OT3 by Overdrive - What we know!
Oct. 22, 2019
Overdrive Racing has today revealed more details of an exciting new rally machine, “OT3 by Overdrive”, which is set to take the Side-by-Side class to the next level.
Frenchman Cyril Despres, a five-time Dakar Rally bike winner and two-time Silk Way Rally car champion, tested the OT3 in Morocco recently and he said: "The OT3 really surprised me: first of all the stability of the vehicle, as the engineers played with the regulations to have a 2.08-metre wide vehicle, which gives a lot of stability. And they also used their knowledge to make a really strong and rigid chassis, something which is normally missing from side-by-side buggies. It also gives you precision when driving on technical sections, which is exactly what you need. The engine is powerful and the visibility from the cockpit is fantastic. I have to say, after a few days of driving, there were no major issues - which is also a bit of a surprise when you are at the beginning of a project. Normally you have to face some issues, but this wasn't the case with OT3. It's a lot of fun to drive, and after a few adjustments to the suspension, everyone will have to watch out for the OT3 vehicle in the coming events."
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Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah, who is a triple FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies champion and three-time Dakar Rally winner, also tested the car and added: "The OT3 test in Morocco proved to be a really good package from the first kilometre. It looks like a good step for this vehicle. I am sure it will need more testing and more mileage but we have a good base."
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Here is what we know so far:
- The OT3 by Overdrive is a six-speed, 1000cc turbo vehicle which outputs around 177 horsepower following FIA regulations and is the first Side-by-Side (SxS) high performance prototype specifically designed for off-road racing in the world.
- Its carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork ensures an impressive power-to-weight ratio and greater stability for drivers over the changing landscapes of off-road events.
- The OT3 comes with a six-speed gearbox, while the extended wheelbase of the vehicle also allows for greater stability, moving the centre of gravity of the car backwards to increase performance and balance.
