Toyota announces the new Hilux GR SPORT with 204 hp

Toyota Hilux is one of the legends from Dakar Rally and is the previous winner of the world's most challenging rally. The success TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has achieved in this extreme competition has inspired the development of the Hilux GR SPORT, the new top model in the Hilux series.

The new Toyota Hilux GR SPORT is created for customers with an active hyper lifestyle with particularly demanding weekdays and will be an ideal car for eventful travel and sporting development. Toyota has improved the suspension to achieve better driving characteristics with improved control, response, and traction. In addition, several exclusive design details in the exterior and interior enhance the car's glamour.

To achieve the best driving experience to date, Toyota Hilux GR SPORT comes with all the significant improvements that have already been introduced in the new Hilux. The world-famous "Toyota takes you everywhere" reaches new heights with the help of an automatic LS differential and active traction control. At the same time, a superior driving experience and high comfort are ensured while driving on the road with upgraded suspension and further damping of noise and vibrations.

Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, the winner of several Rally World Championships, and triple winner of Dakar Rally, Nasser Al-Attiyah, comments on the new Toyota Hilux GR SPORT: "Toyota Hilux has a legendary reputation for toughness and reliability. This applies to the version we drive in the rally and the mass-produced cars, including GR SPORT. The new Toyota Hilux GR SPORT, which is inspired by our iconic Dakar Rally racing cars, provides an even better driving experience both on and off the road. It brings with it the core values ​​of our racing cars and gives a bit of the Dakar feel to customers worldwide."

The key to the new suspension system is the introduction of new shock absorbers and springs at the front. Shock absorbers with a monotube design have a larger piston diameter, providing better damping, faster response, and better heat dissipation. They also ensure that the quality of the oil in the damper retains its good properties when driving in harsh conditions.

The front coil springs are stiffer, and both these and the new dampers are painted in red to indicate that they are designed to fit the Toyota Hilux GR SPORT's unique character. These improvements are in addition to the upgrades already introduced in the new Hilux, including finely-tuned rear leaf springs with new support bearings. The result is driving characteristics you can rely on when road and driving conditions become extra harsh.

Compared to the standard Hilux, these changes significantly improve driving characteristics, including steering feel, steering response, and going straight ahead with a less heeling and better grip on the rear wheels. The new layout also contributes to far better driving comfort with a fast response to high-frequency vibrations and improved damping properties that control body movements and eliminate shocks.

GR SPORT is equipped with the powerful 2.8 liters Hilux engine introduced in 2020. The Hilux's engine develops 204 hp and delivers a torque of 500 Nm. It is set up with a six-speed automatic transmission. Exclusive to the Double Cab version, the GR SPORT Hilux's impressive capabilities are among the best in its class: It can be driven with a payload of 1 ton and tow a trailer with brakes up to 3.5 tonnes.

The black grille on the front has its own G-pattern and is equipped with the letters TOYOTA classic instead of the brand logo. This detail is taken from the 4th generation Hilux in the early '80s. The powerful front design is enhanced with new, larger frames around the fog lights. The 17-inch aluminum rims have a machined finish with black lacquered contrast and are equipped with terrain tires. The black color is taken further in the mirror housings, steps, screen arches, and load hatch handle. This is in sharp contrast to the clear red color of the new shock absorbers and springs.

There are new sports seats in the passenger compartment in the front with a combination of black leather and synthetic suede with red perforations and contrast stitching. The Toyota Hilux GR SPORT marking is also found on the backseats, carpets, start button, and the animated graphics on the information display. The driver can use the levers behind the steering wheel for manual gear changes, and the pedals are in perforated aluminum. In addition, the design has further fiber-style recesses, a red decorative line in the width of the instrument panel, and blue-colored light in the door panels.

The equipment specifications have been expanded from Invincible equipment grade and include now: LED lights, combination lights, keyless central locking, start button, air conditioning with two zones, descent control, and automatic LS differential.

The new Toyota Hilux GR SPORT will hit dealers in summer 2022.