Toyota revealed the powerful 2023 HiLux GR Sport in January, and the potent off-roader is expected to arrive in Australia for sale in the second half of the year.

The new halo variant of the HiLux range had plenty of development input from Toyota Australia engineers and will be the most powerful diesel HiLux ever offered by Toyota in Australia. Power and torque from the 2.8-litre diesel engine have been boosted by 10 per cent to 165kW and 550Nm, courtesy of revised turbo-supercharging and fuel-injection control.

Plenty of other features have been beefed up too, with sportier tuning for the automatic transmission, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, wider tracks – extended 140mm front and 155mm rear – with redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle.

Dedicated monotube shock absorbers with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity, stiffer coil springs and an optimal front-rear suspension balance are designed to deliver on handling, increased stability through reduced roll angle and top-notch steering response.

Available only in the double-cab body style, the HiLux GR Sport boasts a muscular, Dakar-inspired design including the signature GR grille mesh and Toyota lettering, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, plus a skid plate, rock rails, and rear recovery points.

Inside the black theme is set off with bright sports pedals and red seatbelts. GR branding is featured inside and out, including on the steering wheel, headrests, red brake callipers, exterior badges, and is embossed into the tub-liner.

“HiLux GR Sport draws on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hardcore 4WD that will appeal to customers seeking the quintessential off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations.

“It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that’s reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling and even better grip on dirt roads.”

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2023) 

13 February 2023