V8 Toyota Hilux to participate in the 2019 Dakar Rally

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota has made an announcement stating that the Hilux Gazoo Racing pickup truck will be participating in the 2019 Dakar Rally. To prepare it better for this toughest off-road racing event across the world, the auto marque has installed a mid-mounted V8 motor inside the pickup. The modified Hilux is set to make its journey to South America for the upcoming race.

According to the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa team, the vehicle comes equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 powertrain sourced from the previous model but there is no change in the gearbox. It also comes with an AWD for funnelling the power to all the four wheels.

The Hilux Gazoo Racing pickup truck by Toyota is dressed in an appropriate body kit to further solidify its chance to throw a tough challenge to other participating vehicles. With all the upgrades provided and a more robust engine installed within, this pickup truck by Toyota is a quality member of a three-vehicle lineup to be driven by Giniel de Villiers and the assistant-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz.

The team will be heading to the sands of central and southern Peru for competing in the race. The Dakar Rally 2019 will start from 6 January and will come to an end on 17 January 2019. This is one of the most significant and extreme sporting adventures that attract attention and attendees from far and wide. In the 2019 session, Peru will be the only nation to host this gruelling South American race event. The racing cars will make their way through the desert and the sand dunes to claim victory.

The refreshed version of Toyota Hilux premiered in Malaysia with two Luxury Edition models in March, earlier this year. It was introduced in two variants, 2.4L and 2.8L, with the price starting from RM 119,300.