Toyota unveils the Hilux in T1+ mode and says goodbye to the V8

Don't just call him anymore Toyota Hilux, but rather Toyota GR Hilux DKR T1+! The South African branch of the Japanese manufacturer has revealed its new weapon for the Dakar 2022 (January 2-14) and adopts the T1+ regulations.

This involves various developments on the 4×4 introduced in 2018 to achieve dimensions worthy of Mini and Audi buggies: the tires go from 32 to 37 inches, the tread reaches 320mm compared to 245mm until now and the suspension travel increases at 350mm compared to 280mm previously.

Our all-new Toyota GR Hilux DKR T1+ has broken cover, though it is still in 'prototype black'. With this comes the news that Nasser, @TheRealGiniel, @henk_lategan and Shameer will be driving for us at # Dakar2022. #TGRSA #TGR #TeamHilux pic.twitter.com/dzh5VQkGkN

- Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (@TGRSouthAfrica) September 22, 2021

Another major modification is under the front hood. The melodious atmospheric V8 has had its day. In order to benefit from more flexibility, the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 lends its 6-liter twin-turbo gasoline V3.5. Of course, the manufacturer does not disclose any precise figures on the power and torque of the engine!

Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa also took the opportunity to confirm its four crews for the most famous of rally-raids. The three-time winner of the event Nasser Al-Attiyah will be the leader of the team and will always benefit from the wise notes of Frenchman Mathieu Baumel.

“The Dakar is an incredible challenge, and I can't wait to return to Saudi Arabia with Nasser to fight for victory again. declares the French navigator. The new car shows a lot of promise, and the new engine, more suspension travel and increased tire sizes could provide the extra power, control and puncture protection we've been missing in recent years. »

Can not wait to race the sandy slopes and dunes of the next @dakar with our brand new TOYOTA GR DKR HILUX T1+
🚀🚀🚀
-#dakar #rally # gopro #dunes pic.twitter.com/3pFaK79Aoq

— Mathieu Baumel (@matthieubaumel) September 22, 2021

Revelation of the last edition with a stage victory (and a violent somersault before the next day), the South African Henk Lategan, accompanied by Brett Cummings, returns for a second attempt. The pillar of the team, Giniel de Villiers (winner in 2009 in South America) changes co-driver and will count on Dennis Murphy. Finally, Shameer Variawa will be associated with Danie Stassen.

“The Dakar is one of the toughest races on the planet, but it suits our new Hilux perfectly”, explains Giniel de Villiers, responsible for a large part of the development of the 4×4. “The new wheels, suspension travel and especially the switch to the turbocharged petrol engine from the Land Cruiser, will certainly make a big difference to our race. The engine is very responsive and allows us to push the new car to the limit. Saudi Arabia has proven to be a worthy host for the race and we expect this to be the case again in 2022.”