MONSTER 2.0

It's a Monster!

Team Dakar USA has a new beast! Many upgrades have tailored The Monster to the unique high speed and low speed demands of Dakar:

Massive aerodynamic modifications such as a whole new rear section that significantly reduces turbulence, relocates engine breathing to rear (rather than the side like last year), removal of the heavy and turbulent rear spare tire, and increased side venting to evacuate air trapped under the rear bodywork. Up top above the greenhouse aero changes include a ram air intake for interior positive pressure to reduce dust from entering the cab area. Forward of the A pillar the windscreen angle has been reduced the hood has been raised at the A pillar for smoother air flow over the top of the wind screen header. The front bumper has a new facade that directs air away from turbulent tube structure located just behind it. Also, aero upgrades of the subtle but equally significant type include smooth Lexan treatments over the previously turbulent headlight and marker lamp openings and several key underbelly treatments reducing turbulence beneath The Monster. The changes above have been rigorously tested in the GM windtunnel and also at the Mesa Proving Grounds these upgrades are proven to be just what the Doctor ordered when it comes to drag coefficient in relation to increased range and speed.

Drivetrain upgrades are also significant; One of the key upgrades to the drivetrain is the exchange of last year's 5 speed Albins transmission to a 6 speed version. Also, the 427 cubic inch all aluminum powerplant has been squeezed for every last ounce of power GM can find in a year's time. Unofficial reports have The Monster at a top speed of over 140MPH.

Suspension and Chassis upgrades: Up front Team Dakar USA Robby has replaced the heavy coilover/bypass shocks with a single massive Robby Gordon internal bypass/coilover setup. The rear still has the highly modified King Set. This year he has also added sway bars and an on board inflation/deflation system for the rear tire to help grip in the soft dunes.

The results: This new top speed with a better range of gearing choices give The Monster a broader power range from 0 to 140 MPH. The 37 inch Toyo tires will get the low-end torque they desired in last year's Dakar and a GM insider reported a zero to 100 mph and back to zero time of 6 seconds better than last year's weapon. Last year on paper, The Monster H3 was a superior vehicle it showed great potential during the race running in the top 10 in all the stages it competed in only to have a 115MPH top speed and new car bugs preventing the World's Best Driver from showing what American Technology and out of the box thinking can to traditional plans of attack.

This Year... The Monster with Robby Gordon behind the wheel will show no remorse on the battlefield!

No Hype, No Excuses, Expect Total Domination.