2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport flagship for Australia subsequent 12 months

Goodbye Toyota HiLux Rugged X, hey Toyota HiLux GR Sport.

Toyota Australia has introduced its new “hardcore halo” HiLux variant to be launched within the second half of 2023 will tackle the worldwide ‘GR Sport’ identify.

In a sparse three-paragraph press launch, Toyota’s native arm described the HiLux GR Sport as its “off-road targeted” range-topping ute, however provided exactly zero extra intel.

After we reached out to the corporate, a spokesperson merely stated it was “too early to verify any additional particulars” – significantly the diploma to which Australian engineering could be concerned.

We’re anticipating the worldwide provide chain to be in higher well being this time subsequent 12 months, so there’s an opportunity the corporate is ready to safe larger inventory of donor automobiles.

The now-defunct Toyota HiLux Rugged X range-topper, which the GR Sport will change, got here bristling with 4×4 equipment examined and fitted in Australia after donor HiLuxes rolled off the boats.

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The brand new Aussie-market Toyota HiLux GR Sport will prime the native vary, alongside the updated HiLux Rogue that was revealed in July this year and is anticipated to reach by the top of 2022.

This new Rogue will itself get rejigged suspension and brakes, and a meaner physique package providing a more durable stance.

Toyota makes use of the HiLux GR Sport nomenclature elsewhere, including on this model in South Africa which has a physique package and comes with a 15kW and 50Nm energy and torque bump from its acquainted 2.8-litre diesel engine.

Toyota additionally sells HiLux GR Sport variants in the European market, in addition to in the Thai and Japanese markets – with extra particulars on each of those fashions accessible on the hyperlinks.

What we all know to date

Toyota Australia stated in July 2022 that it might axe the HiLux Rugged X flagship mannequin and change it with a brand new “apex off-road variant” – clearly with one eye on Ford’s hot-selling new Ranger Raptor which launched with 4000 pre-orders and counting.

It’s anticipated however not confirmed that the HiLux halo will likely be designed and modified by Toyota Australia at its Melbourne Product Centre – as with the aforementioned upgraded Rogue spinoff.

Since their arrival in 2018, HiLux Rogue and HiLux Rugged X have amassed greater than 17,000 gross sales, giving TMC Australia some license to develop its native skunkworks operation.

In earlier correspondence from July, TMC Australia stated:

“In an extra improve to the HiLux vary, Toyota plans to launch a brand new apex off-road variant, changing the HiLux Rugged X. Particulars, together with launch timing, will likely be introduced sooner or later.”

It appears like the data drip-feed is simply considerably completed…

The outgoing HiLux Rugged X was completed in Australia after arriving from the Thai plant: bringing factory-backed add-ons reminiscent of a metal bullbar, bash plating, rock rails, bed-mounted sports activities bars, heavy restoration factors, new entrance springs, an LED gentle bar, and a snorkel.

With out having a lot in the best way of official element, the wording from Toyota Australia round plans for the now-named GR Sport suggests it could go additional with its mods this time– presumably veering into extra specialised off-road suspension, higher brakes, and doubtlessly extra energy.

However it might be one thing of a shock to see Toyota investing in a correct efficiency powerplant just like the Ranger Raptor’s turbocharged petrol six, because the Ford was designed for international markets fairly than as an Australia-specific mannequin, which clearly impacts enterprise instances primarily based on quantity.

If we go into full pipedream mode, we are able to check with the March 2017 Toyota HiLux Tonka idea created by Toyota Australia, which obtained a six-inch elevate, 35-inch tyres, an influence bulge, 6mm bash plating, new heavy-duty suspension and the like.

Australia has a peculiar need for modified pickups, and automobile manufacturers hate to lose that market to the aftermarket totally – although Ford has discovered a center floor with its ARB tie-up.

In addition to the Toyota HiLux localisation scheme, different examples embrace the Nissan Navara Warrior re-engineering program in Melbourne by Premcar, and Volkswagen Australia’s fruitful association with Walkinshaw round re-engineered Amaroks – one set to flourish with the new model too.

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