The sporty Toyota Hilux
TRD Sportivo may rule the roost in the ASEAN region, but Latin America has now
gone one better with the introduction of the GR Sport variant at the Sao Paulo
International Motor Show. This marks the first application of the Gazoo Racing
moniker on a pick-up truck, and is also the first time a Gazoo Racing product
has been developed and marketed in the continent.
Built in Zárate, Argentina, the Hilux GR Sport is
basically an appearance package applied to the range-topping SRX variant, plus
a couple of suspension tweaks designed to improve the truck’s high-speed
off-road running. These include stiffer front springs and the fitment of
monotube dampers, tailoring the damping curve to improve vehicle control and
increase driver confidence without sacrificing comfort or load capacity.
Toyota has added various aesthetic
flourishes, starting with Gazoo Racing’s trademark black, white and red colour
scheme. This extends to the striking triangular side graphics, which are
reminiscent of the brand’s racing vehicles and are meant to evoke the
motorsport arm’s Waku-Doki spirit.
There’s also a new honeycomb grille with the
“Toyota” script, a black bonnet and roof, matte black fender extensions, side
steps and GR badging on the front doors and the tailgate. Completing the look
are 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres.
Reminders of the Gazoo Racing brand can also be
found inside, such as on the starter button, carpets and embroidered headrests.
You’ll also spot the white instrument illumination and a numbered plaque aft of
the gearlever to mark the uprated truck’s exclusivity. Power comes from the
usual 2.8 litre 1GD-FTV turbodiesel making 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque, paired
with a six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
