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Toyota's Modern, Elite Land Cruiser Pays Homage to the Dakar Rally Competition

Limited production of 12 Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid vehicles, alongside 12 conversion kits for existing Land Cruiser owners.

Toyota's Latest Premium Land Cruiser Pays Homage to Dakar Rally Tradition
Toyota's Latest Premium Land Cruiser Pays Homage to Dakar Rally Tradition

Toyota's Modern, Elite Land Cruiser Pays Homage to the Dakar Rally Competition

In an exciting development for off-road enthusiasts, Toyota has unveiled the Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid, a vehicle designed for desert racing. This new addition to the Land Cruiser family is not intended for competing in the prestigious Dakar Rally, but it certainly boasts features that make it a formidable contender on the sandy terrains.

Toyota has a rich history in the Dakar Rally, having secured multiple victories in various categories. Notably, Japanese driver Akira Miura has won the rally four times as a driver and once as a navigator, demonstrating Toyota's prowess in rally racing.

The Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid is equipped with several upgrades that make it suitable for desert racing. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain Toyo tires, Rally Raid logo ornaments, and mud flaps. The vehicle also boasts suspension and cab mounts that faithfully receive the driver's intentions, ensuring precise steering and handling.

The new model is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and all four wheels are powered. Under the hood, you'll find a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter diesel engine that delivers 304 horsepower and 516 ft lb of torque.

However, the Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid and its conversion kits will only be sold in Japan. Interested buyers have until September 28 to enter a lottery for the chance to own one of the 12 SUVs or 12 conversion kits that will be produced. The conversion kit for existing Land Cruiser GR Sport owners costs around ¥1,511,400, or approximately $10,200. The Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid itself retails at ¥9,380,800, or around $63,500.

Interestingly, since the initial race in 1979, the Dakar Rally has been held on other continents, with South America hosting the event for more than a decade, beginning in 2009. Since 2020, the rally has been held in Saudi Arabia. This year's event is scheduled for January.

It's worth noting that the Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid is not designed for competing in the Dakar Rally. Instead, it serves as a testament to Toyota's commitment to off-road racing and its ability to create vehicles that excel in challenging conditions.

In conclusion, the Land Cruiser GR Sport Rally Raid is an exciting new addition to Toyota's lineup, offering off-road enthusiasts a vehicle that's ready for desert racing. Despite not being designed for the Dakar Rally, its features and performance are sure to turn heads on the sand dunes.

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