Toyota GAZOO Racing has developed a rally-spec version of the 2022 Hilux- the GR DKR Hilux T1+- to compete in the Dakar Rally next year. The racer gets many new changes, notably a much larger 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine.

Toyota had to update its Hilux rally buggies to meet the new regulation changes. In addition to the new engine, the truck also gets more suspension travel and rides on larger 37-inch tires with 320 mm wide tread.

The 3.5-liter engine is sourced from the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR-S. In its standard tune, the motor produces 415 HP of power and 480 lb-ft of peak torque. The team has refrained from divulging the power figures of the race-spec DKR Hilux T1+.

The raced out Hilux gets flared fenders to accommodate the massive wheels. DKR Hilux T1+ also comes with a big front skid plate at the front and a short flatbed. The truck is still in its testing phase. So far, Toyota GAZOO Racing has only released images of the DKR Hilux T1+ prototype. Toyota GAZOO Racing plans to send out four teams to Dakar Rally next year.

The grueling championship is scheduled to begin on January 2 in Saudi Arabia. The team will be led by Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel, who finished second in 2021 and bagged a victory in 2019.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Dakar 2022 four-car team:

• Nasser Al-Attiyah (Driver)/ Mathieu Baumel (Navigator)
• Giniel de Villiers (Driver)/Dennis Murphy (Navigator)
• Henk Lategan (Driver)/Brett Cummings (Navigator)
• Shameer Variawa (Driver)/Danie Stassen (Navigator)

Team Principal of TGR South Africa, Glyn Hall shared his thoughts on the new rally racer. “Our new GR DKR Hilux T1+ is progressing well, and we are confident that the new car will allow us to compete on a new level, come January,” said Hall.