Prodrive has unveiled its updated BRX Hunter T1+ that will compete in next year’s Dakar Rally. Dakar regulations have been changed for the 2022 edition of the race, so the updated BRX Hunter T1+ is now 300 mm wider than the older model and now sits at 2.3-meters wide. In addition, it features 17-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, as opposed to the 16-inch wheels and 32-inch tires of the 2021 model.
In addition, Prodrive has fitted longer wishbones and increased travel suspension by 70 mm, bringing it up to 350 mm. The dampers have also been reconfigured and the driveshafts, proshaft, and differentials have all been modified. Like the old model, the new BRX Hunter T1+ has been designed by ex-Jaguar design chief Ian Callum, although 50 per cent of the bodywork is all new. Key updates made to the front fascia include quad headlights as opposed to the dual headlight setup of the 2021 model.
Power comes courtesy of a 3.5-liter Ford EcoBoost V6 pumping out 400 hp and the racer now features stronger built-in electric jacks. Driving for Prodrive at the Dakar Rally in January will be Sebastien Loeb and two-time Dakar winner Nani Roma.
The Prodrive team will face some stiff competition in 2022 as Audi is competing with its all-new RS Q e-tron. Audi’s off-roader has an electric powertrain and uses a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder that acts as a generator to recharge the batteries. The racer features electric motors at the front and rear, shared with those used by Audi’s e-tron FE07 Formula E race car.
