HOME > Latest News > 2025 > Issue #18
Issue #18:June 19, 2025
From May 24 to 31, 2025, TLC conducted rally car development testing in Morocco, located on the African continent, in preparation for the 2026 Dakar Rally.
During this test, the team drove approximately 3,000 km in their newly developed rally vehicle, which has been designed to comply with the new regulations (*1), to evaluate its performance and identify any issues.
*1 Until now, TLC has competed in the Production Car category, which allows entries based on FIA’s T2 vehicle regulations. However, with major revisions to the T2 rules, TLC plans to enter the 2026 rally with cars that adhere to the updated T2 regulations.
Mechanic Motono (Fukuoka Toyota Corporation), who joined the team in April this year, worked energetically to deepen his understanding of the rally vehicle under the guidance of mechanic Sonda (also from Fukuoka Toyota Corporation), now in his second year with the team, as well as experienced French mechanics. This test also gave Motono a valuable opportunity to check and compare the rally vehicle with the production models he typically services as a dealership mechanic.
Following the test, TLC staff driver Miura shared his thoughts:
“The new rally car has been developed using the Land Cruiser 300 rally car as a benchmark base vehicle. It is steadily taking shape as a machine with potential that meets our performance expectations. However, we anticipate strong competition in the next Dakar Rally, with a formidable rival team entering the field. Competing against such a fast vehicle will not be easy.
That said, the most valuable outcome of this test was the shared sense of urgency and focus it instilled across the entire team. It allowed each member to reaffirm their individual roles and renew their commitment as we head into the remaining half of the year.”
With the updated regulations, we expect to see new rivals and increased attention on the Production Car category. As we look ahead to the 2026 Dakar Rally, we sincerely appreciate your continued support for TLC’s future of building better Land Cruisers rooted in motorsports.