TOYOTA HILUX DAKAR 2012
Team Imperial Toyota from South Africa enjoyed a dream debut in the Dakar Rally, with both its Hilux Double Cabs finishing in the top 10. Leading the way were Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz in the number 301 Hilux in third, with team-mates Duncan Vos and Rob Howie placed 10th in the number 313 sister car. The Team Overdrive Hilux of Lucio Alvarez and Andy Graue finished fifth in the famously grueling event, which this year ran through Argentina,Chile and Peru.
The Hallspeed Hilux are built for the South African off road national championship, where they finished second and fourth respectively before final preparations for the Dakar began.
The vehicles run with engines that are restricted in accordance with international competition regulations that will be adopted for the Dakar Rally from 2013. Out of the many cars taking part this year that complied with these rules – referred to as “class T1.5” – the South African Hilux finished first, second and third, which was hugely encouraging for the future.
True to Hilux’s global reputation for being able to withstand the toughest environments, the three cars completed the event with no major technical problems.
TOYOTA HILUX DAKAR 2012 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Engine code | 1UR-FSE |
| Engine type | V8 |
| Maximum power | 300bhp/224kW @ 5,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 520Nm @ 3,300 rpm |
| Gearbox | Sadev 6-speed sequential |
| Transfer | Sadev with centre lock |
| Clutch | Twin plate 215 mm |
| Wheel base | 2,900 mm |
| Track | 2,610 mm |
| Overall length | 4810mm |
| Overall width | 1,995 mm |
| Height | 1,840 mm |
| Body | Double cab pick up |
| Suspension front | Double wishbone |
| Suspension rear | 4-link |
| Wheels | 16in x 7in |
| Brakes | Tilton 900 series adjustable |
| Cooling system | Engine water – special radiator with twin fans |
| Gearbox – roof mounted cooler | |
| Transfer – Roof mounted cooler | |
| Front diff – Roof mounted cooler | |
| Power steering – Front mounted cooler | |
| Fuel – Rear mounted cooler | |
| Weight | 1937.5 Kg |
| Jack lift system | Hydraulic jacking system with 600mm lift capacity |
| Special Features | During the race the car carries, sand ladders, tools and specific suspension components |
