Toyota unveils HiLux GR Sport for Oz

TOYOTA has pulled the duvet off its “apex” HiLux GR Sport this week, the mannequin lauded as essentially the most highly effective mannequin to be provided Down Below with a formidable 165kW/550Nm tune.

Australia’s best-selling automotive advantages not solely from a retuned model of Toyota’s trusted 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, however race-inspired seems, a wider monitor entrance and rear (+140mm and 155mm respectively), redesigned wishbones and bolstered rear axle, and bigger disc brakes.

The hero HiLux additionally scores model-specific monotube dampers with greater damping drive and heat-dissipation capability, stiffer coil springs and “an optimum entrance to rear stability” to ship even higher steering response and stability.

Brandishing the Gazoo Racing badge – acquainted to the GR 86, GR Corolla, GR Supra and GR Yaris – the HiLux GR Sport has been engineered in collaboration with Australian, Japanese, Latin American and Thai four-wheel drive specialists to supply what Toyota says is “Dakar-inspired design, intuitive dealing with and highly effective driving efficiency”.

Along with suspension and engine upgrades, the HiLux GR Sport additionally has a retuned six-speed automated transmission with an expanded lock-up vary for improved acceleration and overtaking response.

Just like the HiLux Rogue (from $70,200 plus ORCs) – which is able to sit beneath the GR Sport within the native HiLux vary – the brand new variant is accessible completely in a double-cab pick-up physique fashion. It’s additional distinguished by satin-black over fenders, an elevated method angle, greater floor clearance, and a “sturdy, upright grille with TOYOTA lettering”.

The HiLux GR Sport rides on 17-inch alloys shod with all-terrain tyres, and is additional outfitted with a entrance skid plate, rock rails, red-painted rear restoration factors and brake callipers, and an embossed tub liner.

Lastly, and contained in the cabin, we discover a monochromatic black décor with contrasting brilliant sports activities pedals and steering wheel shift paddles, crimson seatbelts, and a crimson 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel. The top restraints are branded with the GR Sport brand.

“HiLux GR Sport attracts on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hardcore 4WD that may enchantment to clients looking for the quintessential off-road model of Australia’s best-selling automobile,” mentioned Toyota Australia vice chairman of gross sales, advertising and marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“It has been designed to show heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that is bolstered by a wholesome efficiency increase, enhanced high-speed dealing with and even higher grip on grime roads.

“Due to the intensive involvement of our native designers and engineers, HiLux GR Sport is a fun-to-drive automobile that may convey new capabilities and pleasure to the journey life of Australian clients.”

The launch of the brand new HiLux GR Sport in Australia is predicted in the course of the second half of 2023. Pricing and full specs will likely be revealed nearer to the mannequin’s native launch.

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport preliminary specs: