THE chance of a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel model of HiLux one-tonne ute simply turned a bit stronger because of substantial engineering upgrades to Australia’s hottest automobile.
Powertrain sharing throughout Toyota’s vary is, in fact widespread, however shoehorning Landcruiser 300’s 227kW/700Nm V6 engine right into a Hilux could be fairly momentous, as a result of it could elevate the flagship of the Japanese ute vary proper as much as the primary competitors, Ford’s new Raptor V6.
Toyota Australia stays tight-lipped concerning the prospect of a V6 diesel Hilux, however firm insiders don’t deny the potential of such a mannequin “down the monitor.”
This week, off the again of recording the very best ever variety of month-to-month HiLux gross sales in June, Toyota Australia has introduced an extensively revised and re-engineered top-of-the-range Rogue… in addition to a brand new “apex” variant to switch the Rugged X.
The wide-body Rogue can be right here in the previous couple of months of this yr, replete with a 140mm wider monitor, 20mm raised experience top, rear disc brakes and different suspension and wide-body enhancements to make it a greater automobile – each off- and on-road.
These adjustments alone counsel Toyota engineers have ready the HiLux’s engine bay for a 3.3-litre V6 diesel coronary heart transplant, in addition to accounted for the numerous improve in efficiency.
No wide-body Rogue pricing particulars had been forthcoming from Toyota, suffice to say the present variant goes for $70,200, plus on-road prices… the wide-body model is more likely to be priced increased than that.
The adjustments embody options that HiLux homeowners have procured from aftermarket suppliers and suppliers previously.
As for the opposite large HiLux revelation, Toyota is holding mum on its “apex” variant – and the way a lot it’s going to price – however the good cash is on a automobile packaged alongside the traces of the Nissan Navara Professional-4X Warrior, which is to say it will likely be specced-up to go well with or surpass the competitors.
At this level, the more than likely engine can be a souped-up model of the present 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor, however the V6 could be a dream alternative for a lot of Hilux patrons.
To accommodate the Rogue’s monitor improve, Toyota engineers prolonged the ute’s entrance suspension arms and entrance stabiliser bar, whereas the shock absorber angle was adjusted to enhance effectivity.
On the rear, engineers prolonged axle size – on a inflexible differential association – after which set about re-jigging the suspension, together with shifting the dampers additional out in the direction of the wheels.
For the primary time on HiLux, a rear stabiliser bar has been put in to boost cornering stability and experience consolation.
On account of the suspension adjustments, roll rigidity has been enhanced by 20 per cent, which is claimed to enhance steering really feel when cornering and altering lanes.
The Rogue options improved stopping energy with rear ventilated disc brakes changing the prevailing drum brakes, whereas new 17-inch entrance disc brakes are an inch greater than they had been earlier than.
As a result of elevated monitor width, huge monitor over-fenders and mudguards have been put in, whereas the entrance physique extension has been widened to combine with the entrance bumper.
Toyota Australia has the benefit of a neighborhood HiLux “skunk works” that regularly develops the automobile – it exams new merchandise and options domestically and evaluates their price for potential inclusion on Australia’s hottest automobile.
The newest developments are a continuation of what some describe as Toyota’s drip-feed “democratisation” of kit, a coverage that begins with the top-of-the-range variants then, over time, filters right down to different fashions.
Toyota Australia’s vice chairman of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, stated the introduction of the up to date Rogue demonstrated Toyota’s dedication to providing ever-improved autos for purchasers.
“The numerous suspension upgrades to the HiLux Rogue not solely enhance off-road functionality however create a extra secure and cozy on-road driving expertise,” Mr Hanley stated.
“Steady enchancment is a key aspect of Toyota’s philosophy and has been clearly achieved by this newest HiLux premium mannequin.”
Coinciding with the arrival of the wide-bodied Rogue, Toyota is introducing upgrades to core variants of Australia’s best-selling automobile.
SR extra-cab and double-cab fashions obtain new black 17-inch alloy rims (they substitute metal wheels) and body-coloured door handles have been adopted for a extra premium look.
SR5 double-cab pick-ups acquire additional energetic security gear as commonplace, with the addition of a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. These options are additionally included on the Rogue.
A panoramic view monitor has been added to SR5 double-cab pick-ups to assist manoeuvre in tight areas, as have puddle lamps, which exchange heated exterior mirrors.
The steering column lock has been changed by an ID Field anti-theft immobiliser on automated SR5 grades and above, which provides an additional degree of safety when beginning the automobile with the good key.
In what may very well be a a lot lamented transfer, the brand new “apex” HiLux sees the demise of Rugged X, a favorite with off-road fanatics.
Since launching in 2018, HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X have accounted for greater than 17,000 gross sales, establishing themselves because the halo variants of the HiLux vary.
