Faster Hino trucks are being prepared to compete in the 2016 Dakar rally

2016 Dakar Rally

The 2016 Dakar Rally will start on 3 January 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and finish in Rosario, Argentina on January 16.  The route covers more than 9 000 km, looping in Bolivia.

Faster Hino trucks to compete

Hino trucks have been competing in this world-famous rally for many years, so for 2016 the trucks are being made lighter and more powerful, to make them faster than the trucks driven in the 2015 race.  The trucks are based on the Hino 500 models.  There are 56 truck entries for the 2016 race.

The Dakar Rally is a grueling race – grueling for the driver and the vehicles, testing stamina to and sometimes beyond limits.  Hino has proven good reliability in many races, and is sure to repeat the feat for the next race.

Both Hino trucks will be powered by a 9-litre Hino A09C engine, with power and torque increased for the rally (figures not quoted).

The 2016 contender Hino trucks have shed 300 kg each, and have a gross weight of 7 300 kg.

Rally-specific spec

These Hino trucks are fitted with 6-speed manual gearbox and a transfer case. quipped with part-time 4-wheel-drive, and diff locks front and rear.  Brakes are uprated 4-pot calipers on disc brakes are fitted to all 4 wheels.

The fuel tank is increased to carry 700 litres, greatly extending the driving range.

A central tyre inflation system allows the crew to inflate or deflate tyres on-the-go, depending on driving surface (slightly deflated tyres give better traction on sand).