For the first time in Hino's 21-year history in the Dakar Rally, this truck will be powered by an electronically-controlled fuel injection (common rail) engine to enhance torque in the mid to low ranges which is crucial in traversing sand dunes and rough terrain. While electronically-controlled fuel injection engines produce more output and offer more latitude in terms of configuring the output curve, we have seen no small number of rival trucks stopped by the road in the race as harsh conditions can often cause electronically-controlled safety devices (so called "limiters") to trigger as well as other problems with electronics. While this will be new territory for the Sugawaras who know Dakar Rally and Hino trucks inside and out, they are drawing from all the expertise of the Hino group and are committed to developing an engine that will deliver performance up to its limits even under harsh racing conditions.

The new truck is equipped with a new axle with hub reduction* function which increases its minimum ground height from the previous vehicle by 35mm (theoretical) as measured from the lowermost point of the axle. This axle is also now fitted with a disk brake system equipped with opposing 4-pot Brembo calipers that have a proven track record in various racing categories. Disk brakes help improve time as they generally involve fewer parts, are lighter than conventional drum breaks, and provide better braking response. However, because vehicles in the Trucks category are heavy and therefore impose more load on the brake disks causing them to heat up, there is greater risk of damage to oil seals and air seals in the hub, which are known to cause serious problems in the Dakar Rally even for the top teams.

The truck will now run on forged 2-piece aluminum wheels made by the American company, Hutchinson, achieving a weight reduction per wheel of 10kg compared to steel wheels. It continues to be equipped with the CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System), a system that is combined with the axle and allows the crew to adjust the tire air pressure remotely from the navigator's seat. With this system, the crew is able to adjust the air pressure to suit the road surface and improve terrain traversing capability.

Because the modifications described above will have the effect of increasing the truck's speed over rough terrain, the main frame have been heightened to increase its rigidity.

The team will be racing in Rally Mongolia 2012 in a new racing truck that incorporates these new systems and with specifications from the truck that achieved the most recent of the three consecutive class championships in the Dakar Rally in 2012. The team will be gathering data on this real-world testing ground to make further improvements in preparation for the Dakar Rally 2013. HINO TEAM SUGAWARA will be boldly taking on these challenges as a year of trials, without fear of the risks, to reach even higher heights and prove to the world the "excellent durability and reliability" of Hino trucks.

The Dakar Challenge refers to a program that is based on tie-ins with prominent rallies around the world, where contestants who finish in high rankings in these rallies are invited to compete in the Dakar Rally. The Dakar Rally is the world's top cross-country rally and a "dream race" for amateur riders around the world. It is therefore intensely time and cost intensive just to even enter the race. True to the words of Dakar Rally founder, Thierry Sabine, "It is you who must open the 'door to adventure.' If you wish, I will take you there," the spirit of providing an opportunity to all people who pursue adventure is still alive in the Dakar Rally. Tie-ins were made with the following 5 events for 2012.