Toyota HiLux has again confirmed its unbreakable reputation with a podium finish and class victory in the world’s toughest motorsport event, the Dakar Rally.
The specially prepared HiLux 4×4 of South African driver Giniel de Villiers and German Dirk von Zitzewitz finished second overall behind the outright winning Mini of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret.
The HiLux is a non-production model powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, delivering more power and torque than the 4.7-litre engine they used last year in claiming third place in the Dakar rally.
This year is the fourth time in five outings the Dakar has been held in South America that de Villiers and von Zitzewitz have finished in the top four.
HiLux performed strongly across the board, with five finishes in the top 20 overall, including 11th place to Australian Geoffrey Olholm and his British co-driver Jonathan Aston.
As a result, Toyota HiLux took the top four places in its class for petrol 4×4 improved cross-country vehicles.
This year’s Dakar ran over 8,500km through the deserts of Peru, Argentina and Chile. This included two passes through the Andes Mountains at a competition altitude of more than 4,000 metres.
De Villiers said the HiLux performed faultlessly throughout the event.
“Our reliability enabled us to not only beat the Dakar, but also made the decisive difference,” he said.
“Toyota’s three-year program got off to a first-class start. We can now move on and maybe do even better next year.”
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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