Toyota Ensures New Mild Hybrid Tech Is WRC Ready

Toyota has been the team to beat at theWorld Rally Championship(WRC) for years, and it casually brings out prototypes between rally stages. The latest model to grace the rally series is amild-hybrid electricprototype of the Hilux midsize truck.

While the US gets theToyota Tacoma, the Hilux is the Japanese automaker's entry into the global midsize truck segment. And during its outing at the seventh round of the 2023 WRC season in Kenya, the hybridized pickup had successful demo runs on challenging dirt roads. Behind the wheel were four-time WRC, former Toyota world title winner Juha Kankkunen, and co-driver Jimmi Gathu.

According to the 64-year-old Finnish rally driver, the mild hybrid setup can noticeably boost the truck's performance over non-hybrid models.

"I have had the pleasure of driving different models for the Toyota brand, from full-electric cars, hybrid, and hydrogen, and can attest that these models are much faster than standard models," said Kankkunen.

In addition, the Toyota Hilux MHEV is said to be a perfect fit on African roads as long-distance drives and limited charging stations are apparent. The technology can reduce carbon emissions thanks to the assistance of an electric motor.

Toyota Australia earlier revealeda few specs of the upcoming road-going Hilux MHEV.