The Toyota Hilux is one familiar pickup truck in the world of Dakar Rally as it has been around in the competition since 2011. But now, the Japanese automaker is bringing in a different form of the model called the GR DKR Hilux T1+. It is confirmed to be joining the Dakar 2022 which will commence on January 2.
All-new Toyota GR DRK Hilux T1+
Recognized as the biggest technological leap for the Toyota Dakar program, the all-new Toyota Hilux GR DKR Hilux T1+ is developed to offer an even more rugged off-road performance that can be handy at Dakar’s several thousand-kilometer rally routes. The Dakar 2022 will be taking place in Saudi Arabia.
“Our all-new Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+ has progressed extremely well over the last few months of development and we are confident that it is now ready to take on the Dakar Rally. We’ve officially taken it out of the prototype program, and will now continue to refine the car in time for January’s race,” said GR South Africa Team Principal Glyn Hall.
More off-road capable than ever
Under the hood, the Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+ is powered by a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine found in the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport. It makes more power than the previous rally Hilux engine at 400 hp and 660 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a SADEV 6-speed sequential shift.
To tackle rough off-road conditions, the suspension system has been lifted from 280 to 350mm. Meanwhile, the tire size has increased from 32 to 37 inches, as well as the width from 245mm to 320mm. To note, this isn’t the final production of the all-new model and more refinements are expected to be added.
“I continue to be impressed by the new car, particularly by the rough terrain that its new, bigger tires allow us to tackle. The engine delivers excellent power and torque and we are looking forward to testing the car in race conditions this weekend,” said 2022 Dakar Rally Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+ Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah.
Ready to take on the challenge
Although Filipino car buyers won’t likely get a production version of a Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition, they can at least get their hands on the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport. This trim of the midsize pickup truck comes with additional sporty elements that should fancy those who are fond of living in the fast lane.
Keep up with the exciting news in the car scene here at Philkotse.com.