To keep up with the opposition, you can use two-wheel drive.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s all-new Hilux-based competitor for the 2017 Dakar Rally has been revealed. It is a bold departure.
The previous Hilux Evo was front-engined with four-wheel drive. This new Hilux Evo is rear-wheel driven and mid-engined.
To take advantage of the increased suspension travel, larger wheels and lighter RWD ‘buggies, the switch was made. The new Hilux is around 1300 kg (2866 lb), whereas the old 4×4 car weighed in at 1915 kg (4222 pounds).
Toyota will follow Peugeot’s lead and use a buggy to transport its 2008DKR. RWD was chosen by the French team because it would allow them to break the four-year dominance of the 4×4 XRaid Minis. These are an excellent representation of current 4WD rules.
Hilux Evo has the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine as the old car. It is filtered through a 38 millimeter (11.5 inch) restrictor. The suspension has been preserved as much as possible.
Glynn Hall is Team Principle for the South Africa-based team. He said that this was “essentially our take on what a two wheel-drive Dakar challenger should look like.” We have taken all of the real-world testing and experience that we had with the four-wheel drive Toyota Hilux over five years and put it into the lighter and faster Toyota Hilux Evo.
One-time Production WRC Champion, two-time WRC2 champ, eight-time Middle East Rally winner, and two-time Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah are joining the driver lineup for the 2017 Dakar Rally. Leeroy Poulter, Giniel De Villiers, 2009 Dakar winner, retain their seats.
The old 4×4 Hilux won four podium finishes and a fourth in its five-year history under de Villiers. It was one of those cars that was always ‘there or thereabouts’, fast enough to pick up the pieces but not in a position for victory. When the 2017 Dakar begins in Paraguay, we will see if the new car is able to beat Mini and Peugeot.