Toyota has unveiled a new version of its GR DKR Hilux T1+ off-roader for the upcoming Dakar Rally. The chassis was modified to meet the new racing regulations, and a 3.5-liter V6 of the Land Cruiser 300 slotted in under the hood instead of the old five-liter V8.
On the road-legal SUV, this engine produces 415 PS (409 hp / 305 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque. It remains unclear if any modifications will be made.
The new rally regulations enabled the team to put on larger wheels (37 inches instead of 32) and wider tires. Judging by the photos, these are still provided by BF Goodrich, but the model is different. The company explains that the new tires are more robust to prevent punctures on particularly rocky terrains.
Other than that, the chassis makes do without major changes, although it is now sized slightly differently. The total car width now amounts to whopping 2.3 meters instead of 2.0, and suspension travel is now 350 mm instead of 280 mm for stability reasons.
Only four such cars will be built. Prototypes are already being tested in South Africa, and the Dakar Rally will kick off on January 2, 2022, marking the motorsports debut of the next-gen GR DKR Hilux T1+.