Toyota Australia has presented a range of new production and concept vehicles with the headliner being the HiLux Revo BEV Concept. The concept was part of a showcase that saw Toyota present a number of new vehicles due to arrive in Australia over the next 12 months including the all-new LandCruiser Prado, hybrid C-HR, fully electric bZ4X, upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series, two new HiLux variants, and the RHD full-sized pick-up Tundra.
While the HiLux BEV remains a concept, customers will soon be able to purchase or lease Toyota’s first production BEV when the new bZ4X arrives in Australia in early 2024. This will be the first of three production battery-electric vehicles the company says are due in Australia over the next three years.
Shown for the first time in Australia, the HiLux Revo BEV Concept hints at the future of the HiLux in all-electric guise.
The concept is an urban-focused two-wheel drive pick-up designed for short-range use and is in Australia, the company says, to take part in testing and evaluation to help further the development of alternative powertrain technologies.
Electrification was also evident in the display of a production HiLux and pre-production version of the all-new LandCruiser Prado, both fitted with 48-Volt Technology.
The 48-Volt Technology is combined with the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission and comprises an additional 48-Volt battery, small electric motor-generator and other components to help reduce fuel consumption. Both vehicles are due to launch in Australia in 2024 and the pre-production Prado prototype is being used for testing.
Another vehicle on display was the full-size hybrid Tundra pick-up. The Tundra is a full-size dual cab pickup featuring a hybrid 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that generates 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque. 300 Tundras will be converted to right-hand-drive locally by Toyota partner Walkinshaw Automotive Group and leased to selected potential customers for a real-world evaluation and validation program.
The upgraded 70 Series features updated styling and the new option of a 2.8-litre diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission – the first time this combination has been offered on the 70 Series range. Also featured was the production HiLux GR Sport, the new flagship of the HiLux range.
“The vehicles displayed at our showcase include a diverse range of electrified vehicle technologies, showing Toyota’s commitment to leaving no motorist behind,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations.
“Whether it’s battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric, or hybrid-electric, Toyota is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of powertrain options on the journey towards carbon reduction.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2023)
13 September 2023
