To make a Dakar rally machine, you want to start
with something robust, with good ground clearance and off-road chops you can
build upon. Something rather unlike an Alfa Romeo 4C, in short, but that's
the fantasy we're looking at here.
Rendered by Seattle-based artist Mo Aoun, the
improbable prospect before us turns Alfa's lightweight track toy into a
dune-jumping, desert-crossing rally raider.
On second thought, though, the idea may not be that
crazy. Most of the top-tier machinery contesting the Dakar these days are
custom fabricated with lightweight bodywork, often with their engines in the
back, and (in the case of the current reigning Peugeot) just two driven wheels.
With Peugeot planning to withdraw after the next
running, the Dakar's going to need a new front-runner. Alfa Romeo isn't likely
to pick up that particular mantle – especially now that it's returning to F1. But it'd sure be awesome if it did.
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