Toyota has unveiled a new version of its top-rung Gazoo Racing-branded Hilux, taking the performance pickup to new heights.
The new arrival once again draws on the brand’s heritage as a multiple winner of the Dakar Rally, while building on the current Hilux GR Sport launched in 2022.
Open for orders in the first half of 2024, the new GR Sport II double cab teams up best-in-class towing (3,500kg) and payload (1,000kg) with beefed-up styling and handling.
Key changes include a wider track compared to the standard model and dedicated suspension and braking systems – making it the best-driving Hilux yet, on and off-road.
The GR Sport II also gets significant improvements in handling characteristics, including a reduced roll angle and more precise steering response.
Offroad capabilities have also been bolstered, with an increase in the approach angle from 29 to 30 degrees and higher ground clearance, achieved by raising the ride height by 20mm combined with the wider front and rear tracks.
The front end also uses a new “air curtain” structure said to improve dynamics and introducing a new bumper and fog lamp bezel designs, plus an aero-styled sport bar and deck cover.
The 2.8-litre turbo diesel is carried over, delivering 204hp with 500Nm, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Bolder design features include red coil springs and coloured dampers – black at the front and red at the rear, plus black overfenders. The GR Sport II also gains new lighter, 17-inch black alloy wheels with red brake callipers and a black G-mesh front grille with retro Toyota branding, complemented by black side steps, mirrors, door handles, sport bar and rear bumper. A silver front under-run and distinctive GR Sport badging also feature.
The cabin gets a black monochrome theme with red seatbelts, paddle shifts and aluminium pedals to spotlight the GR Sport’s motorsport influence. Sports seats are covered in black synthetic suede and leather with silver stitching and perforations and there are new-look door trims while the GR logo is peppered across the interior.
Onboard tech includes the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, accessed via an eight-inch touchscreen display and with smartphone integration – wired for Android Auto and wireless for Apple CarPlay.
The multimedia package includes access to cloud-based journey navigation, providing real-time traffic event information and backed up by an embedded navigation system when no data connection to the cloud is available.
Over-the-air updates will enable latest multimedia, navigation and Toyota Safety Sense features without the need for a dealer visit.
Customer deliveries start in the second half of 2024. Prices are yet to be announced.
