Toyota Gazoo Racing is entering the Dakar 2022 rally with a completely new vehicle: the new GR DKR Hilux T1 + marks the biggest technological leap since it first took part in the toughest rally in the world ten years ago. The mid-engine layout has remained. The propulsion is now taken over by a 3,5-liter V6 with twin turbocharging, which is also used in the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport. The two turbochargers and the intercooler are taken over from the production version of the all-rounder, only the alignment and position of the rally car are changed. The engine that complies with the FIA regulations develops 298 kW / 405 hp and a maximum torque of around 660 Nm. In the lower speed range, there is now significantly more torque available than in the predecessor.
2022 GR DKR Hilux
The tires, which have been enlarged to 37 inches, bring power to the slopes, and the tire width has also increased from 245 to 320 millimeters. The natural aluminum finish of the wheels has a positive effect on heat radiation - an important factor in desert rallies. In conjunction with the spring travel increased from 280 to 350 millimeters, dunes and the like can also be mastered without any problems.
A high level of reliability is particularly important this time around: due to a rule change, the rally cars in the T1 + category only have two spare tires instead of the previous three. The design is based on Toyota's appearance in the rally (WRC) and endurance world championships (WEC). With its color scheme and details such as the iconic GR lettering, the new Toyota GR DKR Hilux is instantly recognizable as a member of the Toyota Gazoo Racing family.
Quartet planned for Dakar 2022
With the presentation of the new company car, preparations for the Dakar Rally are entering the home straight: no fewer than four Toyota Hilux GR DKR T1 + vehicles will be starting the toughest rally in the world from January 2, 2022. Nasser Al-Attiyah and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel want to fight for victory just like Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dennis Murphy. South Africans Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings are returning to Saudi Arabia after their early exit in 2021. The quartet is completed by Shameer Variawa and Danie Stassen.
In order to master the Dakar, Toyota Gazoo Racing will continuously improve its vehicle in the coming weeks. Nasser Al-Attiyah and Giniel de Villiers will start in the new Hilux at the last round of the South African Cross-Country Series (SACCS) in 2021 outside of the classification: The race around the town of Parys leads the teams over 400 kilometers on different terrain. In contrast to their teammates, Lategan and Cummings still compete in an "old" Hilux with known specifications to collect points for the championship.
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Dakar 2022: Toyota shows the Hilux T1 + / Dakar
Photo credit: Toyota + Gazoo Motorsport
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