The preparation for 2017 Dakar Rally is in full swing and look what Toyota has. The Japanese automaker is introducing the Toyota Hilux Evo, being developed by Toyota South Africa in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Surprisingly, the new Toyota Hilux Evo will be a two-wheel drive truck instead of being a four-wheel. The reason is that engineers have found that better than the latter. Being a two-wheel drive, the Toyota Hilux Evo will be lighter and be able to carry the powertrain between the axles resulting in improved weight distribution.
With the use of new platform, the engineers are working to reduce the weight to 2,866 pounds, which will make the Hilux Evo 1,300 pounds lighter than the previous Hilux used in Dakar Rally. For maximum performance, larger wheels will be fitted too.
It will be powered by the same engine used in previous Hilux, which is a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V-8 unit. The Hilux Evo will be driven by Nasser Al-Attiyah – the former Dakar winner. He will be accompanied by Giniel de Villiers and Leeroy Poulter.
The 2017 Dakar Rally will take place on January 2nd in Asunción, Paraguay and the final stop will be Argentine’s capital Buenos Aires.