AS YOU ARE PROBABLY AWARE, the Toyota HiLux is Australia’s best-selling vehicle. Now Toyota has reached new heights in performance and design for the popular crew cab ute with the world premiere of the HiLux GR Sport.
It gets more power, wider tracks, tuned suspension and bigger disc brakes.
Benefiting from GAZOO Racing’s experience in motorsport, the new halo variant of the HiLux range builds on the renowned durability and rough-road performance of the core model with its tough Dakar-inspired design, intuitive handling and powerful driving performance.
Engineers from Toyota Australia – recognised as a global centre of excellence for Toyota 4WD vehicles – have been instrumental in the development program, combining their expertise and experience with colleagues in Latin America, Thailand and Japan.
The new hardcore off-roader is the most powerful diesel HiLux ever offered by Toyota in Australia. Power and torque from the 2.8-litre engine have been boosted by 10 per cent to 165kW and 550Nm, courtesy of revised turbo-supercharging and fuel-injection control.
Combined with sportier tuning for the automatic transmission and an expanded lock-up area, the HiLux GR Sport provides added confidence for accelerating and overtaking in all conditions, enhanced by optimal control through paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The new platform adopts wider tracks – extended 140mm front and 155mm rear – with redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle to cater for the most demanding driving conditions.
Dedicated monotube shock absorbers with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity, stiffer coil springs and an optimal front-rear suspension balance deliver outstanding handling, increasing stability through reduced roll angle and giving precise steering response. The set-up also enables the driver to enjoy the adrenaline of a sporty vehicle without compromising ride comfort for everyday use.
Available exclusively in the double-cab body style, the new HiLux GR Sport transmits performance, agility and toughness at first glance.
The wider stance is the backbone of the Dakar-inspired design, giving a strong, stable, and muscular image with prominent satin-black over-fenders that seamlessly integrate into the bumper.
Front styling directly references the vehicle’s rally motorsport roots, enhancing the vehicle’s “go-anywhere” capabilities with an increased approach angle and higher ground clearance.
A strong upright grille, designed for maximum cooling area, draws attention to the signature GR grille mesh and TOYOTA lettering. Exterior body parts have been sculpted in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic efficiency.
The new model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres while its off-road credentials are further reinforced by the addition of a skid plate, rock rails and red rear recovery points.
Inside, the monochromatic black theme is set off with bright sports pedals and red seatbelts. GR branding is featured inside and out, including on the steering wheel, headrests, red brake callipers, exterior badges – and even embossed into the tub-liner.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new halo model will reinforce the unbreakable bond Australians have with HiLux.
“HiLux GR Sport draws on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hardcore 4WD that will appeal to customers seeking the quintessential off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” Mr Hanley said.
“It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that’s reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling and even better grip on dirt roads,” he said.
“Thanks to the extensive involvement of our local designers and engineers, HiLux GR Sport is a fun-to-drive vehicle that will bring new capabilities and excitement to the adventure lifestyles of Australian customers.”
The launch of the new HiLux GR Sport in Australia is expected during the second half of 2023.
HILUX GR SPORT – PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
| Length (mm) | 5320 | |
| Width (mm) | 2020 | |
| Height (mm) | 1880 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3085 | |
| Tracks | Front (mm) | 1675 |
| Rear (mm) | 1705 | |
| Approach Angle (degrees) | 30 | |
| Departure Angle (degrees) | 26 | |
| Engine Model Code | 1GD-FTV (Hi) | |
| No. of Cyls & Arrangement | 4 cylinders, in-line | |
| Valve Mechanism | DOHC 16-Valve | |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 92 x 103.6 | |
| Displacement (cm3) | 2755 | |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | |
| Max. Output | (kW) | 165 |
| (rpm) | 3000 | |
| Max. Torque | (Nm) | 550 |
| (rpm) | 2800 | |
| Brakes | Front | Ventilated discs with 4-cylinder fixed calliper |
| Rear | Ventilated discs with 1-cylinder floating calliper | |