Liebherr V8 diesel engines mounted on the team trucks were specially prepared for the Dakar 2017: the components were modified by using high performance materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and the engine’s performance was optimised to work at maximum output in mountains. To improve the wear resistance of the equipment under the heaviest overloads, new node elements were produced and installed. Furthermore, the pistons were replaced; reinforced rods and reliable turbochargers were mounted. In close cooperation KAMAZ-Master and Liebherr develop and modify drive systems for the KAMAZ trucks participating in the rally in order to prepare them for each race. Since 2014, team trucks are equipped with Liebherr V8 diesel engines with the power output of 686 kW (920 h.p.). This allows the 8,900 kg heavy trucks to reach the limit of 140 km/h (the maximum speed limit at Dakar) and speed up from zero to 100 km/h in less than 10 sec. To reach such an efficiency Liebherr reinforced the engines with specialised fuel equipment of its own production.
