Toyota to field hydrogen fuel‑cell Hilux at 2027 Dakar Rally

Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced that a hydrogen fuel‑cell‑powered prototype, the DKR GR FC Hilux, will compete in the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia from 1‑15 January. The vehicle will run in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 class for experimental technologies, replacing the standard V6 petrol engine with a down‑scaled fuel‑cell system.

Development and bench testing of the powertrain and its control software are underway in Belgium, with on‑track testing planned in the coming months. Toyota says the harsh desert conditions – extreme heat, rugged terrain and long stages – provide an ideal proving ground for fuel‑cell durability, cooling, and energy‑management solutions. Insights are intended for broader use in passenger cars, trucks, buses, trains, marine applications and stationary generators.

The project marks Toyota’s first use of fuel‑cell technology in motorsport, building on earlier hydrogen initiatives such as the Corolla H2, GR Yaris H2, and the HySE‑X buggy series. The vehicle emits only water vapor, supporting the company’s goal of carbon‑neutral motorsports and expanding hydrogen’s role in transportation.