The Anonymous Widower

Gazoo Racing Accelerate Preparations For Their 2027 Dakar Rally FCEV Challenge

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Toyota.

These five bullet points act as sub-headings.

  • Build-up of the new DKR GR FC Hilux, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) * that Gazoo Racing will enter in the 2027 Dakar Rally, has been completed ahead of its dynamic test programme.
  • Dania Akeel has been selected to drive in testing and in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category of the 2027 Dakar Rally
  • The DKR GR FC Hilux – Producing no tailpipe CO₂ when driven* – features two fuel cell stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
  • The project is part of Toyota’s multipath approach to exploring alternative powertrain technologies, with the aim of developing insights that could contribute to reducing tailpipe CO₂ emissions in motorsport and future road cars.

The technical profile in the press release is fairly detailed and starts like this.

Based on the same platform as the DKR GR Hilux, the DKR GR FC Hilux uses the same tubular frame, safety cell, suspension and brakes. It is equipped with a high-output unit that combines two fuel cell stacks into a single system and uses the same high-pressure hydrogen tanks as Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell saloon.

It also gives some other figures from the specification.

  • Powertrain – 2 x fuel cells – Controlled by IAV ECU
  • System output – 400 kW
  • Fuel capacity –  8.4kg total
  • Overall weight < 2,500 Kg.

I don’t think this is a vehicle for softies.

 

 

October 22, 2026 Posted by | Hydrogen, Sport, Transport/Travel | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota To Enter Hydrogen-Powered Car In 2027 Dakar Rally

The title of this post, is the same as that of an article on autosport.

This is the sub-heading.

Toyota will field a fuel cell-powered prototype alongside its regular petrol-engined Hilux in the Dakar.

These two paragraphs add more details.

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm has announced plans to field a hydrogen-powered prototype in the 2027 Dakar Rally.

Christened the DKR GR FC Hilux, the car incorporates fuel cell technology into the pick-up that has become the benchmark in the World Rally-Raid Championship.

As someone, who worked in a hydrogen factory in the 1960s, I find this a very positive development for the use of hydrogen.

July 9, 2026 Posted by | Hydrogen, Sport, Transport/Travel | , , , , , | Leave a comment