Ssangyong unveils the Tivoli DKR: its exciting project for the 2018 Dakar

That dreams are meant to be fulfilled is something nobody dares to dispute today. Just ask the Koreans at Ssangyong…

We attended the presentation of one of the wildest and most ambitious creations of the year, the Tivoli DKR, with which Ssangyong Spain wants to take part in the 2018 Dakar.

But first… why Ssangyong?

We all know Ssangyong today. The Korean firm, with more than 60 years of experience in the off-road market, is one of the biggest specialists in this type of vehicle. Its arrival in Spain more than 25 years ago bears witness to this, with sales figures in constant growth.

Ssangyong Spain’s track record in competition is more extensive than it seems. With a presence in various Spanish Rally Championships and brilliant results, the Korean firm has decided to take the leap to the highest level of rallying, no more and no less than the Dakar, which in its 2018 edition will cover more than 5,000 km, crossing Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.

An imposing “beast” in the hands of an elite team

The vehicle that will drive them has been named “Tívoli DKR”, which we discussed a few weeks ago, a name that is already a statement of intent in itself. A kind of buggy, built from a Spanish-made multitubular chassis in which the highest technology has been employed in the service of performance, weighing only 240 kilograms.

Built in our country in collaboration with the specialists at Herrator, the Tivoli DKR will be powered by a spectacular 6.2 V8 petrol engine that delivers 405 CV. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox with torque converter, 4×2 configuration manufactured by the specialist Fortin Racing, this monster will feature 40-centimetre-travel suspension signed by King.

Although it is a humble project, the effort made by Ssangyong Spain has been more than notable, having, in logistical terms, a team made up of a 6×6 support truck, two T5 cars, four mechanics, an engineer, a team manager and a logistics manager.

Behind the wheel of this beast will be driver Óscar Fuertes, a guarantee of quality, accompanied by co-driver Diego Vallejo, who also has extensive Dakar experience after two successful participations. The main goal is to finish the rally, reaching the finish line on 20 January in the city of Córdoba. From here, all our support. Good luck!