GAZOO Racing will deploy the DKR GR FC Hilux, a hydrogen-electric vehicle (FCEV), in the 2027 Dakar Rally. This is part of GAZOO Racing’s mission to build ever-better cars, proven through motorsport.
The project is a new challenge to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell technology under the demanding conditions of the Dakar Rally. The DKR GR FC Hilux is based on the proven DKR GR Hilux, which has already competed in the rally’s top category, and replaces the gasoline engine with Toyota’s fuel cell system. While driving, it emits no CO₂, with water as the only exhaust emission.
Testing in Extreme Conditions
The Dakar Rally’s harsh environment—high temperatures, rough terrain, and long stages—provides an ideal testing ground for fuel cell technology. To ensure safe, reliable, and high performance under these conditions, the project will focus on reducing the size of the fuel cell, optimizing cooling, ensuring durability, and managing energy efficiently.
Broader Application of Fuel Cell Technology
The experience gained from developing and using the DKR GR FC Hilux in one of the world’s toughest motorsport environments will contribute to the wider adoption of fuel cell technology in passenger cars, trucks, buses, trains, maritime applications, race cars, and stationary power generators. Engineers involved will also develop problem-solving skills through hands-on experience in this demanding setting, benefiting future vehicle development.
Testing and Tuning
Testing and tuning of the FCEV powertrain and associated software, as well as vehicle construction, have begun in Belgium. A step-by-step test program will be executed in the coming months.
Dakar Rally 2027
The 2027 Dakar Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 1 to 15, 2027, with King Abdullah Economic City as the start and finish point. The grueling route pushes both vehicles and drivers to their limits, covering sand dunes, rocky dirt roads, and dry riverbeds.
Dakar Future Mission 1000
The DKR GR FC Hilux will compete in the ‘Dakar Future Mission 1000’ category, which is dedicated to experimental vehicles and showcasing new technologies. This category follows a unique format, with teams racing against the clock over 13 stages totaling 1,000 competitive kilometers. The goal is to prove the performance, safety, and reliability of fuel cell technology during these stages.
Participation in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 marks another step in Toyota’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in motorsport and expand the potential of hydrogen-related technologies.
Hydrogen Technology in Motorsport
Toyota’s efforts to apply hydrogen-related technologies in motorsport began in 2021, when Rookie Racing entered the ORC ROOKIE Corolla H2 Concept, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series.
In rallying, the potential of hydrogen engines was demonstrated in 2022, when the GR Yaris H2 completed demonstration runs at the Ypres Rally in Belgium, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship. Further development was shown through demonstration runs with the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept during the 2025 Rally Finland and the 2026 Monte Carlo Rally.
During the 2024 Dakar Rally, the HySE-X1, a hydrogen-engine buggy, completed the ‘Dakar Future Mission 1000’, followed in 2025 by the further developed HySE-X2. Both vehicles were deployed by HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology Association), a technical research association in which Toyota Motor Corporation participates.
Demonstration of TR LH2 Racing Prototype at 24 Hours of Le Mans
At the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the World Endurance Championship’s biggest races, demonstration laps were completed with the TR LH2 Racing Prototype. This car is based on the TR010 HYBRID race car and is powered by a hydrogen combustion engine running on liquid hydrogen. Additionally, a GR Corolla with a hydrogen combustion engine, equipped with superconducting technology, became the world’s first vehicle of its kind to complete a race in the 2026 Super Taikyu Series.
Fuel Cell Technology Debut in Toyota Motorsport
The 2027 Dakar Future Mission 1000 will be the first time Toyota combines hydrogen and fuel cell technology in its motorsport activities. Through the Dakar Rally, Toyota will continue its challenge to unlock the potential of carbon-neutral and hydrogen-related technologies in motorsport.
