Six things you need to know about the Toyota Hilux GR Sport

BMW has its iconic M division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG and Toyota has Gazoo Racing. Gazoo Racing represents the brand’s unified motorsport arm which is a known for competing in various global motorsport disciplines such as the World Endurance Challenge (WEC), World Rally Championship (WRC), NASCAR, off-road racing (Dakar) and more. To celebrate Toyota’s participation in Dakar,  the Japanese manufacturer adorned its Hilux with the GR Sport badge.

Here are a few facts about the Hilux GR Sport that you need to know:

• The GR Sport is the second tier in the GR product line-up, it encompasses suspension upgrades and cosmetic enhancements, keyless entry, as well as keyless start functionality.

• The Hilux GR Sport features a host of cosmetic additions such as the variety of decals alluding to its sporty credentials, a black bonnet, more dominant front grille, black rims and a few Gazoo Racing badges as well as Gazoo Racing running boards.

• Inside the treatment continues with GR logos embossed on the black leather headrests, red facia inserts instead of gloss black as found on other models and red stitching on the seats. A special plaque also features on the centre console which indicates the build number of the specific GR Sport Hilux, of which only 600 units are being produced, the test unit was number 0012.

• Other niceties inside include a revised infotainment system that offers sat-nav, Bluetooth and mirror link. The interface has been programmed to feature red graphics, matching with the other red details on the inside and contrasting against the white dials. The Hilux does not have the most refined interior but it is well built and feels solid.

• Under the bonnet, the Hilux GR Sport features the brand’s now tried and tested 2.8 GD-6 turbo-diesel which produce 130 kW/ 450 N.m. Customers can expect the GR to be offered with only an automatic gearbox although I prefer the manual transmission found in other derivatives.

• No performance enhancements have been made to the engine but the vehicle’s suspension has been upgraded with bespoke Gazoo Racing suspension. The shock absorbers have been replaced with a monotube design and revised damping configuration. They now have increased front spring rates to offer a sportier ride without sacrificing comfort, although the rear leaf-spring rates have been left unaltered to maintain the vehicles existing payload capacity.

The Toyota Hilux GR Sport is by no means a Ford Raptor competitor and should not be considered as such. It is, however, a slightly enhanced Hilux and still something special. I’ll be honest, although I don’t like the decals, I do appreciate the suspension upgrades. As mentioned I prefer the six-speed manual gearbox but the six-speed automatic offers an enjoyable drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic. What I’m really happy about is the fact that Toyota is starting to turn up the heat on its products. The Yaris GRMN remains one of my favourite cars, as does the new Toyota Supra GR. Toyota has finally recognized a demand for exciting products and the Hilux GR Sport is the start of something which could see a more menacing derivative of Hilux coming soon.

Price:

Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR Sport 6AT – R 707 400