Bentley will modify used Volkswagen Dakar-prepped Touaregs to make them look like the EXP 9 F SUV to compete in the extremely challenging endurance series.
The Dakar Rally is one of the most spectacular and
challenging rallies in the world, which apart from providing a proving
ground for motorsport enthusiasts also provides an excellent test case
and promotional tool for manufacturers - as it is broadcasted in over
190 different countries. BMW did it with its Mini Countryman and
Volkswagen did it with the Touareg.
And now Bentley is resorting a similar strategy, probably
to create a positive aura around its new upcoming Bentley EXP 9 F SUV
that was first unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in concept form
and wasn't very well received by the audience.
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| The EXP 9 F concept unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show |
According to Car magazine UK,
Bentley will enter the 2013 Dakar Rally with a new SUV and is
attempting to buy back the previous Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 that led
to three straight Dakar rally wins between 2009 and 2011 and which were
recently sold by Volkswagen Motorsport to private teams upon its
departure. Bentley reportedly, will update the Touaregs and redesign the
exteriors to make it resemble the EXP 9 F SUV concept. The modified
Touaregs will be bare-bone off-roaders and will come fitted with an
upgraded body shell in order to look as the EXP 9 F SUV concept.
It still remains unclear as to what engine configuration will make it into the modified Touareg. The
latest VW Touareg, which entered Dakar, was powered by a 2.5-litre
twin-turbo diesel with an output of almost 300 PS. But the engine range
for the Bentley EXP 9 F is still subject of debate. Petrol powered
engines like a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, 4.0-litrE twin-turbo V8, a V6
Hybrid and a diesel-powered V8 are all being considered. Most likely
Bentley will use the engines of the Volkswagen Touaregs, as these have
proven to be reliable and successful.