New Toyota Hilux in (selected) detail
After months of spy shots and speculation about engine specs, Toyota finally unveiled its brand-new Hilux in Thailand yesterday with local sales set to commence early next year.
Drawing styling cues from its US-market Tacoma cousin, complete with the fitment of LED daytime-running lights on some models, the all-new Hilux is claimed to offer improved levels of refinement and upgraded ride quality without compromising on off-road ability.
Under the skin, these changes includes a longer wheelbase, an all-new frame, longer rear leaf springs and retuned shocks, as well as double wishbone front suspension with thicker front stabiliser bars.
Inside, the interior has been completely redesigned with a tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system taking pride of place on the centre console while a LCD display now sits between the speedo and tachometer on the instrument cluster. Also new is the fitment of rear passenger ventilation controls on double cab models with rear legroom claimed to have increased by 35 mm.
On four-wheel drive models, the outdated “second gear lever” low range transfer box makes way for a push button system while in a segment first, models fitted with the new six-speed manual gearbox feature an engine rev-matching system known as Intelligent Manual Transmission or i-MT.
As previously indicated, the newcomer sees the current Hilux’s 2.5 and 3.0 D4-D diesel engines dropped in favour of two brand-new four cylinder units displacing 2.4-and 2.8-litres, connected to either the manual box, which in the former’s case still has five speeds, or a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Motive power for the former is rated at 110 kW and 343 N.m of torque, which rises to 400 N.m when fitted with the self-shifter, while the range topper produces 130 kW and 420 N.m, the latter figure rising to 450 N.m when specified with the auto option.
Petrol engines are expected to be revised versions of the current 2.7-litre four cylinder and 4.0-litre V6 with the former said to produce 122 kW, and the latter 207 kW. Neither’s torque ratings were released although it is expected that both will make use of the six-speed boxes.
More details regarding spec and pricing will be released closer to launch but expect body styles to mimic those of the current Hilux.
IMAGES sourced from www.quickpic.co.za
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