Reports of a performance-focused Toyota GR
HiLux continue to heat up in Australia with claims the Ford Ranger Raptor rival
could receive a powerful new turbodiesel engine. Shortly after it was revealed
that the new LandCruiser 300 Series coming in 2021 will launch with a
turbodiesel V6 engine, Cars Guide is speculating that this same engine could
find its way into a range-topping HiLux variant.
Specifics about the engine remain limited
but it is expected to match or exceed the 268 hp and 650 Nm of
torque provided by the diesel V8 of the outgoing LandCruiser 200. If a GR HiLux
model were to receive this engine, the pickup would have significantly more
grunt than the 174 hp and 450 Nm offered up by the HiLux’s current
2.8-liter diesel. In addition, the new turbodiesel V6 in question would give
the GR HiLux an advantage over the Ford Ranger Raptor with its 210 hp and 500 Nm.
It’s important to point out that this
remains pure speculation at the moment. However, it could happen as developing
a new turbodiesel V6 for the LandCruiser and not offering it in other vehicles
wouldn’t make the most economical sense. This news comes roughly six weeks
after the Japanese automaker filed to trademark the name ‘GR HiLux’ in
Australia.
