KING OF DAKAR
Here's another Russian diesel monster. It's a 730 hp 4x4 Kamaz Sport Truck that has dominated off-road rallies for the last 15 years. The recipe is simple; it's got a turbocharged 17.2L V-8 diesel, leaf sprung suspension,49-inch tires, and a top speed of over 102 mph. Not bad for a truck that weighs around 16,000 pounds. You've got to see this truck in action. Go to You Tube and search for "Kamaz Dakar".
RUSSIAN TATRA TRUCKS
Traditionally, Russian trucks have faired well in off-road rallies because as one German pointed out, "Russians need good trucks, because they have the worst roads." The Tatras are serious contenders in Dakar. This 815-2 ZOR45 12.400 4x4.1 model features a 15.8L V-8 twin-turbo Deutz diesel engine that makes 700 hp. Its top speed is 96 mph, and it rides on 49-inch tall tires. Now for the shocking part: this is the support truck! The race Tatra has an 816 hp engine, weighs 22,000 pounds, and tops out at 102 mph. Check them both out at www.loprais.com.
EARTH CRUSHER
The Ukrainian KrAZ 5133BE is supposed to be a cross-country truck suitable for commercial or military use. Weighing in at 24,250 pounds the truck relies on a turbocharged 14.8L V-8 diesel rated at 360 hp and 965 lb-ft of torque to turn 52-inch tall tires. It's capable of fording through four feet of water. We can only imagine what it would have done in the sand.