A few days before the roar of the engine in the dunes of Saudi Arabia, Isidre Esteve presented what will be his definitive weapon for its 21st participation in the Dakar Rally: the new Toyota DKR GR Hilux.
This vehicle does not … It is not only an elite piece of engineering, but also the most competitive car driver Oliana has had in his hands to date, designed specifically to compete in the demanding Ultimate (formerly T1+) category.
The unit, which enjoys the prestigious title of current world raid champion after its victories in South Africa, Portugal and Morocco, has undergone a complete transformation.
The main challenge was to maintain the advantages of a high-level car while it was entirely adapted to be driven exclusively by hand.
To do this, the team benefited from the collaboration of Guidosimplex, who installed a very sensitive steering wheel control system. The setup allows Esteve to control all vehicle dynamics without the need for pedals.
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The Repsol Toyota Rally Team driver will face his 21st Dakar with the new Toyota DKR GR Hilux, fully adapted for driving with his hands
To do this, acceleration is carried out via a front ring which is activated with the palms of the hands, and braking is managed via a rear system which is activated with the fingertips.
According to Esteve himself, after recent validation tests, the response of the car is “incredible”, highlighting a very sensitive steering that allows you to push the machine to its limits with greater safety and speed in the corners.
Under the hood, The DKR GR Hilux hides a powerful V6 biturbo engine adapted to the latest FIA regulations. But innovation doesn’t stop at mechanics. As part of an alliance with the Repsol Toyota Rally Team, the vehicle will run on 70% renewable fuel, developed in the company’s technology laboratory.
This collaboration transforms the competition into an extreme laboratory for testing lubricants and fuels of renewable origin, demonstrating that high performance and sustainability can go hand in hand in the desert.
On January 3, Isidre Esteve will set off from Yanbu, on the edge of the Red Sea. 13 stages of extreme hardness await you where his new mount, adapted to his paraplegia but without giving up a single piece of competitiveness, will be the key to making a qualitative leap in the general classification and continuing to push the limits of motorsport.
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