Toyota readies turbodiesel Hilux update
The car-maker is reportedly developing a new diesel V6 for the much-rumoured GR Hilux, Nile Bijoux reports.
Toyota is working on a new turbocharged V6 diesel engine for the forthcoming Land Cruiser refresh, and rumour has it that it will appear in the high-performance GR Hilux as well.
That’s according to Cars Guide, which reports that output will ‘‘exceed the 200kW and 650Nm on offer from the current V8 diesel in the LandCruiser 200 Series’’.
Not only does that handily outclass the current Hilux’s 130kW/450Nm but it will also beat the 157kW/500Nm Ford Ranger Raptor.
The report comes a few weeks after Toyota trademarked the GR Hilux name in Australia, hinting at an upcoming debut for the performance ute.
We already know that any Toyota vehicle given the ‘‘GR’’ prefix will come with ‘‘noticeable’’ performance upgrades, which aren’t restricted to the powertrain alone. That means we should expect a proper Raptor competitor on- and off-road, as opposed to just a more powerful Hilux.
Toyota has previously indicated that a GR Hilux could be based on the brand’s Dakar racer.
We could see the hi-po ute quite soon too, as Toyota is apparently readying an update for its tradie workhorse. It should be quite a good one, consisting of a design facelift, new technology and some improvements to the mechanicals for the cooking models.
There’s no word on what the design changes will resemble but the new tech should include infotainment upgrades including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota already offers its Safety Sense package across the Hilux range as standard so there could be additional improvements on that front, too.
As for under the hood, no figures were given. But motoring.com.au says a ‘‘modest’’ power increase can be expected, bumping output above the current 130kW/450Nm (automatic) and 130kW/420Nm (manual).
A fix for the engine’s problematic diesel particulate filter will almost certainly be a part of the new engine package.
No dates were offered either. It shouldn’t be far away, given a new generation of Hilux has been linked to a 2023 debut. The new model may merge the platforms of the Hilux and Tacoma, which could allow the larger pick-up to be sold locally.