FIRST-EVER TOYOTA HILUX GR SPORT ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA AS FLAGSHIP PERFORMANCE VARIANT

The Toyota HiLux range has become even more appealing to Aussie fans with the arrival of its new flagship variant, the all-terrain performance GR Sport which enters local showrooms priced from $73,990 plus on-road costs1.

The result of extensive development, including by Australian styling design and engineering evaluation teams, the HiLux GR Sport takes the desirability and capability of Australia’s favourite pick-up to new levels.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new HiLux variant would deliver a new level of excitement to the HiLux range.

“This is far more than a HiLux that looks the part,” Mr Hanley said.

“The extensive suspension, powertrain and underbody modifications give our new HiLux GR Sport the sort of performance credentials, that, along with its renowned towing and off-road capability, will appeal to recreational enthusiasts.

“The first-ever HiLux GR Sport’s enhanced capability and performance is a fantastic example of how our skilled engineers and designers can improve our excellent vehicles even further and we are extremely proud to have been involved in its development,” he said.

More than just a series of visual upgrades, the performance enhancements start with an increase in maximum outputs for the venerable 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, with a 10 per cent increase in power and torque to produce 165kW/550Nm.

The six-speed automatic transmission has also been recalibrated to optimise the GR Sport’s increased engine outputs.

GR Sport gains the same track width increase as the HiLux Rogue, growing by 135mm at the front and 155mm at the rear, along with a 15mm increase in ride height,2 compared with the core HiLux range.

The GR Sport’s suspension is augmented further with the fitment of special KYB monotube shock absorbers tuned specifically for the vehicle, as well as the removal of the rear stabiliser bar providing increased suspension travel.

The fitment of 265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres enhance the HiLux GR Sport’s on-road stance and off-road performance even further, and are wrapped around unique gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels.

The suspension upgrades have not compromised on the HiLux’s full 3,500kg braked towing capacity3, that is supported by the standard fitment of a genuine towbar with towball and seven-pin trailer wiring harness.

To support the off-road capability of the new flagship HiLux, the GR Sport is fitted with a Dakar-inspired front skid plate, steel rock rails and a pair of red-painted rear recovery points4, all developed locally by the TMCA conversions and accessory team.

The upgraded parts support a series of visual upgrades starting with a unique blacked-out front grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering and aerodynamically enhanced wide-track front bumper with a silver lower moulding.

New dark grey overfenders help house the increased wheel track, while black badging, door handles and exterior mirrors contribute to the GR Sport’s dynamic look.

The four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are also painted in a stylish red finish with GR logos to communicate the model’s performance intentions.

Upgrades continue inside the cabin with seats upholstered in a blend of leather-accented and perforated suede trim, with silver accents for the perforated suede and grey stitching. Red seatbelts provide sporty accents in line with the GR design theme.

The steering wheel features a leather-accented wrap with red centre mark, GR logo and paddle shifters, with a unique visual treatment also applied to the shift lever.

Aluminium pedals complement the new ‘Technical Mesh’ trim applied to the dashboard and doors, while the audio experience is improved with the fitment of a nine-speaker JBL®5 premium audio system.

The GR Sport offers all the active safety technologies found on the HiLux Rogue, and comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre Toyota Warranty Advantage6.

This is extended to seven years on engine and driveline6, with capped-price servicing for the first three years/60,000km (whichever comes first) and each 6-month/10,000km service costing $2908. 

The HiLux GR Sport will be offered with Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky (Stunning Silver from late 2023), Eclipse Black and Feverish Red finishes, with Glacier White, Frosted White and Feverish Red able to be paired with a two-tone black roof.9,10