The Toyota Hilux is one of the legends of the Dakar Rally and a past outright winner of the world’s toughest race. The success TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has achieved in this extreme competition has inspired the creation of the Hilux GR SPORT, the new pinnacle of the Hilux pick-up range.
The Hilux GR SPORT is designed to capture the attention of customers whose active lifestyles go well beyond the everyday, giving them an ideal vehicle for adventurous journeys and sporting pursuits. Toyota has introduced dedicated suspension enhancements to deliver an even more rewarding driving experience, with increased control, responsiveness and grip feel. A series of exclusive exterior and interior design features reinforce the vehicle’s appeal.
The GR SPORT also benefits from the significant advances already introduced in the new Hilux, delivering the best driving experience yet. Its world-famous “go anywhere” off-road capabilities have reached new s, aided by an automatic limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control. At the same time, exemplary handling and comfort in on-road driving has been secured with suspension upgrades and noise and vibration countermeasures.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s driver and multiple World Cross-Country Rally champion and 3-times Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah comments on new Hilux GR SPORT “The Toyota Hilux has a legendary reputation for toughness and reliability. This is true not only for our race car, but also for the production models, including the GR SPORT. This new model, which was inspired by our iconic Dakar race cars, brings new levels of driving experience both on-road and when going off-road. It truly encapsulates the spirit of our race cars, bringing a part of Dakar to buyers all over the world.”
Re-tuned suspension
The key feature in the upgraded suspension system is the introduction of new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs.
The monotube design creates a larger piston area to give better damping performance, with faster response and better heat dissipation. It also helps maintain the performance quality of the oil inside the unit when driving in tough conditions.
The front coil springs have been stiffened and both these and the new shocks are painted red to make a stand-out statement of the Hilux GR SPORT’s special character. These changes are in addition to suspension upgrades previously introduced for new Hilux, including retuned rear leaf springs and new bushes. The result is confidence-inspiring reliability in demanding driving conditions
Compared to the standard Hilux, these changes deliver significant improvements in handling characteristics, including steering effort and steering angle response, straight-line performance, a flat ride and reassuring roll and rear grip feel.
The new set-up also contributes significantly to ride comfort, with fast response to high-frequency vibrations and increased damping capability to control body movement and eliminate shock.
Uncompromised performance
The GR SPORT is powered by Hilux’s powerful 2.8-litre engine, introduced to the range in 2020. Delivering 204 DIN hp / 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, it is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Exclusively a Double Cab version, the GR SPORT maintains the Hilux’s impressive load-carrying capabilities that are among the best in its class: it can take a payload of one tonne and tow braked trailers up to 3.5 tonnes.
GR SPORT styling
Styling treatments inside and out that emphasise the Hilux GR SPORT’s special character.
The black front grille has a dedicated G-pattern mesh and gains a prominent central horizontal bar with the TOYOTA name classically rendered, in place of the brand emblem. This heritage-inspired touch references the badging on the fourth generation Hilux of the early 1980s. The powerful frontal design is amplified by new, larger front fog light surrounds. The 17-inch alloy wheels have a contrast black and machined finish and are fitted with all-terrain tyres. The black theme is carried through in the door mirror casings, side steps, over-fenders and tailgate handle. This throws the bright red of the new shocks and springs into sharp contrast. Discreet GR SPORT badging is also featured.
In the cabin there are new sports front seats in a combination of black leather and synthetic suede with red perforations and contrast stitching. The GR SPORT branding is featured on the seatbacks, carpet mats, starter button and the information display animation graphic. The driver can use paddle controls for manual shift selection and aluminium sports pedals are fitted. The look is enhanced with carbon fibre-style trim inserts, a red deco line across the width of the instrument panel and blue door panel illumination.
Equipment specifications are based on the High-grade Hilux and include LED headlights* and combination lamps, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, Downhill Assist Control and an automatic limited-slip differential.
The new Hilux GR SPORT will be arriving at retailers across Europe in summer 2022.
* LED headlights availability differs by country
