Preparation for the 2024 Dakar Rally has been taking place all year long, probably from a few days after the last race ended. Defending champs, Toyota Gazoo Racing, unveiled its 2024 Toyota Dakar bakkie with new livery and a few changes compared to the vehicle that won earlier this year. Click here to watch Giniel de Villiers race a dirt-bike rider up Sani Pass with his Hilux race machine.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Buy now and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

We take a look at some specs relating to the 2024 Toyota Dakar Bakkie.

  1. A twin-turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 powers the 2024 Toyota Dakar Bakkie. The petrol engine, borrowed from the Land Cruiser (LC300), produces 264 kW and 620 N.m of torque. Incidentally, peak power is limited by the FIA, so the race machine develops less power than the roadgoing LC300.
  2. A 540-litre fuel tank is needed to feed the engine with biofuel on long stages of the Dakar Rally.
  3. A SADEV sequential transmission feeds power through three limited-slip differentials before directing it to all four wheels.
  4. Crews have conducted almost 30 000 km of testing in the Kalahari and Namib Deserts throughout 2023.
  5. The cabin features air-conditioning, not a common feature in race machines, to keep crews cool in the hot Saudi desert.
  6. The race bakkie rides on double wishbone suspension all round with 350 mm of travel.

Click here to read our GR Corolla launch report and here to read our GR Supra manual driving review.