Toyota officially unveiled he new generation Hilux during a special press event held simultaneously in Thailand and Australia, two of its most important markets. The new generation will continue the 47 years tradition of the Japanese pick-up with a more rigid frame and off-road capability. The new generation promises four powerplants (including two new high-torque turbo-diesel engines) and increased towing capacity up to 3.5 tonnes with payloads of up to 1240kg.
Toyota’s Australian engineers took global responsibility for developing the rugged suspension package.this will help the car offer improved off-road performance, better suppression of vibrations and improved roll stiffness in the harsh conditions of South Africa, Russia and South America. HiLux’s two newly developed GD-series four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engines are the 2.8 liter unit, with torque that has been increased by up to 25 per cent with a maximum of 450 Nm, available over an extended band from 1600 to 2400 rpm.
The second new engine, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder 2GD turbo-diesel has an available torque of up to 400 Nm from 1600 to 2000 rpm and maximum power of 110 kW at 3400 rpm. This will be the main engine used for 4×2 HiLux variants in Australia.
Eighth-generation HiLux has been styled with a tough and functional exterior, that includes 18-inch wheels on a body that is sleeker and more muscular, at 70 mm longer and 20 mm wider, with a slightly lower roofline. The range also includes 16 and 17-inch wheels.
Hilux also benefits from a larger fuel tank (80 litres), all-terrain tyres on many variants and available LED headlights and daytime running lamps.
