Toyota has overnight revealed its tougher-looking and more powerful flagship HiLux, which will go on sale here this year.
The Toyota HiLux GR Sport has what the brand calls a Dakar-inspired design, and will be the most powerful diesel HiLux it has ever offered in the country.
The company said it expects the dual-cab GR Sport to arrive at second half of 2023. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but will almost certainly exceed $70,200 before the on-road sticker for the current Rogue range.
GR Sport continues to use a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine like most HiLux models, but with power and torque boosted by 10 percent to 165kW (@3000rpm) and 550Nm (@2800rpm), respectively.
Toyota says the extra grunt comes from super-turbocharging and revised fuel injection control.
The six-speed automatic transmission has also received sportier tuning and an expanded locking area. Paddle shifters are standard.
Like the updated 2023 HiLux Rogue, the front track has been widened by 140mm, but the rear track is 15mm wider than the penultimate HiLux at 155mm.
Suspension modifications consist of redesigned wishbones, stiffer coil springs and a reinforced rear axle, with monotube shock absorbers said to provide higher damping force and greater heat dissipation.
Toyota promises the set-up offers a sportier feel and a reduced roll angle without compromising everyday ride comfort.
Like the Rogue, there are also ventilated rear disc brakes. These use single-cylinder floating calipers, while the front disc has four-cylinder fixed calipers.
Visually, the GR Sport is distinguished from lower models by its satin black over-fender that wraps around the front bumper.
There is a more aggressive front end with an upright mesh grille featuring the Toyota wordmark.
Approach and departure angles are 30 and 26 degrees, respectively, compared to 31 and 23 degrees for the Rogue.
Toyota promises a higher ground clearance figure for the GR Sport, but doesn’t say what it is. For reference, the Rogue has a ground clearance of 265mm.
The GR Sport rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and there are skid plates, rock rails and red rear recovery points.
Inside, the black interior has some contrast: bright sports pedals, red seat belts, and GR logos on the steering wheel and headrests; The GR logo also adorns the exterior, including on the red brake calipers.
Toyota Australia says it is a “global center of excellence for Toyota 4WD vehicles” and its engineers have been “instrumental” in the development program, working alongside colleagues from Japan, Thailand and Latin America.
Like the Rogue, while the GR Sport will be produced alongside other HiLux models in Thailand, some finishing touches may be added at Toyota’s facility in Altona, Victoria.
“The HiLux GR Sport builds on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a rugged 4WD that will appeal to customers looking for a premier off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchising. operation.
“Thanks to the extensive involvement of our local designers and engineers, the HiLux GR Sport is a fun-to-drive vehicle that will bring new capabilities and excitement to the adventure lifestyle of Australian customers.”
Confusingly, this isn’t the only HiLux GR Sport available although it’s the only one coming here.
Toyota has revealed different variants of the GR Sport for Japan, Thailand, Europe and South Africa, although only the latter countries get the more powerful diesel engine – if without the more aggressive styling of the vehicle coming here.
The new GR Sport will give the Toyota more direct competition to the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, although with its unique twin-turbo petrol V6, the Ford Ranger Raptor has moved the game in this space.
While the GR Sport will be the most powerful diesel HiLux sold by Toyota in Australia, it won’t be the most powerful overall.
The short-lived 2008-09 TRD HiLux featured a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produced less torque (453Nm) but more power (225kW).
| HiLux GR Sport specifications | |
|---|---|
| Long | 5320mm |
| Width | 2020mm |
| Height | 1880mm |
| Wheelbase | 3085mm |
| Track width | Front: 1675mm Rear: 1705mm |
| Angle of approach | 30 degrees |
| Departure angle | 26 degrees |
| Engine | 2.8 liter turbo-diesel four cylinder |
| Power | 165kW at 3000rpm |
| Torque | 550Nm at 2800rpm |
| Brake | Ventilated disc with four-cylinder fixed front calipers and single-cylinder floating rear calipers |
MORE: It’s all Toyota HiLux