In an exciting development for motorsports enthusiasts, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has unveiled its formidable lineup for the upcoming Dakar 2024. The team will field the updated GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U, a Dakar-winning car that has undergone significant enhancements and falls under the new W2RC categorisation.
At Dakar 2024, TGR will make history by entering its largest team ever, consisting of five crews, with two rookie drivers braving the challenges of the world's most demanding automotive rally. The roster boasts a mix of seasoned experience, featuring the likes of Giniel de Villiers, alongside the dynamic speed of Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero.
Adding to the excitement, both Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero, along with their co-drivers, are set to compete in the 2024 season of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), marking a thrilling chapter for TGR.
Dakar 2024, serving as Round 1 of the 2024 W2RC, holds particular significance for TGR's confirmed W2RC crews – Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleon, as well as Seth Quintero and Dennis Zenz. The rally will be a pivotal starting point for their campaign, with subsequent rounds taking place in locations like Abu Dhabi, Portugal, Argentina, and Morocco.
While Lucas and Seth gear up for the W2RC after Dakar, three South African drivers will be testing their mettle in the highly competitive South African Rally-Raid Series (SARRC), serving as a crucial platform for continuous development of the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U.
Lucas Moraes, a standout performer in Dakar 2023, secures a partnership with Armand Monleon for the upcoming challenges. Seth Quintero, dubbed a rally-raid prodigy, will be joined by German co-driver Dennis Zenz. Both crews will draw inspiration and guidance from the seasoned Giniel de Villiers, a Dakar Rally winner in 2009, whose unparalleled track record boasts numerous top finishes.
In a diverse lineup, the youthful energy of Saood Variawa, a racing sensation at just 18 years old, adds a fresh perspective. Together with co-driver Francois Cazalet, Saood is eager to embark on his first Dakar Rally, following in the footsteps of his father, Shameer, who completed two Dakar Rallies as part of the same team.
Guy Botterill and co-driver Brett Cummings complete the lineup, with Cummings stepping in for the injured Henk Lategan. This will be Guy's first Dakar Rally, and he'll rely on Brett's experience to navigate the challenges.
The spotlight, however, is not just on the talented drivers but also on the revamped GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U. Wider and more refined, the car's suspension and cooling systems have undergone meticulous attention, demonstrating Toyota's commitment to quality, durability, and reliability.
Beyond performance, TGR is making strides towards a sustainable future by integrating advanced biofuels from partner Repsol. The renewable fuels, with 70% renewable content, align with the Dakar Future project's vision, reflecting a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint.
With over 30,000km of racing and testing in 2023, including trials in the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, TGR is poised for success. The Dakar 2024, commencing on January 5th, promises intense competition across diverse terrains, culminating in the coastal city of Yanbu on January 19th. As the countdown begins, all eyes are on TGR's exceptional team and the thrilling performance of the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U.
SPECS
Engine: V35A Production Engine
Donor: Land Cruiser 300
Engine Type: Twin Turbo, Petrol
Control Regulation: Boost Limited by FIA Reference Power Curve
Power: 264kW @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 620Nm
Engine Management: Motec
Transmission: Sadev six-speed, Sequential Shift
Differentials: All Limited Slip (front, centre, rear)
Clutch: Ceramic Twin Plate, 215 mm
Construction: Tubular Frame
Wheel Base: 3,140 mm
Track: 2,025 mm:
Overall Length: 4,810 mm:
Overall Width: 2,300 mm
Overall Height: 1,890 mm:
Overall Mass: 2,010 kg, FIA Regulated Minimum (dry weight)
Body: Toyota Hilux Double Cab Pick-Up, Full Composite
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone, 350 mm Travel
Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone, 350 mm Travel
Wheels: Evo Course, 17 inches
Tyres: BF Goodrich, 37 inches
Fuel Tank: FT3 Safety Cell, 540 litres