TOYOTA has introduced pricing for its soon-to-arrive HiLux flagship, the GR Sport.
Priced from $73,990 plus on-road prices – a $3790 value premium over the present range-topping HiLux Rogue – the brand new four-wheel drive variant brings what Toyota says is a “raft of mechanical and visible upgrades” to its best-selling Aussie mannequin.
It’s doubtless the final “particular version” HiLux to be supplied earlier than the present N80-series is changed someday within the subsequent 12-18 months and can arrive shortly earlier than the 48v mild-hybrid HiLux is launched in early 2024.
The GR Sport introduces probably the most highly effective diesel engine to but be supplied beneath the bonnet of a HiLux, with the prevailing 2.8-litre four-cylinder unit retuned to ship a claimed 165kW/550Nm – or 15kW/50Nm greater than its by-product. A six-speed computerized transmission is the one choice accessible.
The Toyota HiLux GR Sport will rival the likes of Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak X with 154kW/500Nm from a twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel ‘4’ (from $75,990 +ORC) and considerably extra highly effective and V6 turbo-diesel-powered Volkswagen Amarok with 184kW/600Nm (additionally from $75,990 +ORC).
Driving on the identical wide-track platform because the HiLux Rogue, the GR Sport presents an analogous 15mm improve in trip peak, a frontal observe improve of 135mm and rear observe improve of 155mm.
Modifications to the suspension association embody a “totally different” entrance coil and rear leaf tune to the Rogue, in addition to KYB-sourced monotube dampers that includes a bigger diameter piston. Additional, the elimination of the rear sway bar “promotes larger axle articulation and floor contact over uneven surfaces”, Toyota says.
As with the HiLux Rogue, the GR Sport options four-wheel disc brakes with four-piston calipers up entrance. The calipers are completed in pink for “an additional visible impact”. The HiLux GR Sport additional consists of 265/65 Bridgestone Dueler A/T rubber on Dakar-style 17-inch alloys (a one-inch discount from the Rogue).
A bespoke blackened grille with T-O-Y-O-T-A lettering, a redesigned entrance bumper cowl that improved the mannequin’s strategy angle, new fog mild bezels and a silver-coloured decrease moulding that sits above a “uniquely developed” bash plate are additionally distinctive to the GR Sport variant.
Elsewhere, we discover outsized fender extensions in black with aero ducts up entrance, whereas between the arches, the top-shelf HiLux options powder-coated heavy-duty rock rails to assist shield the sills from affect – even when the automobile is absolutely loaded.
On the rear, the toughened ‘Lux is characterised by pink restoration factors and a blackened rear bumper. Just like the Rogue beneath it, the GR Sport additionally arrives as commonplace with a pre-installed towbar, towball and trailer wiring harness.
Open the driving force’s door and the GR Sport reveals a sportier cabin than the Rogue, together with a rally-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel with transmission paddle shifts, pink 12 o’clock marker and GR emblem.
GR logos are additionally discovered on the entrance seats, that are uniquely upholstered in a mixture of leather-based and suede, matched with gray sew work and pink seatbelts. Different inclusions are aluminium pedals, Technical Mesh dashboard ornamentation, and the nine-speaker JBL-sourced audio system additionally discovered within the HiLux Rouge.
Toyota is ready to supply the HiLux GR Sport from September with a alternative of 5 physique colors: Glacier White, Frosted White, Beautiful Silver, Eclipse Black and Feverish Purple. Glacier White and Feverish Purple hues are supplied optionally with a black-painted roof.
“With enter from Australian engineers and designers and complete enhancements in and out, the HiLux GR Sport makes Australia’s favorite ute much more interesting,” mentioned Toyota Australia vp of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.
“Australians love highly effective and succesful pick-ups, and the HiLux GR Sport actually delivers on that transient.”
