Toyota’s new flagship HiLux variant, the GR Sport, has arrived in Australia.
Available from $73,990 (plus on road costs), the GR Sport is more than just a series of visual upgrades. Performance enhancements start with an increase in maximum outputs for the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, with a 10 per cent increase in power and torque to produce 165kW/550Nm. Toyota says the six-speed automatic transmission has also been recalibrated to optimise the GR Sport’s increased engine outputs.
GR Sport gains the same track width increase as the HiLux Rogue, growing by 135mm at the front and 155mm at the rear, along with a 15mm increase in ride height compared with the core HiLux range.
The GR Sport’s suspension is augmented with the fitment of special KYB monotube shock absorbers tuned specifically for the vehicle, as well as the removal of the rear stabiliser bar providing increased suspension travel.
265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres are wrapped around unique gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels.
The GR Sport delivers a 3,500kg braked towing capacity and has towbar with towball and seven-pin trailer wiring harness.
To support off-road capability, the GR Sport is fitted with a Dakar-inspired front skid plate, steel rock rails and a pair of red-painted rear recovery points.
The upgraded parts support a series of visual upgrades starting with a unique blacked-out front grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering and wide-track front bumper with a silver lower moulding.
New dark grey overfenders help house the increased wheel track, while there’s also black badging, door handles and exterior mirrors. The four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are painted in a red finish with GR logos.
Upgrades inside see seats upholstered in a blend of leather-accented and perforated suede trim, with silver accents for the perforated suede and grey stitching. Red seatbelts provide sporty accents.
The steering wheel features a leather-accented wrap with red centre mark, GR logo and paddle shifters, with a unique visual treatment also applied to the shift lever.
Aluminium pedals pair with the new ‘Technical Mesh’ trim applied to the dashboard and doors and there’s a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.
The GR Sport offers all the active safety technologies found on the HiLux Rogue.
The HiLux GR Sport will be offered with Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky (Stunning Silver from late 2023), Eclipse Black and Feverish Red finishes, with Glacier White, Frosted White and Feverish Red able to be paired with a two-tone black roof.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (October 2023)
18 October 2023
