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A next-generation Toyota HiLux GR Sport flagship is anticipated to affix the Japanese model’s new ute vary sooner or later, and it’s prone to reintroduce a wider wheel observe for improved journey and dealing with – as on the earlier model.
At a preview occasion for the new-generation HiLux, Toyota Australia chief designer Nicolas Hogios all however confirmed the wide-track GR Sport would ultimately be launched.
“That’s, I assume, sooner or later,” Mr Hogios advised Australian media in response to a query concerning a wide-track HiLux.
“However yeah, we’ll get to that – for the time being, there’s sufficient information right here with this one,” he stated, referring to the not too long ago unveiled HiLux lineup.
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Above: Digital renders courtesy of Theottle
Whereas the Toyota design boss stated providing solely narrow-track HiLux variants from launch was a “large departure” from the model’s earlier providing, he hinted there was extra to come back.
“It will possibly solely get higher from right here. So, we’re always evolving our product.”
These digital renderings by artist Theottle present an concept of what the new-generation HiLux GR Sport might seem like.
Nevertheless, whereas acknowledging the Gazoo Racing (GR) model was a serious a part of the model’s portfolio, Toyota Australia vp of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations Sean Hanley wasn’t as forthright when requested instantly whether or not a brand new HiLux GR Sport was coming.
“Not at this level,” Mr Hanley advised Australian media, together with CarExpert.
“However you by no means know what can occur. GR is a vital a part of our model lineup.”
Within the earlier HiLux vary, Toyota utilized a wider observe to the range-topping GR Sport, in addition to the Rogue and Rugged X – however the latter two variants now make use of the identical normal wheel observe as decrease grades.
All of which suggests the GR Sport stands out as the solely – or not less than one of many few – HiLux variants to ultimately get the broader chassis once more, bettering on-road dynamics and providing a harder stance.
Homeowners of the earlier HiLux GR Sport have been handled to 135mm and 155mm wider wheel tracks back and front, respectively, together with KYB monotube shock absorbers and a 15mm improve to journey top.
The final HiLux GR Sport was additionally fitted with the identical 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as different higher-grade fashions – however with a slight bump in outputs to 165kW of energy and 550Nm of torque.
Whether or not that would be the case for the subsequent GR Sport stays to be seen, however the brand new HiLux flagship nearly definitely received’t match the 292kW/583Nm outputs of Ford’s hardcore Ranger Raptor, which accounts for as much as 15 per cent of all Ranger gross sales.
That stated, at $74,310 earlier than on-road prices, the previous HiLux GR Sport was lots cheaper than the $90,000-plus Ranger Raptor, and extra reasonably priced than even the Ranger Wildtrak.
MORE: Please go to the ToyotaHiLux showroom
