The MKR Technology team is testing and preparing a number of innovations

15.9.2020

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The North Bohemian design team MKR Technology finished its first big tests. In the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, the team is calmly preparing for the new year of the Dakar Rally. The team has managed to move to new premises, is building another special truck and is preparing a new project and gradually improving its hybrid racing truck.

            Last week, technicians lead by lead designer, Mario Kress, tested their hybrid truck in Fontjoncouse, southern France. They are greatly satisfied after the tests. "We are still on the right track and testing in France has only confirmed this. We have tested a number of new elements, we worked hard on making the truck lighter, but at the same time we have worked on greater reliability of individual parts of the entire system," said Mario Kress, head of the MKR Technology team.

            Designers with Dutch pilot Gert Huzink and his team Riwald Dakar tested an innovated differential and modifications on the front axle, which should now be twice as strong at the same weight. The weight has been also removed on the connection between the gearbox and the flywheel, the whole hybrid system became more efficient, new Hendrickson springs and Reiger shock absorbers were used. "We have more than enough elements to test. At the same time, it is slowly becoming a rule that perhaps with every testing we find unexpected surprises. This time it rained heavily on day one. The rain then showed us, for example, that we must also focus on better electrical wiring. From anything bad we try to learn something that will make us better, so we can be really satisfied, because everything works exactly as it should," said Mario Kress, who is preparing for another batch of sharp test at the end of September. "Then we will head to the other side, to Poland, where we will have a sandy surface," said Kress.

            While the hybrid special truck is clocking important kilometres, a completely new truck is being built at the workshop, fifth truck in a row that MKR Technology wants to send to the January Dakar. In the process, existing trucks are also serviced and spare parts are prepared for all racing trucks.  Everything takes place in a completely new base of the team. Team base has been moved from Židovice just three kilometres away from Kress' residence, to Chvalín. "Here we have a larger and better equipped hall, which is more suitable for our entire concept. I believe that the hybrid drive has a future potential, so we also need to have appropriate background for its development, which was no longer fully satisfactory in Židovice. Now we can continue to work on innovations," explained Mario Kress, who has prepared, along with his team, a new project for Chinese partners. "We are already in the process of completing it, so we will soon be able to reveal it. The same is true for out fifth Dakar special truck. But we will leave our fans still bit uncertain,“ smiled Mario Kress, author of the MRT Adventure project, who deals with the construction of long-distance rally trucks.

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