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.