Ute boasts ‘TGR spirit’
Fans were able to get up close to the high-performance Hilux GR Sport at this year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival.
Steve Prangnell, Toyota NZ’s vice-president of new vehicles, says the annual event was a perfect opportunity to showcase the model before anyone else in New Zealand sees it.
“The Hilux has a reputation for toughness and reliability,” he adds. The GR Sport will deliver new levels of driving experience on and off-road by capturing the spirit of TGR.
“We’re committed to providing mobility for all Kiwis. Part of our ‘leave no customer behind’ strategy is ensuring enthusiasts, such as the GR fans, are still catered for while we continue to develop low-emitting high-performance vehicles.
“From electrified vehicles, such as hybrid electric cars and SUVs to functional utes and vans, Toyota is committed to reducing tailpipe carbon emissions by 46 per cent by 2030 while still offering customers the vehicles of their choice.”
Benefiting from TGR’s experience in motorsport, the new leader of the Hilux range builds on the durability and rough-road performance of the core model with a tough Dakar Rally-inspired design, intuitive handling and powerful driving performance.
Power and torque from the 2.8-litre engine have been boosted by 10 per cent to 165kW and 550Nm courtesy of a revised turbocharger and fuel-injection control.
The ute’s six-speed automatic transmission has been tuned to take advantage of the increased power, resulting in faster shift operation, while paddle shifters have been introduced.
A wide range of suspension improvements enhance handling. Monotube shock absorbers replace the twin tube version seen on other Hilux models, which allows for finer adjustment of the damping force, and provides better steering response and ride comfort.
Stopping power has been boosted with upgraded brakes from the SR5 Cruiser 4WD. These feature larger 338mm discs on the front and rear drums, and replace the 338mm discs. The four brake callipers are painted red, and the GR logo is included on the front and rear callipers.
Inside, the GR Sport gets unique sports seats with silver perforated suede and leather-accented material complemented by an embroidered GR headrest logo in the front and red seatbelts. The leather steering wheel also features the logo and the instrument meter has been updated.
Inspired by the Dakar Race Truck, the front lower bumper provides an enhanced approach angle for off-road performance. Unique over-fenders have been added to reduce drag while emphasising the vehicle’s off-road image.
The four-door ute sits on black 17-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres. It will be available in eight exterior colours, five mono-tone and three two-tone with an eclipse-coloured roof. The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is priced from $74,990 driveway.
