If you are a Toyota fan, you surely have heard of the TRD/ Toyota Racing Development. TRD is actually an evolution of Toyota’s motorsports division, founded as Toyota Sports Corner (TOSCO) in the 1960s. TRD package has been offered for off-roading for pickup trucks and SUVs.
Meanwhile, the TRD name also appeared on some sedans like Corolla, Camry, and Avalon and basically was more of aesthetic updates to appear sportier and minor suspension upgrades. Recently, Toyota introduced a new division known as Toyota GR, which stands for Toyota Gazoo Racing. GR is responsible for high-end performance vehicles from the factory based on regular models. We can say GR is the same as M is to BMW and AMG to Mercedes.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport
Regarding mid-size pickup trucks, models from Toyota Hilux / Tacoma / Revo can’t be left out. The reliability and durability are well known. The current 8th generation of the pickup arrived in 2015 and is offered in multiple global markets, including Pakistan.
Depending on markets, the current model got some visual and minor technical upgrades under facelift again. Last year in January, Toyota announced a Hilux GR Sport version for Europe powered by the famous turbodiesel 1GD-FTV. The European model got some fancy sporty appearance package and minor suspension tweaks, but there was nothing as far as performance. The GR Sport version was also released in Thailand and the Philippines last year, but again it carried visual updates inside and out.
GR Sport in Australia
Now Toyota has released HILUX GR SPORT for the Australian market. The model is developed by Toyota Australian 4WD vehicle division with the technical expertise of engineers from Latin America, Thailand, and Japan. Unlike the GR SPORT model from other markets already available in Europe, Thailand, Philippines, the Australian model gets extensive technical and performance upgrades besides the exterior and interior makeover.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Exterior
As per Toyota, the model gets a Dakar rally-inspired sport exterior. A redesigned front bumper with a blacked-out grill with TOYOTA lettering and a newly designed aluminum skid plate gives the front a more aggressive & masculine look. The model gets blacked-out side view mirrors, door handles, and new 17″ alloy wheels & rock rails.
The emblems are blacked out on the rear, and there are red recovery points. The bed gets a black satin liner with GR scripted on it. As Per Toyota, the modified exterior panels have been developed and tested in wind tunnels for aerodynamic efficiency.
Well, the most noticeable is the new satin black fender extensions, which are much wider than any other GR SPORT version outside Australia, and there is a reason for that. The Australia model has a wider track on the front and rear than any other Hilux model. The front is widened by 5.5″ while the back is by 6.1″ comparing the standard model.
Suspension
Additionally, the entire suspension system has been updated with monotube shock absorbers with higher damping force and heat dissipation. There are new stiffer coils, while the front-to-rear suspension balance has also been revised with the recalibration of the steering system. These upgrades will result in more agile and improved driving dynamics on and off the road without compromising ride comfort.
Interior
On the interior, nothing much is different besides GR logos pasted on the seat headrests & steering wheel. There are red seat belts while leather and suede combination seats. Rest the interior is similar to any other Hilux with a similar dashboard, gauge cluster, and infotainment screens.
This version of Hilux GR SPORT will be exclusively offered in the Australian market as of now. This will be the flagship version of the current generation Hilux, while the lifecycle of the current model will possibly wrap up by the end of this year/2023.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Power
Under the hood, the GR Sport gets the same Turbodiesel 1GD-FTV available in other markets, but the fuel injection and turbo system are revised. This increases power to 221hp @3000 while torque jumps to 550nm@2800. This is an increase of approx. 20hp and 50nm. These engine performance figures make this version of Hilux, the most powerful diesel model from the factory. As per Toyota, the retuning of the transmission and suspension engine provides an overall improvement in handling & acceleration.
