Toyota has announced the launch of the new HiLux GR Sport, a special edition of its popular pickup truck that features rally-inspired performance and style. The Hilux GR Sport is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and its motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, which has been dominating the Dakar Rally with the HiLux since 2019.
The HiLux GR Sport is not just a cosmetic upgrade but also a mechanical one. It boasts a more powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 221 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 10 percent over the standard HiLux. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned for sportier performance and paddle shifters for manual control.
The suspension system has also been upgraded with new monotube shock absorbers and stiffer coil springs that improve the handling and comfort of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport on and off the road. The rear sway bar has been removed to enhance the wheel articulation and off-road capability of the pickup truck. The HiLux GR Sport also features a wider wheel track (extended by 5.5 inches at the front and 6.1 inches at the rear) with redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle.
The HiLux GR Sport rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires that provide better grip on various surfaces. The braking system consists of four-piston front and one-piston rear calipers with red paint and large discs that offer more stopping power.
The exterior design of the HiLux GR Sport is inspired by the Dakar-winning HiLux, with a new front fascia that features a mesh grille with the Toyota name in bold letters, a large skid plate, and bigger air intakes. The body also sports black wheel-arch flares, rock rails, recovery points, a rear bumper, and a styling bar. The HiLux GR Sport is available in four colors: white, black, red, and gray, with optional two-tone paint schemes.
The interior of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport is also enhanced with Gazoo Racing elements, such as a GR-branded steering wheel with a red center stripe, new front sports seats with leather-accented and suede trim with gray stitching, red seat belts, aluminum pedals, Technical Mesh dashboard inlays, a GR Sport gear selector, and all-weather floor mats. The cabin also features a JBL sound system, navigation, heated seats front and rear, LED headlights, smart entry, dual-zone air conditioning, and downhill assist control.
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport is expected to go on sale in Australia in September 2023, starting at $73,990 plus on-road costs. It will be limited to 1,000 units for the Australian market. The HiLux GR Sport will also be available in other markets where the HiLux is sold, such as South Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The HiLux GR Sport is Toyota's latest addition to its growing lineup of Gazoo Racing models, which include the Toyota GR Yaris, the GR Supra, the GR Corolla, and the GR 86. These models showcase Toyota's commitment to delivering exciting and engaging driving experiences to its customers.
The HiLux GR Sport is also a testament to Toyota's success in motorsport, especially in the Dakar Rally, where it has won three times in the last five years with drivers Nasser Al-Attiyah and Giniel de Villiers. The Dakar Rally is one of the world's most challenging and prestigious off-road races, covering thousands of miles across harsh terrains such as deserts, mountains, and dunes.
The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport aims to bring some of that Dakar spirit to everyday drivers who want a pickup truck that can handle any adventure. With its rally-inspired performance and style, the HiLux GR Sport is a unique and exciting offering in the pickup truck segment.
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