Toyota to launch a hydrogen-powered Hilux at the 2027 Dakar Rally
- Published on 10/07/2026 16:31
- Modified on 10/07/2026 16:32
Toyota will use the Dakar 2027 to evaluate its hydrogen fuel cell technology under the extreme conditions of the rally raid.
The Dakar 2027 will feature a new hydrogen prototype. Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed the commitment of the DKR GR FC Hilux, a vehicle powered by a fuel cell that will participate in the Future Mission 1000 category, reserved for experimental technologies.
Developed from the Hilux already engaged in the Ultimate category, this prototype abandons its internal combustion engine in favor of a powertrain powered by a fuel cell. The manufacturer intends to take advantage of the particularly demanding conditions of the Dakar – heat, sand, rocky tracks, and long specials – to evaluate the performance and robustness of this technology.
A technology laboratory in the desert
The development program focuses notably on four key areas: reducing the size of the fuel cell, optimizing cooling, managing energy, and improving the durability of components. Initial tests have started in Belgium, where the vehicle continues its development before a more intensive testing campaign in the coming months.
The Future Mission 1000, introduced in 2024 by the Dakar organizers, serves as a testing platform for new energy sources. Competitors race over thirteen stages representing approximately 1,000 timed kilometers, a format designed to test technological solutions that are expected to evolve into high-level competition.
This participation is part of Toyota’s ongoing efforts around hydrogen in motorsport. Since 2021, the manufacturer has entered a hydrogen-powered internal combustion Corolla H2 in the Japanese Super Taikyu championship, before showcasing the GR Yaris H2 during several rounds of the World Rally Championship. More recently, the TR LH2 Racing prototype, powered by a liquid hydrogen engine, demonstrated at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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With the DKR GR FC Hilux, Toyota will explore the use of a fuel cell for the first time in an official competition program. A new milestone in the manufacturer’s research on various hydrogen technologies, for which the Dakar will once again provide a particularly demanding testing ground.
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This page is translated from the original post "Toyota engage un Hilux à hydrogène sur le Dakar 2027" in French.
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