The Toyota Gazoo Racing division has announced its intention to compete with a hydrogen-powered prototype in the upcoming Dakar Rally edition in 2027. The vehicle, called DKR GR FC Hilux, incorporates hydrogen fuel cell technology in a pick-up that has already set a standard in the World Rally-Raid Championship.
This model will be registered in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category, aimed at experimental vehicles and new technologies. Additionally, Toyota will continue to compete with its conventional combustion model, the DKR Hilux, in the Ultimate class of the Dakar.
The Japanese manufacturer has started testing its hydrogen battery electric vehicle platform in Belgium. A more comprehensive testing program will be executed in the coming months once the vehicle’s construction is completed.
Toyota expects that the experiences gained during one of the toughest endurance races in the world will help promote the application of hydrogen technology in passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, trains, marine applications, competition vehicles, and stationary power generators.
The company has been a pioneer in hydrogen propulsion, an initiative led by its president, Akio Toyoda. Its experience in motorsport with hydrogen technology began in 2021 when Rookie Racing used a Toyota Corolla H2 in the Japanese Super Taikyu championship.
This model was updated in 2023, with liquid hydrogen replacing hydrogen gas. In addition, Toyota has conducted several demonstrations with the GR Yaris H2 in the World Rally Championship, and driver Kazuki Nakajima drove the TR LH2 Racing Prototype at Le Mans a few days before the 24 hours of this race.
The DKR GR FC Hilux represents the first use of Toyota’s fuel cell technology in competition. Unlike vehicles that burn hydrogen in their combustion engines, this new model combines hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity that powers an electric motor, resulting in zero carbon dioxide emissions, with water being the only direct byproduct.
The Dakar Rally 2027 is scheduled from January 1 to 15, 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
