TRD Hilux: Toyota Melds Performance & Practicality

Motoring Channel Staff - 18/October/2007

Sydney, Australia — The big ticket item at Toyota's exhibit at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show was the new 2008 LandCruiser. But an equally interesting vehicle that seemed to slip through the cracks was another Australian design - the TRD Hilux.

Shown in its final 'pre-production' form, the new model is expected to appeal to Holden and Ford Ute buyers, who would normally opt for a V8.

The Hilux is one of Toyota's biggest sellers in Australia and so it was a logical choice to be the second TRD model after the Aurion. 

As the photo attests, the TRD Hilux gets a new look, which is most evident at the front of the car. The new look front apron features a greyed-out section with a larger aperture to allow more air into the engine bay for cooling purposes. 

Toyota says the styling cues for TRD HiLux reveal a family resemblance with the recently launched TRD Aurion, particularly around the grille. 

There's also TRD graphics to clearly differentiate it from existing Hilux vehicles which include an embossed TRD logo above the grille, a signature 'R' graphic on the mesh grille and TRD branding on the black sports bar and on the backing plate for the side steps. 

It also gets new alloy wheels with contrasting shades of chrome.

The second vehicle in the TRD line-up, following the August launch of the TRD Aurion, will be powered by a 4.0-litre V6. It differs from the standard engine however, and like the TRD Aurion it gains a supercharger to boost it's power output. Though the company is still being cagey with exact outputs, it says the blown V6 will deliver a 25% power boost over the current 175kW. 

Toyota has confirmed the boldly designed 4x4 double cab will deliver "well over" 400Nm of torque, so we're guessing about 450Nm which should give the 4x4 ute incredible straight line speed. A zero to 100km/h dash of around 6.0 seconds would not be out of the question.

Other features new to the TRD Hilux include enhancements to the suspension and brakes.

Toyota Australia's spokesman, David Buttner, said TRD Hilux would create an entirely new market segment: "TRD Hilux will stand alone as a sports-tough truck with a unique combination of sports performance and real-world practicality.

"Its supercharged engine, powerful styling and tough-truck attributes give it real credibility as a sports vehicle. Importantly, TRD has achieved performance and handling upgrades while maintaining the original vehicle's impressive off-road and workhorse abilities. TRD Hilux will swallow up work activities such as transporting tools, hauling a trailer and heading off the bitumen. At the same time, it will be ideal on weekends for the active family - carrying sports equipment and towing a boat."

Mr Buttner said TRD's mission was to offer customers integrated performance vehicles. "Just like TRD Aurion, new TRD Hilux is a balanced performance-enhanced package that will add even more excitement to the Toyota range in Australia," he said.

• TRD: The three letter acronym stands for Toyota Racing Development - the long-established umbrella for Toyota racing activities around the world. Toyota Style Australia was responsible for exterior and interior styling while TRD engineers took charge of mechanical specification. Local and overseas suppliers have worked to Toyota's rigorous global quality system.