Toyota’s hydrogen-fueled combustion engine technology will be used in the HySE-X1 rally car which will compete in the 2024 Dakar Rally. The rally car was developed as part of the Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology Research Association (HySE) formed by Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Toyota with the initial goal of building small combustion powertrains running on hydrogen.
The HySE-X1 is based on an existing chassis sourced from Belgium-based Overdrive Racing, with a few changes in order to make room for the hydrogen fuel tank and supply system. It is powered by a motorcycle-sourced supercharged 1,0-liter water-cooled four-cylinder combustion engine running on hydrogen.
The rally car measures 3,530 mm (139 inches) long, 2,070 mm (81.5 inches) wide, and 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) tall, tipping the scales at 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs). In the single preview rendering, we can see a heavy-duty suspension, exposed wheels shod in off-road tires, and a lightweight body covering the two-seater cabin.
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The HySE-X1 will enter the “Mission 1000” category which is reserved for the most energy-efficient engines, including hydrogen, electric, or biofuel hybrids. The goal is not to win the race but to test those kinds of powertrains under the infamously harsh conditions of the Dakar Rally.
Participating in motorsport activities not only accelerates development for future production vehicles but also helps in promoting carbon-neutral tech and forming cross-industry partnerships toward “small hydrogen mobility”.
The 2024 Dakar Rally will be held in Saudi Arabia from January 5 to January 19, 2024. As for the HySE-X1, a mockup of the rally car will be exhibited at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.