Twin brothers Tim and Tom Coronel will move up to the premier T1+ subcategory for the 2025 Dakar Rally, racing a Century CR7 after three years in the T1.2 CR6.

The twins have been racing the Dakar since 2007, bouncing between a variety of manufacturers before switching to a Century in 2022. They finished 22nd overall at the latest race in January and sixth among T1.2 cars.

While T1.2 is for 4×2 cars, T1+ is a 4×4 class that is faster than the former and the 4×4-based T1.1. Unveiled in October 2023 for T1+ competition, the CR7 is Century Racing’s first attempt to develop a 4WD car.

The CR7 and CR6 both have a double wishbone rear suspension and similar body shapes, but the CR7 uses a 434-horsepower twin-turbo Audi RS4 V6 engine and has a lower center of gravity. For comparison, the CR6 has Corvette LS7 engine that produces 370 hp.

“I drove this car for two days,” said Tim. “It has four-wheel drive and the engine is now between us, so you notice that. The balance is so much better, it responds immediately when you steer and it has much more grip.

“It’s a T1+, really the best of the best. It feels lighter while it’s heavier. The Dakar has become much more technical and I think this is the right move at this time. Technology hasn’t stood still, this car is a big step forward.”

Besides the CR7, Coronel Dakar Team also has a new motorhome nicknamed the “Corotel” (portmanteau of “Coronel” and “hotel”). It has six rooms, three reserved for the team while the others are rented out, and operates on solar panels and batteries.

Featured image credit: Coronel Dakar Team