Fiat Panda Heads to Dakar

2007 Fiat Panda Dakar

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Faced with almost 5500 miles of gruelling desert racing throughPortugal, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal, what would your choice of transport be? A camel is the obvious answer, but it’s not an option in the legendary Dakar Rally which starts on Saturday – so would you be willing to put your faith in a Fiat Panda?

A pair of 4x4 versions of the tiny Italian city car has been specially prepared for the event, but both still are powered by Fiat’s 1.3-liter turbodiesel engine. That means just 105 bhp at 4500 rpm and peak torque of 123 lb-ft at 2500 rpm. The rear passenger windows have been replaced with metal, and room has been found inside for vital kit such as sand ladders, shovels, spare wheels, and drinking water for the drivers.

Embarking on the challenge will be former Dakar winner Bruno Saby. Partnering him will be Miki Biasion, twice winner of the World Rally Championships with Lancia in 1988 and 1989.

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