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 | Dakar Rally 2013: Dakar-Team Holland to start with new Tatra / DAF Phönix.
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Marcel Schoo´s [ Dakar Team Holland ] continues this year with a brand new rally truck for the rally. Two years ago, the team drove the rally with a Ginaf truck rally but adventure stranded due to medical reasons. In 2013 the Dutch team will drive with a Tatra - but a very special one. This truck is a Dutch-Czech cooperation.
"In the past Dakar rallies we´ve learned a lot and one thing was clear: If we're going then with the best equipment you can buy. We came in contact with the Czech truck manufacturer Tatra, well known for their reliable race-trucks. When we heard, that Tatra is working with a new truck with DAF cabins and technology, I saw us immediately seated" said Marcel Schoo.
Schoo is talking about a Tatra with DAF MX engine and cabin, called "Tatra Phoenix". The Tatra trucks are known for their special chassis design. Tatra is using independent suspension, in which the entire powertrain is placed in a central tube. This ensures optimal protection of the driveline and a very low center of gravity.
"We ordered two of the new Phoenix trucks, a 6x6 with trailer as assistance truck and a 4x4 rally truck. Both trucks are brand new and equipped with DAF engines and cabs and also the famous ZF gearbox. We are the first with this new race truck - the Czech teams are driving with the old models" the Dutch reported.
The new rally truck is a meter shorter than the Ginaf but the wheelbase is the same. "The handling is excellent, the truck drives really like a rally car. We have less front and rear overhang and that makes a huge difference in the dunes. But most important is the low center of gravity, the higher stability and the unique suspension" Schloo said.
2012/11/12 | 12:51 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/DTH
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