Cars

Dakar-Inspired Toyota HiLux GR Sport Unveiled, Set to land in Australia in 2023

Somnath Chatterjee, 10 Jan 2023 | News

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For years, the most powerful avatar of the HiLux has eluded the Australian market, but that’s all about to change and more quickly than auto-fans may have expected. Toyota has officially revealed the 2023 HiLux GR Sports, a high-performance version of the ever-popular ute that delivers a Dakar-inspired experience for good measure. Best of all, the new flagship HiLux will be seen lurking in Australian showrooms from as early as this year’s end.

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Needless to say, the specifications are delectable with GAZOO Racing, Toyota’s performance division making some important changes to the powertrain as well as the suspension. The GR Sport has a beefier 2.8-litre engine which, along with the revised turbo-supercharging and fuel-injection control, delivers a 10 per cent increase in power to 165kW and 550Nm. But power isn’t everything, and the new Toyota HiLux GR Sport knows this well. The new ute also cops a more performance-centric approach, evidenced by the freshly tuned automatic gearbox which has been specially designed for a sportier driving experience, alongside an expanded lock-up area.

The new platform also means wider tracks – extended by 140mm at the front and 155mm at the rear – with redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle for better cornering. Dedicated monotube shock absorbers with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity, stiffer coil springs and an optimised front-rear suspension balance bring reduced roll angle and increase steering response.

Only available with a double-cab body style, the GR Sport considerably dials up the presence of the HiLux with the wider track, satin-black over-fenders, and a bigger ‘GR’ grille with increased cooling. The new model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres while the addition of a skid plate, rock rails and red rear recovery points ramp up its off-road cred further. Oh, and you can’t miss those red brake callipers too! Inside, it’s much sportier with red seatbelts, GR branding everywhere and sport pedals.

“HiLux GR Sport draws on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hardcore 4WD that will appeal to customers seeking the quintessential off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations said. “It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that’s reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling and even better grip on dirt roads. Thanks to the extensive involvement of our local designers and engineers, HiLux GR Sport is a fun-to-drive vehicle that will bring new capabilities and excitement to the adventure lifestyles of Australian customers.”

While there is no official word on the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport pricing in Australia just yet, we expect further announcements to be made in the coming months. Considering the brand is earmarking release for later this year, this certainly won’t be the last we hear of this enticing new vehicle. We can’t wait to get our hands on this one!

Check it out

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport Specs

Length (mm)	5320
Width (mm)	2020
Height (mm)	1880
Wheelbase (mm)	3085
Tracks Front (mm)	1675
Tracks Rear (mm)	1705
Approach Angle (degrees)	30
Departure Angle (degrees)	26
Engine Model Code	1GD-FTV (Hi)
No. of Cyls & Arrangement	4 cylinders, in-line
Valve Mechanism	DOHC 16-Valve
Bore x Stroke (mm)	92 x 103.6
Displacement (cm3)	2755
Fuel Type	Diesel
Max. Output	165 kW/3000 rpm
Max. Torque	550 Nm/2800 rpm
Brakes (Front)	Ventilated discs with 4-cylinder fixed calliper
Brakes (Back)	Ventilated discs with 1-cylinder floating calliper
Price:	TBA