Toyota’s new ‘tough truck’, the TRD Hilux is set to hit the streets. Toyota Australia’s TRD division has transformed Australia’s most popular ute into a performance-enhanced vehicle, a concept quite at odds with its more humble origins.
Buyers of the new TRD HiLux will be getting the keys to a truck with supercharged performance, Bilstein sports suspension, a sophisticated ride, 17-inch alloy wheels and beefier brakes. Toyota are touting it as a combination of practicality and performance.
“It offers scintillating performance and dramatic styling while still being able to carry a full load and perform a hard day’s work,” said Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner
The TRD HiLux is based on the double-cab 4×4 version of the standard HiLux, which is the third best-selling vehicle range in Australia.
It is fitted with a 4.0-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine complete with an intercooled Eaton supercharger, which boosts maximum power by 28.5 per cent to 225kW and peak torque by 20.4 per cent to 453Nm. As a result, the TRD HiLux is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Remarkably, given the Hilux’s hefty kerb weight and brick-like aerodynamics, the supercharged TRD HiLux returns official fuel-economy figures comparable with the standard HiLux at just 12.9 litres per 100km.
According to Toyota, the TRD Hilux is aimed squarely at men aged 30 to 39 who are actively seeking performance vehicles. Toyota dealers have indicated that there is a latent demand for a performance truck to be added to the Toyota line-up.
“Dealers have told us for some time there is a latent demand for a performance truck from Toyota. TRD HiLux will be the tradie’s choice; it will also be the prestige choice of owner-operators and business proprietors.”
The TRD HiLux has no real competition in the Australian market, and certainly nothing in the way of a supercharged competitor, so it will be interesting to see how buyers take to the idea of a 4WD performance vehicle.
In much the same way as the similarly TRD fettled Aurion, the TRD HiLux will be available in two variants, the 4000S and 4000SL.
Both variants come standard with twin front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and DataDot security.
Handling is improved with specially calibrated monotube Bilstein shock absorbers and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres. The brakes have also come in for an upgrade and now feature larger front rotors and calipers. Cosmetically, the TRD HiLux is separated from its lesser brethren with a unique body kit, sports bar and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.
“Drivers will notice a more compliant ride and flatter, more controlled cornering in a wide range of load and surface conditions. TRD HiLux has also improved the off-road capabilities with a wider departure angle due to the new TRD rear bumper,” said Mr Buttner.
TRD HiLux 4000S is priced at $59,990* and the 4000SL at $64,990*. The only option is metallic paint at $300.
*Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
Press release and specifications PDF
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Another ridiculous vehicle. Soon to be owned by morons with “mine is bigger than yours” mentality. Can’t wait until I get cut off by one, I can see it now. Why can’t they make vehicles more efficient rather than just more power!?!?
The problem is not power but fuel consumption and bulldozer-sized trucks. These are not vehicle for city/urban use and should be banned along with 4WD’s (as opposed to AWD like subarus :P)
They are vehicles for tradies… which its marketed for… and need these ‘trucks’ to work. Maybe get out of your bubble Adam if you think they aernt needed!
Sorry TP, a toyota TRD Hilux ISN’T needed for any tradie. What’s wrong with a conventional Hilux?
I agree with Adam, in fact I think there should be a massive hike in stamp duty for cars like this. They are wasteful, polluting and are likely to increase accident rates. I’m sick to death of the SUV mentality that too many aussies are taking on. It’ll just be another “Prado” type wanker that buys them!
I gotta say that I am not impressed with the toyota 2008 hi lux pick up. Its a disappointment specially when driving it. the feel is somehow heavy and I am not happy with the suspension. On highway driving, the suspension can’t handle if the car turns on a high speed unlike the old version of the hi lux.
Poor Adam and Andre
Are you guys serious. Do you really think that a four wheel drive vehicle takes up more road space than your Falcons, Holdens and other FAMILY sized cars. If it is the height that concerns you both, then, by your reasoning, every 4WD, delivery van, people mover, truck and bus should be kicked off the road to suit your tiny brained mentality.
Apart from the TRD Hilux’s hefty price tag that attracts luxury car tax, the main surprise for me is the Brakes on this tradesman Ute with sporting aspirations.
While the front brakes were upgraded, the rears remained unchanged, and with 453Nm of Torque, a drum brake rear end is questionable.
Graham, I’m really glad you don’t have any kids that you should worry about their future in a polluted and green house world. Besides that they are more likely to cause fatalities in even of crash and they attract d1ckheads who as andre said will cut people off and cause more roadrage and I hate bloody prado drivers too!
These comments need to be honed and communicated directly to your audience in the TRADIE Magazine.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-TRADIE-Magazine/44725822176
John,Its a truck you moron.
Drive any of them Hilux,Navara,Rodeo they all feel heavy to drive and have stiff suspension.
I have a Hilux extra cab and considering i have owned a lot of cars including a few performance cars i rate it one of the best cars/trucks what ever you want to call it)Ive ever owned and driven.
And why would you want a Hilux to turn on a high speed,are you one of those wankers that drives like a lunatic on the road,its a ute and like all utes it will be light in the arse end so allow for it and drive sensibly.
Question: What if you live in a city but enjoy off-road recreation or participate in 4WD shows around the country how do you drive to these places? Also does that mean rural residence can say that sedans/hatchbacks don’t belong in the countryside? Wake up to yourself you whining shits.
I drive a Jap import and 90% of the cars that cut me off range from crappy little hatch backs up to commodores/falcons not 4WD’s so stop bitching about them because they are bigger then yours you sad little people.
Lastly newer 4WD’s are more environmentally friendly then most of the older cars on the road today.