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Toyota has at last revealed a HiLux that would be crowned Australia's most powerful four-cylinder diesel dual-cab ute, pulling the covers off a HiLux GR-S in South Africa that would shade arch rival the Ford Ranger Raptor.
The new outputs would give Toyota bragging rights over the current-gen Ranger, as well as models like the Mitsubishi Triton, GWM Ute, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max and the LDV T60.
While HiLux's engine hasn't changed, local publication Iol Motoring says the new GR-S model has been tuned up to produce more power and torque, with 165kW and 550Nm on offer from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel power plant – which would be enough to give Toyota four-cylinder bragging rights in Australia. That said, it would still be beaten by the VW Amarok, which fires out 200kW and 580Nm, but is powered by a V6 diesel.
“Its power outputs of 165kW and 550Nm of torque is the one feature that really stands out. More power is exactly what the customers want,” says Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, told The Citizen.
Toyota here is yet to confirm the GR Sport/GR-S models for our line-up, despite several iterations being revealed for international launch.
Toyota Australia says it's "excited" about the many GR Sport branded HiLux models that have been revealed around the world, but says it has nothing to announce about when a hardcore HiLux might make its way to Australia.
But this South African version – revealed as part of a sneak peek in that market's State of the Motor Industry event this week – is the one we really want, being the first to offer a power upgrade along with the cosmetic tweaks.
While details, apart from the engine specifics, are yet to be revealed, local publications also point to suspension modifications being included, with the brand targeting a sportier drive experience.
In Thailand, for example, the new HiLux GR Sport dials up the performance and responsiveness, with a focus both on on-road performance and on adventure. Toyota fitted new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs, promising the "dedicated suspension enhancements deliver an even more rewarding driving experience, with increased control, responsiveness and grip feel."
"The monotube design creates a larger piston area to give better damping performance, with faster response and better heat dissipation. It also helps maintain the performance quality of the oil inside the unit when driving in tough conditions," the brand said.
Style features include a new-look front bumper, a sports bar and blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels.
Will it come to Australia? Watch this space.
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