Toyota: Hilux GR Sport brings Dakar everyday life
WHOLE KERL The Toyota Hilux is one of the Dakar legends and the current leader of the toughest rally in the world. The success of Toyota Gazoo Racing was the inspiration to now put the Hilux GR Sport on wheels.
The appearance of the Hilux GR Sport will strongly appeal to those customers whose active lifestyles take them far beyond everyday life into adventure and sports-oriented areas. Toyota has made special upgrades to the suspension for this purpose. These provide an even more intense driving experience, with better control, agility and more feeling for the grip of the wheels.
Significant improvements to the chassis
Exclusive exterior and interior design elements make the appearance more striking. The GR Sport also features improvements recently introduced on the new Hilux that significantly enhance the pickup's driving experience.
The renowned all-rounder off-road characteristics have reached a new level, supported by an automatic limited slip differential and active torque distribution. At the same time, suspension upgrades and better noise and vibration isolations provide exemplary handling and comfort characteristics on the road.
Well-known reputation for robustness and reliability
The three-time Dakar winner, current rally leader and multiple cross-country rally champion raves about the new off-roader.
Nasser Al-Attiyah: "The Hilux has a legendary reputation for robustness and reliability. This applies not only to our racing version, but also to the production models, including the GR Sport. This new model, inspired by our Dakar racers, brings a new level of driving experience both on and off-road. It captures the essence of our race vehicles - a piece of Dakar for customers around the world."
Monotube shock absorbers and new front springs
The main feature of the improved suspension is the introduction of new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs. The front coil springs are more rigidly tuned and, like the new dampers, are painted red to emphasize the special GR character.
Compared to the regular Hilux, these changes result in much improved handling, easier steering response, better straight-line stability, less body movement and more feel for rear wheel grip.
Diesel with 230 hp and torque of 600 Nm
The GR Hilux is powered by the 2.8-liter diesel engine introduced in the model series in 2020. Its 230 hp and 600 Nm are sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic.
Built exclusively as a double cab version, the GR Sport retains the Hilux's best-in-class load capacity, carrying a one-ton payload and towing braked trailers weighing up to 3.5 tons. With the maximum payload, the Hilux comes to a total towing weight of 7.0 tons with a matching trailer.
Memory of the model of the early 80s
The interior and exterior styling elements emphasize the GR Sport's special status. The black front grille features a special G-pattern mesh grille and carries a distinctive crossbar with the classic Toyota lettering in place of the logo.
This traditional element is reminiscent of the fourth-generation Hilux of the early 1980s. The front design is enhanced by the new, larger fog lamp surrounds. The 17-inch aluminum wheels feature a contrast of black paint and bright finish.
Striking carbon accents and red decor line
The interior is upgraded with new front sport seats in black leather and Alcantara with red perforations and contrast stitching. The GR Sport emblem appears on seat backs, carpet mats, starter button and in the animation of the display.
Gearshift paddles let you change gears by hand, and your feet step onto aluminum sports pedals. Carbon look accents, a red decorative line across the entire dashboard and blue instrument lighting also characterize the interior.
Equipment is based on the top version and includes LED headlights and taillights, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, hill descent control and an automatic limited slip differential.
The Hilux GR Sport will arrive at Toyota dealers in Switzerland in summer 2022. Prices have not yet been set.
