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After conquering the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2013 with the 875 hp 208 T16, Peugeot has set its sights on the gruelling Dakar Rally. Cue the purpose-built Peugeot 2008 DKR, seen here in its full Red Bull rally livery for the first time.

The showcar's all-carbon-fibre look may have been more menacing, but the final livery's combo of blue, white and red is both striking and purposeful. The white around the cockpit is especially important to shield the driver and co-driver from the heat.

Standing out from the crowd, the 2008 DKR has an unconventional two-wheel drive layout and 340 hp/800 Nm mid-mounted 3.0 litre twin-turbo diesel V6 engine. Peugeot has won the Dakar Rally four times in the past, so hopes will be sky high to repeat the success.

Leaving nothing to chance, behind the wheels of three 2008 DKRs will be 2010 winner and double WRC champion Carlos Sainz, five-time motorcycle winner Cyril Despres and 11-time winner Stéphane Peterhansel. For them and the team, January 4 can't come soon enough.