Gazoo Racing announced that construction of its hydrogen fuel-cell DKR GR FC Hilux for the 2027 Dakar Rally is complete and dynamic testing has begun. Toyota UK’s announcement of 22 October 2026 says the prototype will enter Dakar Future Mission 1000, the category for experimental vehicles. Dania Akeel will drive it in testing and at Dakar.
Two fuel cells and four hydrogen tanks
The technical specification lists system output at 400 kW. Two fuel cells work together to generate electricity, while four high-pressure tanks hold a combined 8.4 kg of hydrogen. Toyota says the tanks are of the Mirai type. The prototype uses a dedicated electric axle, an IAV control unit and a new electronic system.
The vehicle shares its platform basis with the DKR GR Hilux. The common elements include the tubular chassis, safety cell, suspension and brake components. Its body uses natural-fibre panels alongside carbon fibre. The announcement also lists the high-voltage cooling system and TOYO TIRE OPEN COUNTRY tyres as parts of the engineering project.
What does hydrogen-powered mean here?
FCEV stands for fuel-cell electric vehicle. In this arrangement, electricity is generated on board from hydrogen. While Toyota states that there are no tailpipe CO₂ emissions when driving, it explicitly notes that this does not mean the entire lifecycle is emissions-free. Hydrogen production and vehicle manufacturing require their own environmental assessment.
That distinction matters in technology reporting: tailpipe emissions alone cannot establish the environmental impact of the whole energy chain. We do not assume that different hydrogen sources produce the same result. Likewise, the announced output of an experimental racing vehicle should not be confused with the specification of a production Hilux.
Dakar as a development environment
Toyota says the project aims to test components in demanding conditions and inform future applications. Planned Mission 1000 participation does not mean the 2027 rally has taken place or that the prototype has achieved a race result. The story concerns the announced development status and testing programme; future durability success is not yet a proven outcome.
Published findings on energy management, cooling and component responses to operating conditions would help explain the project’s technical value. The announcement gives no public sale date, price or everyday driving-range figure. We therefore do not derive delivery promises or road-car running-cost estimates from this prototype.
The cover photograph is a real image of prototype testing at Lommel; no computer-generated picture is used. It is also not presented as an image from the 2027 Dakar, which has not yet taken place.
Photo: Toyota / Gazoo Racing, Toyota UK Media. Official testing photograph used with permission for editorial use only.
Source: Toyota UK — DKR GR FC Hilux testing programme. Source publication: 22 October 2026. Competition target: 2027 Dakar. Checked: 24 October 2026.
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