Dakar Rally Success with Allison Automatic Transmissions

All ten of the top trucks in this year’s Dakar Rally were equipped with Allison automatic transmissions, with most of them featuring the Allison 4000 Series™. The 4000 series is designed for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is widely used in heavy construction, waste, emergency, rescue vehicles, and defense vehicles worldwide.

The Dakar Rally, known as the most famous desert rally in the world, has been held since 1979 and lasts for about two weeks. The race features competitions in the car, motorcycle, and truck categories. This year’s rally began on December 31st on the shores of the Red Sea and ultimately concluded on the sandy shores of the Persian Gulf in Dammam on January 15th, covering a distance of over 8,500 kilometers. When examining the results, it was evident that all of the top ten trucks in the Dakar Rally were equipped with Allison automatic transmissions.

“This year’s Dakar Rally was one of the toughest I can remember, and it was filled with many surprises. Thanks to Allison’s fully automatic transmissions, the teams were able to drive at full speed and deliver maximum power to the tires, even in the most challenging terrains,” said Gerard De Rooy, captain and owner of Team De Rooy, which won the truck category.

Get Durable Allison Automatic Transmissions for Motorsports from Machinery

Allison’s automatic transmissions are well-suited for use in motorsports, thanks in part to their patented torque converter. Additionally, Allison’s Continuous Power Technology™ prevents interruptions in the transmission’s pull, which can occur when shifting with manual and automated manual transmissions (AMT). Allison transmissions automatically shift at the right time, taking into account payload, road surface traction, and gradient, enabling smooth shifts at full power. This technology protects vehicle components and prevents driver fatigue. The ability to focus on driving without the constant need to shift gears is crucial in a rally race where drivers need to keep both hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the track every second.

“Allison is proud to provide Dakar competitors with robust fully automatic transmissions that ensure excellent reliability, controllability, acceleration, and industry-leading performance,” says Sjoerd Vos, Marketing Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Allison Transmission.

The article was first published in Konepörssi, February 8, 2023.