Dakar 2012 – OSCar eO Team Latvia
January 6, 2012
If you’ve been watching the Dakar you might have seen this OSCar eO, Dakar’s first electric car entry. Total range with batteries and the back up generator is 800km, making it just enough for a typical Dakar stage. The electric motor’s nominal and peak power is 150 kW and 235 kW, with a nominal and peak torque of 400 Nm and 800 Nm giving it a top speed of around 140 km/h. I wonder how long it’ll be until battery technology has advanced enough to ditch the Nissan V6 powered generator.
It’s a promising first attempt at an electric rally-raid car and like the Nissan Leaf RC it gives an interesting insight to the future of motorsport.
[Photo: OSCar]
[Photo: OSCar]
[Photo: OSCar]
Mustn’t forget Jari-Matti Latvala, who took the win at the Welsh Rally. He’s been on excellent form in the later part of the season, which he can hopefully carry over into next year.
Mini’s pace straight out of the box has been impressive and it’s great to see them back in the sport. I didn’t think I’d be a fan of a non-Cooper Mini, but the Countryman looks right at home on the stages, especially in Tarmac trim. Dani Sordo definitely agrees, “Car looks nicer in tarmac so you want to push more”. Never thought a racing driver would say that; maybe looks are important, even at the highest level of performance.
Ken Block’s jump during Wales Rally GB’s power stage is nothing short of spectacular.
I didn’t get to see any of the rally this year as it’s moved a bit away from Cardiff, but luckily the closing ceremony was held at Cardiff castle, a very cool setting for motorsport.
Sebastien Loeb was crowned World Rally Champion for the 8th time. He makes it look easy.
This year’s smaller WRC cars have been incredible to watch, especially on the flat-out power stages.
Until next year.
