According to numerous sources including carsales.com.au, Toyota will be launching a more powerful version of the Hilux pickup truck in South Africa. It is scheduled to debut in the said country by May 2022.
The South Africa-spec Toyota Hilux GR Sport [Photo: Adventure Afrika]
This upcoming version of the truck model falls under the Gazoo Racing Toyota sub-brand. And as per the source, it will be sporting a 2.8-liter inline-4 turbodiesel that’s capable of producing up to 221 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque.
With regards to how exactly this engine can produce that amount of power and torque, nothing has been revealed just yet. If those output figures turn out to be true though, we can safely say that this version of the Hilux produces a fair bit more than the currently available Ford Ranger Raptor.
For those unaware, the current Ranger Raptor has held the crown of being the sportiest midsize pickup truck since its initial release in 2018. For the Philippine market, the Ranger Raptor uses a 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine that can churn out 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
Apart from the beef powertrain, the South Africa-spec Hilux GR Sport is also getting an upgraded suspension. We’re guessing that the sources are referring to more ride height compared to the regular version, maybe even some performance shocks and springs. But again, nothing was specified in the report.
Not much details are available for this upcoming Hilux GR Sport [Photo: Adventure Afrika]
As for looks, it is getting a lot of GR badges, a larger pair of fog light bezels, a GR sports bar for the bed, among others. Of note, rumors of a Toyota-made Ranger Raptor rival have been floating around the internet since 2019.
Since then, though, Toyota has already released several Toyota Hilux GR Sport versions around the globe. There’s one in the Philippines, one in Thailand, as well as in Europe. These however, make just as much power and torque as the regular 2.8-liter Hilux Conquest.
Like most articles where details are yet to be clarified, we urge those who are reading this to take the information about the beefy South African Hilux with a grain of salt. So, if you’re excited about this, let’s just wait for more details until its launch this coming May.
For more exciting car news, keep it here on Philkotse.
Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024
The Toyota Hilux 2024 is a midsize pickup offered in the local market as both fleet and regular units. Toyota Hilux Prices Philippines range from PHP 879,000 to PHP 2,166,000 with 13 variants, spanning from the basic cab & chassis 4x2 model to the range-topping GR Sport 4x4. It is also available in two turbodiesel engine options and four gearbox choices, accompanied by eight exterior colors. Dimensions start at 5,285mm in height, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm. Among the rivals to the Toyota Hilux in the market are the Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and the Isuzu D-Max.
This popular pickup continues to evolve and slowly move upmarket after gaining luxuries. The most significant revolutionary jump of the Hilux happened in 2004 when the seventh generation of the model was introduced. It was the first 21st-century iteration of Toyota's pickup. It is also the first generation to ride on Toyota’s new Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle architecture. It provided improved safety, better ride comfort, modern D-4D diesel engines, more interior space, and a more modern aerodynamic body.
The current 8th generation offers a more refined and stylish design than its predecessor, but the tradition of being a tough pickup continues. It received a much-awaited refresh in 2020.
₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000
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