Toyota unveils a hydrogen-powered GR Hilux for Dakar
Words: Andrew Sluys
Toyota’s GAZOO Racing has unveiled its hydrogen-powered Hilux entry in the Dakar Rally, set to take place in Saudi Arabia on 1-15 January 2027.
The DKR GR FC Hilux is being developed at Toyota’s European research and development centre near Brussels, Belgium.
The prototype will line up in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category, a class reserved for experimental machinery and new technology demonstrations.
The Hilux is a first for Toyota, marking the debut combination of hydrogen and fuel cell tech within its motorsport programme.
The DKR GR FC Hilux is tasked with proving that fuel cell technology can handle the performance, safety and reliability demands of the notoriously brutal Dakar Rally, which spans 13 stages and 1,000km.
This version shares underpinnings with the DKR GR Hilux; a vehicle that has previuosly found success in the Dakar Rally.
This FC version swaps out the petrol engine for Toyota’s fuel cell system instead.
Final assembly of the DKR GR FC Hilux is currently underway at Toyota’s European headquarters, ahead of a testing programme scheduled before the Dakar Rally gets underway.
