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Issue #18:June 28, 2022
In June 2022, over a 3-week schedule in Africa’s Morocco which covered about 3,000 km, TLC performed development testing for the new generation rally car based on the Land Cruiser 300 GR SPORT which will make its debut in the 2023 Dakar Rally.
At this time of year, Morocco has already fully entered the summer season. This year, temperatures of over 45°C are not unusual on most days, with some days reaching a scorching 50°C. Temperatures inside the vehicle while driving exceeded 65°C, putting both the team and the car under incredibly harsh test conditions.
Development testing for the new generation rally car started in France last year on gravel. This time, testing took place in conditions very similar to those found in the Dakar Rally, and the team especially felt the evolution of driving performance on the sand dunes. The base vehicle is lighter and has a lower center of gravity. A new suspension system (E-KDSS) has resulted in increased driving performance. Taking full advantage of the new system, settings have been tuned to match rally conditions to deliver unprecedented traction. The result is a fierce rally car that can take the car over steep, soft and sandy slopes.
In the Dakar Rally’s high-speed zones that continue for many hours and long distances, endurance that far exceeds the expectations of normal usage is a must. For this reason, it is critical that increased driving performance is matched with solid endurance.
Together with high outdoor temperatures, the team faced some challenges when combating the heat, but the engineers and mechanics completed the run. Upon returning to the garage, team members shared their expertise night after night for hours, and after some trial and error they strengthened the rally car. Testing confronted them with issues that they took on, and while making repeated runs they were able to get strong and promising feedback for the rally car.
The prototype tires (TOYO TIRES OPEN COUNTRY M/T-R) that were updated for the 2023 rally were also evaluated. We have high expectation because the tires have been made with an even higher level of performance and they brought out the full potential of the new generation rally car.
Chief mechanic Philippe Challoy commented on the test, “There are some issues, however the team’s morale is very high for the debut win, and I am not worried. Thanks to this test, we have a clearer understanding of what needs to be done. Now, we just need to take care of those things.”
Development for the new generation rally car is still ongoing, and by connecting “Making Ever Better Rally Cars” with “Making Ever Better Land Cruisers”, we are aiming for a debut win in the 2023 Dakar Rally to win our 10th consecutive victory in the production car category.