By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Entries Open for The Cape 1000 – South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive Returns for 2026
    June 10, 2025
    Ulterio Motiv Toyota Land Cruiser 6×6 and 6×4 to invade Land Cruiser Festival
    June 3, 2025
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
    Leapmotor presents its range at Automobile Barcelona, Spain
    May 14, 2025
    Alfa Romeo sporting glory dominates “Fuori Concorso”
    May 13, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    JLR appoints 50 specialists to boost resilience of new electric vehicle supply chains
    June 12, 2025
    Climb, Crawl, and Conquer: Mastering the Essential Skills of Off-Road Driving
    June 11, 2025
    Aston Martin Valkyrie LM offers ultimate Le Mans Hypercar track experience
    June 11, 2025
    GM names Mike Trevorrow senior VP of global manufacturing
    June 11, 2025
    Continental Tire Plant in Sarreguemines Receives ISCC PLUS Sustainability Certification
    June 10, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils liquid hydrogen-fueled “GR LH2 Racing Concept” at Le Mans
    June 11, 2025
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    24-hour race at Le Mans, the Nürburgring and Spa – triple marathon for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport
    June 10, 2025
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Special Envoy Launches XPress – SA’s First Full EV Courier Fleet
    June 11, 2025
    JAECOO J7 SHS debuts in South Africa with 90 km all-electric range
    June 10, 2025
    OMODA launches C9 PHEV in South Africa
    June 10, 2025
    Nissan receives over 17,000 orders for new N7 sedan in first month of sales
    June 5, 2025
    Trail Boss joins the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV lineup
    June 5, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Top results for Porsche at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
    June 16, 2025
    Two factory Porsche 963 qualify for Hyperpole in Le Mans
    June 12, 2025
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils liquid hydrogen-fueled “GR LH2 Racing Concept” at Le Mans
    June 11, 2025
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing brings the past, present and future to fans at the Le Mans 24 Hours
    June 11, 2025
    Vantage fighting for its sixth class victory in the greatest endurance race of them all
    June 11, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    UD Trucks Southern Africa celebrates dealers breaking barriers at 2025 awards ceremony
    June 11, 2025
    Daimler Truck, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino and Toyota Motor Corporation conclude Definitive Agreements on integrating Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors
    June 10, 2025
    Daimler Truck, DHL and hylane form partnership for fully electric trucks
    June 3, 2025
    Volvo Trucks wins prestigious design award
    June 3, 2025
    MAN development team for autonomous driving is ‘Engineering Team of the Year’
    May 29, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    New BMW XM options: maximum exclusivity and breathtaking performance.
    June 12, 2025
    The Audi Q5 e-hybrid: all-rounder with great electric range
    June 11, 2025
    Lotus introduces 2026 Emira V6 SE and Emira Turbo
    June 6, 2025
    New Aygo X Hybrid: Even more fun and efficient
    June 6, 2025
    King of the Hill, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE: Fastest accelerating AMG series model
    June 4, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Audi develops the picking process of the future
    June 2, 2025
    Volvo EX90 LiDAR and smartphone cameras: What you need to know
    June 2, 2025
    VNC Automotive Partners with P3 to Enhance the SPARQ OS Platform
    May 29, 2025
    Artificial intelligence: Audi boosts production efficiency
    May 28, 2025
    Greater efficiency and productivity with artificial intelligence – generative AI in BMW Group Purchasing
    May 19, 2025
Hot News
Top results for Porsche at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
New BMW XM options: maximum exclusivity and breathtaking performance.
Two factory Porsche 963 qualify for Hyperpole in Le Mans
JLR appoints 50 specialists to boost resilience of new electric vehicle supply chains
UD Trucks Southern Africa celebrates dealers breaking barriers at 2025 awards ceremony
Trucks & Buses

Daimler Truck wins VDA Logistics Award 2025

Latest News

Chery to unveil New Energy, New Eco, New Era at Beijing Auto Show

Latest News

Stellantis Recognizes Suppliers

Trucks & Buses

Volvo’s gas-powered trucks on the rise – enabling up to 100% CO2 reduction

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SOUTH AFRICA READY TO TACKLE DAKAR 2025 AFTER DOMINATING SARRC SEASON

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: December 11, 2024 18:40
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
456 Views
8 Min Read
Share
8 Min Read
SHARE

After a commanding 1-2-3 finish in the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) is fully prepared to take on the ultimate off-road test: the 2025 Dakar Rally. This gruelling event, stretching across nearly 8,000 kilometres in Saudi Arabia’s toughest terrain, promises to push teams and their machines to the absolute limit.

The 2025 Dakar Rally comprises 12 challenging stages, including more than 5,000 km of timed special stages. The route will take competitors from Bisha to Shubaytah, combining high-speed straights, technical dunes, and treacherous navigation. Two standout challenges include the 48-hour Chrono Stage, a tough test of endurance and mechanical reliability that takes place early in the race, and the notorious Marathon Stage, where crews must complete two days of racing without external assistance from service teams. These stages are expected to shape the outcome of the rally, testing every crew’s resolve to the extreme.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

The rally culminates in the vast and unforgiving Empty Quarter, a sea of towering dunes and endless desert, before concluding at the podium in Shubaytah on January 17, 2025. This year’s route has been meticulously planned to increase difficulty, ensuring that only the toughest competitors make it to the finish line.

