TRD HiLux: High Performance Utility

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/Apr/2008

Sydney, Australia — The second model in Toyota Australia's TRD range has been launched - the TRD HiLux.

There are two models in the TRD HiLux range, the 4000S priced at $59,990 and the 4000SL at $64,990, and the TRD is spruiking the new model as a 'tough truck'.

Toyota's HiLux is Australia's highest selling ute, and TRD has gone to work on the vehicle, tuning the chassis and adding a supercharger to the 4.0-litre V6.

Its quad-cam V6 petrol engine is fitted with an intercooled Eaton supercharger explains TRD, which boosts maximum power to 225 kilowatts.

Torque of 453Nm us significantly more than the standard V6 HiLux, which is rated at 376Nm.

According to the new performance vehicle group, TRD says the HiLux will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, says the TRD HiLux combines the best of both worlds: sports car performance and real-world practicality.

"TRD HiLux is the ultimate active ute. It offers scintillating performance and dramatic styling while still being able to carry a full load and perform a hard day's work," said Buttner.

While power and torque have been hiked, the TRD is still fairly efficient, returning fuel-economy "comparable with the standard HiLux" says TRD, at just 12.9 litres per 100km.

Mr Buttner said the target market for the new TRD HiLux was men aged 30 to 39 who were actively seeking performance vehicles.

"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."

While stability control and side curtain airbags are not available, the performance vehicle is AWD and features twin front airbags, ABS, air conditioning and cruise control.

It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres for on- and off-road performance specially calibrated monotube Bilstein shock absorbers that are said to deliver a much sportier drive.

"Drivers will notice a more compliant ride and flatter, more controlled cornering in a wide range of load and surface conditions," said Mr Buttner.

"TRD HiLux has also improved the off-road capabilities with a wider departure angle due to the new TRD rear bumper."

Along with more powerful brakes, the TRD HiLux gets new styling, with a TRD body kit, sports bar plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.

The new HiLux is the second model in the TRD range after the TRD Aurion which hit the scene in August 2007, and you can find a road test of the TRD Aurion at this point.

Related articles:
- TRD Aurion (Road Test)
- Toyota Corolla (Road Test)
- Toyota Landcruiser (2008)