring Nissan a victory. (Photo: Nissan) |
From aft of the cockpit, the race prepared truck features a sloping box cap that trails into a high-mounted rear spoiler. The rear bumper has been removed, allowing the rear overhang to tilt up at a sharper angle than stock, improving its departure angle when tackling steep grades.
Unlike the World Rally Championship (WRC) series, that features small hatchback cars competing in short stints, the Paris-Dakar is run in massive day-long stages. In order to meet the fuel consumption needs of its powerful entry, Nissan has equipped its race truck with a staggering 500-liter gasoline tank. To maintain a balanced weight distribution, the tank has been positioned towards the front cockpit.
Its brakes have also been modified, with four piston calipers on 320 mm discs to ensure safe stopping whatever the situation. Look for the specialized Nissan to appear throughout the Paris-Dakar rally that starts January 1st, 2004, and ends on January 18th.