Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has unveiled its revamped vehicle for the 2024 racing season, the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U, aligning with new W2RC categorization and poised to defend their 2023 title at Dakar. The team is set to enter five crews in the 2024 Dakar Rally, marking its largest participation in the event, blending seasoned professionals like Giniel de Villiers with up-and-coming drivers such as Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero.
Furthermore, TGR has confirmed that Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero, along with their respective co-drivers, will compete in the full 2024 season of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The 2024 Dakar Rally will serve as the first round of the 2024 W2RC, setting a crucial stage for the team’s campaign.
The 2024 season schedule includes prominent races like the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal, Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina, and the Rally of Morocco. In addition to their international engagements, three South African drivers from the team will compete in the South African Rally-Raid Series (SARRC), which doubles as a developmental platform for the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U.
Lucas Moraes, a standout rookie in Dakar 2023, will pair up with Armand Monleon from Spain, while Seth Quintero will team up with German co-driver Dennis Zenz. Both crews are set to draw from the expertise of veteran driver Giniel de Villiers, winner of the 2009 Dakar Rally.
Joining these crews are young racer Saood Variawa and his co-driver, Francois Cazalet, along with Guy Botterill and Brett Cummings, stepping in for the injured Henk Lategan.
The new GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U boasts significant enhancements, including a 100 mm wider build and specialized refinements in suspension and cooling systems. TGR’s commitment to quality, durability, and reliability is evident in the car’s rigorous development, including extensive testing in the Kalahari and Namib Deserts.
In line with sustainable initiatives, TGR has partnered with Repsol for advanced biofuels with a 70% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional gasoline. These biofuels, produced from renewable waste materials, align with TGR’s commitment to the Dakar Future project.
Dakar 2024 is scheduled to start on January 5th, featuring a challenging itinerary that includes a ’48 hour Chrono’ stage and concludes in Yanbu on January 19th.
Team members express their anticipation and confidence for the upcoming season. Alain Dujardyn, TGR W2RC Team Principal, highlights the team’s achievements in 2023 and looks forward to the new chapter with the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U. Other team members, including Andrea Carlucci of Toyota Motor Europe and Glenn Crompton of Toyota South Africa Motors, along with the drivers, share their excitement and readiness for Dakar 2024 and the W2RC season.
CAR NUMBERS
206 – Lucas Moraes / Armand Monleon
209 – Giniel de Villiers / Dennis Murphy
216 – Seth Quintero / Dennis Zenz
226 – Saood Variawa / Francois Cazalet
243 – Guy Botterill / Brett Cummings
SPECIFICATIONS: GR DKR HILUX EVO T1U (2024)
Engine Management: Motec
Transmission: Sadev 6-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
