Whereas efficiency pick-up vehicles may be a comparatively unusual idea, they’ll generate fairly a following and never eager to miss out on the enjoyable, Toyota has unveiled the brand new Hilux GR Sport II.
Whenever you consider the comparatively new Gazoo Racing model you’ll little question have photographs of the GR86, GR Yaris and present technology Toyota Supra, however the Hilux pick-up presumably deserves to have a GR-developed variant as a lot as its performance-focused siblings due to its latest success within the Dakar Rally.
Again in 2022 we noticed the primary model of the Hilux GR Sport and that mannequin has now been revamped in and out. Gross sales on the brand new GR Sport II are on account of start in early 2024.
Solely provided within the double-cab bodystyle, the GR Sport II options light-weight 17-inch alloy wheels, a black entrance grille with a bespoke mesh insert, extra black detailing on the aspect steps, mirrors and door handles, plus the entrance bumper has been reshaped. There’s additionally a retro ‘Toyota’ script throughout the grille, GR Sport badges and a silver underguard.
Inside it’s rather less vibrant than the outgoing Hilux GR Sport. Gone is the pink trim piece that stretches throughout the sprint and the pink stitching on the seats, armrests and handbrake has been turned to silver. There are nonetheless pink seat belts, GR-branded seats and aluminium pedals, nonetheless.
A brand new eight-inch touchscreen sits in the midst of the sprint, dropping the bodily shortcut buttons that sat on both aspect of the show. The infotainment system options real-time updates to site visitors occasions and built-in sat-nav. There’s additionally Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wi-fi connectivity.
The powertrain of the Hilux GR Sport II stays unchanged. It’s a 2.8-litre diesel with 201bhp and 500Nm of torque with energy going via a six-speed automated transmission. In 2022, Toyota Mild Industrial Automobiles supervisor Gareth Matthews defined why the Hilux GR Sport didn’t get a extra highly effective engine: “UK prospects aren’t complaining that the [201bhp] 2.8-litre diesel is underpowered. The GR Sport has the appears to be like that prospects need whereas nonetheless having the proper payload weight.”
Whereas the Hilux GR Sport II doesn’t have practically as a lot energy because the 284bhp Ford Ranger Raptor, it does get a number of chassis tweaks to make it ‘the best-driving Hilux but’ based on Toyota.
There’s a 20mm raised experience peak and wider entrance and rear tracks – 140mm and 150mm respectively. Toyota claims the brand new entrance finish improves aerodynamics and to make it smoother off-road there are new dampers. All-terrain tyres and bigger entrance discs and rear discs changing the rear drums additionally support efficiency over rougher terrain.
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