Toyota fans were delighted to get a chance to get up close to the new high performance Toyota Hilux GR Sport on show at the recent TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Festival.
The Hilux GR Sport, priced at $74,990, is yet to be on New Zealand’s roads, so a visit to the TGR Festival was a unique opportunity for Hilux fans to have a close look at the new halo Hilux model.
Toyota New Zealand’s Vice President of New Vehicles, Steve Prangnell, says the GR Festival is an annual event held by Toyota to celebrate the Toyota brand with our most ardent and loyal customers, and was a perfect opportunity to showcase Hilux GR Sport to this enthusiast group first before anyone else in New Zealand.
“Hilux has a legendary reputation for toughness and reliability. The Hilux GR Sport will reinforce the unbreakable bond Kiwis have with Hilux as a brand and a vehicle for all New Zealand. Hilux GR Sport will deliver new levels of driving experience both on and off-road by capturing the spirit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing,” Steve says.
The Hilux GR Sport will be sought after by those Hilux owners and potential owners who appreciate the Dakar Rally-inspired styling and performance enhancements to the powertrain, suspension, and brakes.
“We are committed to providing mobility for all kiwis by leaving no customer behind. Part of our leave no customer behind strategy is ensuring that enthusiasts, such as the GR fans, are still catered for in our product offering while we continue to develop low-emitting high-performance vehicles.
“From electrified vehicles such as hybrid electric cars and SUVs to highly functional utes and vans, Toyota is committed to reducing tailpipe carbon emissions by 46% by 2030 while still offering customers the vehicle of their choice,” says Steve.
Hilux GR Sport is likely to make up five percent of Hilux sales in 2023.
Performance
Benefiting from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s experience in motorsport, the new leader of the Hilux range builds on the renowned durability and rough-road performance of the core model with a tough Dakar Rally-inspired design, intuitive handling, and a powerful driving performance. Power and torque from the 2.8-litre engine have been boosted by 10% to 165kW and 550Nm, courtesy of a revised turbocharger and fuel-injection control.
Handling
The ute’s six-speed automatic transmission has been specifically tuned to take advantage of the increased power, resulting in faster shift operation. Paddle shifters have also been introduced. A wide-range of suspension improvements improve both the on-road and off-road handling. Monotube shock absorbers replace twin tube seen on other Hilux models, allowing for finer adjustment of the damping force proving better steering response and ride comfort.
Stopping power is also improved with the upgraded brakes from the SR5 Cruiser 4WD introduced, featuring larger 338mm discs on the front and rear drums being replaced by 338mm discs. The four brake callipers are painted red, and the GR logo is included on the front and rear callipers.
Interior
Inside, the GR Sport gets unique sports seats with silver perforated suede and leather accented material complemented by an embroidered GR headrest logo in the front and red seat belts. A GR leather steering wheel features the GR logo and the instrument meter is also updated for the GR Sport.
Exterior
Inspired by the Dakar Race Truck, the front lower bumper provides an enhanced approach angle for off-road performance. Unique over fenders are added to reduce aerodynamic drag while emphasising the off-road image of the vehicle.
The Hilux GR Sport sits on unique painted black 17” alloy wheels with All-Terrain tyres. It will be available in eight exterior colours, five mono-tone and three two-tone with an Eclipse coloured roof.
Toyota Driveaway Price
The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is priced at $74,990 driveway. The Toyota Drive-away price includes all on road costs: WOF, registration, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, a three year or 100,000 km warranty, and 1,000 kms of Road User Charges (RUC).
| Hilux GR Sport 2.8DT 6AT 4WD 4 Door 5 Seats | Option: Two tone paint with Eclipse Black roof | $74,990 |
