Take a closer look at the RZR Pro XP race machine ready to take on Dakar, the world’s most grueling, toughest off-road race.
VIDEO | 2021 Dakar RZR Pro XP Reveal
The RZR Factory Racing RZR Pro XP is powered by a four-stroke fuel-injected, DOHC, turbocharged, twin-cylinder 925cc engine, fueled by a 130L fuel cell, and capable of a top speed of 130 kph (80.77 mph). A Motec ECU with custom wiring and dash, custom switch pad and onboard diagnostics will ensure optimal performance, and a rear-mounted radiator with a custom roof scoop will provide maximum airflow. A lightweight lithium battery set up by Braille Battery will power the RZR Pro XP throughout its inaugural Dakar campaign.
“We are committed to pushing our innovation and looking forward to the opportunity to build upon our legendary racing history as a brand,” said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road. “The successes and lessons learned from racing accelerate product innovation, allowing us to continue delivering a category-defining product for our dedicated customers.”
The team is also using an FIA homologated chassis, customized by Jimco Racing, and based off the Polaris RZR Pro XP platform. With a 96” wheelbase, 74” wide stance, and custom suspension with an additional 1.5” of travel compared to stock, the vehicle is built to perform on the harsh Dakar terrain. A custom Fox Racing Shox suspension with increased reservoir capacity has been chosen for increased cooling, performance, and greater adjustability. In the cockpit, Sparco racing seats and safety harnesses ensure comfort and driver safety during the 12-day race. The chassis also has an integrated spare-parts and tool-storage supply, which will undoubtedly prove imperative since there will be no pit crew, and drivers will need to make their own repairs while on the course.
“We chose to race the T4 class at Dakar, because we wanted to showcase what the Polaris RZR Pro XP is capable of, what defines its DNA—the pursuit of constant performance,” explained Robert Wilmot, Polaris RZR Vehicle Architect, and Lead Dakar Engineer. “Our vehicle is built from as many stock parts as possible to show their durability and performance capabilities when competing against the toughest competition in the world.”
Stock components include the Pro Star engine, intercooler, turbo, transmission, hubs, brake calipers and much more. The vehicle also utilizes a stock wheelbase.
For the nearly 5000-mile-long race, the team has chosen to utilize 30” high-performance BF Goodrich tires, wrapped around sturdy aluminum 15” Method Race Wheels with beadlocks. The vehicle is equipped with a full four-corner hydraulic disc brake system, with a dual master cylinder setup and driver-controlled brake bias for maximized braking performance and control to navigate the unknown obstacles that have made Dakar a race all its own.
2021 RZR Factory Racing Team
Three factory team drivers will race in their conquest of the SSV class at the 2021 Dakar Rally. The Polaris RZR Factory Racing lineup of Wayne Matlock and navigator Sam Hayes, Kristen Matlock and navigator Max Eddy, and Craig Scanlon and navigator Keith Redstrom will be led by Dakar racing legend Darren Skilton.
2021 Dakar begins January 3, 2021, through January 15, 2021, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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