Starting this summer, Toyota will sell the new version of the Hilux as a GR Sport version. The model is said to be inspired by the racing cars of the Dakar Rally.
The latest edition of the Dakar Rally is currently being held from the beginning of January. Toyota is also present with factory vehicles and is hoping for an overall win with four teams and the latest Hilux DKR. The current Rallye Hilux, a prototype with independent suspension and a mid-turbo V6 engine, has nothing to do with the series’ practical flatbed pickup, except for the name. But it’s always a good advertisement for a pickup truck. Toyota sees things that way too, and is now explicitly referencing the Dakar racers with the new Hilux top model.
New top Hilux
Accordingly, the new Hilux GR Sport also receives the Toyota Gazoo Racing logo – not only in the name, but also in the form of an emblem at the rear, front and in the cabin. From the outside, the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport is recognizable by its black grille with carbon-look center stripe and new fog light sockets in the apron. The special version has 17-inch wheels. The exterior mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle are finished in black instead of chrome, and side steps make getting in and out easier.
In terms of engine, the Hilux GR Sport comes with the most powerful diesel option. The 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 204 hp. and 500 Newton meters of torque, and in the Hilux GR Sport it is combined with a six-speed automatic. One change from the standard Hilux concerns the suspension: new red-painted shock absorbers have been installed on the front axle, designed to provide better handling on bumps and higher load capacity. The newly tuned front axle springs are stiffer than stock and are also painted red.
Black and red colors continue in the interior. The new sports seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, feature red contrast stitching, as do the handbrake lever bellows, center console, armrests and, last but not least, the leather steering wheel. Aluminum pedals. Gazoo Racing lettering can be found on the headrests, on the steering wheel, in the middle of the dashboard and even on the start button. A sweeping red trim line completes the GR’s look.
Hilux GR Sport launch and price
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport will be available in Europe from summer 2022. Toyota has yet to announce pricing, but it should be at least close to the current Hilux Invincible top model (currently €55,370.70 in Germany).
Conclusion
GR Sport is the new top model in the Hilux range. Although it shares motorsport ties with the Rallye Hilux, technically it only has a retuned front axle suspension. The rest of the equipment corresponds to the previous top model Invincible. Visually, the Hilux GR Sport uses a lot of black, enriched with red contrasts in the interior.
http://www.toyotaman.ru/en/4Runner/N120 – Information on self-repair of a Toyota 4Runner N120 car.
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