“This year’s Dakar route promises to be one of the most challenging yet,” said Henk Lategan, reigning SARRC champion and Dakar contender. “With the added complexity of the 48-hour Chrono and the Marathon Stage, we know we’ll need to be at our absolute best from the start.”

The Dakar Rally is a test of endurance, not just for the crews but for the vehicles. TGRSA will compete in the latest version of the GR DKR Hilux Evo, designed to handle the most extreme conditions the desert can offer.

“We’ve worked diligently to continuously refine the race-winning GR IMT Hilux EVO for Dakar 2025,” said Michael Jardim, Senior Engineer at SVR, who has worked on Toyota’s Dakar project since its inception. “The latest version of the car is exceptionally robust, yet it is also nimble and extremely fast. We’ve incorporated data from countless kilometres of racing in the SARRC, as well as dedicated test sessions where the drivers give very important feedback.”

Key features include:

  • Engine: A 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 264 kW and 620 Nm of torque, from the Land Cruiser 300.
  • Suspension: Double-wishbone system with advanced dampers and 350 mm of travel to absorb massive impacts.
  • Chassis: Lightweight tubular frame for rigidity and durability.
  • Body: Aerodynamic composite Hilux body for optimal performance and reliability.
  • Transmission: SADEV 6-speed sequential gearbox with limited-slip differentials.
  • Fuel System: A 540-litre tank designed for extended endurance stages.

“The GR DKR Hilux Evo has been refined through countless kilometres of racing, including our success in the 2024 SARRC,” said Shameer Variawa, Team Principal. “This is a car that is as reliable as it is fast. We believe it’s the perfect machine for Dakar 2025.”

TGRSA will field four crews at Dakar 2025, all aiming to uphold Toyota’s proud legacy at the rally:

  • Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings (#211): Fresh from their SARRC title win, this duo is focused on carrying their dominant form to Dakar. Henk is returning to the Dakar Rally after missing out on the 2024 event due to injury, and will be reuniting with Cummings, we co-drove for Guy Botterill during this year’s Dakar.
  • Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy (#205): With a successful season behind them, they are eager to show their pace on the global stage. Guy was the Rookie of the Year during Dakar 2024, and the highest finisher in the works TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team. Endurance racing clearly suits his style, and the man from KZN will be aiming for more of the same.
  • Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz (#206): This marks Giniel’s final Dakar with Toyota, reuniting him with the co-driver who helped him secure victory in 2009.
  • Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet (#218): The youngest pairing in the line-up, keen to continue their upward trajectory in the rally-raid world, after a successful opening Dakar campaign together in 2024.

TGRSA will be joined by two additional TOYOTA GAZOO Racing crews:

  • Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleon (#203): Building on their impressive performances in the W2RC, this pairing will aim for another strong showing.
  • Seth Quintero and Dennis Zenz (#204): The young American-German duo will take on their second Dakar in the GR DKR Hilux Evo, again bringing energy and excitement to the team.

“Our team is a mix of youth and experience, and we’re proud to have such a talented line-up,” said Variawa. “Each crew brings something unique, and together, we aim to achieve great results.”

“Dakar is the ultimate test of quality, reliability, and durability, and the GR DKR Hilux Evo is a shining example of these values,” said Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors. “This event allows us to demonstrate the capabilities of our vehicles in the most extreme conditions imaginable. Toyota has proven the toughness of the Hilux in these conditions since 2012, making it the most popular car in the Dakar line-up.”

TGR hosts W2RC Round 3 in South Africa

While the Dakar Rally is Round 1 of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), and arguably the most important, TGRSA will be looking forward to Round 3 of the season with equal fervour. This is because the South African Safari Rally, which takes place from 18-24 May next year, is not only taking place on local soil, but is also sponsored by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. This support of the W2RC race underscores TGR’s commitment to rally-raid racing, both locally and internationally.

With the countdown to Dakar 2025 underway, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa is ready to take on the world’s toughest rally, bringing with them the confidence of a championship-winning season and a line-up of world-class crews.

“We’ve set the team a challenge for Dakar 2025,” said Leon Theron, Toyota South Africa Motors’ Senior Vice-President for Sales and Marketing. “Of course, we’d like to win, but at the very least we expect one of our cars on the podium – and ideally three of the four in the Top 10.”

TAGGED:2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship2025 Dakar Rally2025 World Rally-Raid ChampionshipGR DKR Hilux EvoSARRCTGRSATOYOTA GAZOO Racing South AfricaW2RC

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Motosport

GRUELLING CHALLENGE AWAITS TGR IN SAUDI ARABIA

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
December 26, 2024
Motosport

Mattias Ekström Joins Ford Performance for 2025 Dakar Rally

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
October 2, 2024
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SOUTH AFRICA GEARS UP FOR EXCITING SEASON FINALE AT THE RENAULT KEC 400

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 5, 2024
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa recorded a double-podium finish

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
October 11, 2023
Motosport

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SA FULLY PREPARED FOR VRYHEID 400

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
May 24, 2024
Motosport

TOYOTA 1-2 AT DAKAR 2025 AS AL RAJHI WINS AND LATEGAN TAKES SECOND

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
January 18, 2025

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner