SPY PICS: New HiLux from every angle

Less than two days before the official covers come off in Sydney and Bangkok at 6:00pm AEST this Thursday (May 21), Toyota HiLux enthusiast website Hiluxrevothailand.com has revealed the replacement for Australia's top-selling ute from almost every angle.

The smoother, less rugged looking generation-eight HiLux has been spied completely undisguised before, but not up this close, with this level of detail and in right-hand drive.

Due on sale Down Under around October, the all-new 2016 HiLux – to be known as the HiLux 'Revo' in Thailand, where it will be built – pictured here is a top-shelf, Thai-spec 4x4 dual-cab with a beige leather interior.

Key additional interior technologies revealed here include push-button starting, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate-control and rear air-conditioning outlets, while navigation, phone and audio functions of the large floating tablet-style central LCD touch-screen seen can also be seen in more detail.

The new HiLux has been snapped undergoing development testing numerous times, the most recent occasion suggesting an autonomous emergency braking system will be among its list of new driver aids.

Outside, the images show the next HiLux's new signature LED daytime running lights 'eyebrows', its backswept headlights with 'HiLux' logos and its heavily chromed grille in detail, while '2.8' badges confirm the popular workhorse will switch from a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel to a new 2.8-litre oiler.

As we've reported, the downsized diesel engine will produce 132kW of power and 450Nm of torque with a new six-speed automatic transmission – a combination that will also be seen in the upgraded MY16 Prado due here in August -- and 132kW/420Nm in six-speed manual form.

The new HiLux will also be produced with a smaller 2.4-litre diesel engine outputting 112kW/343Nm in five-speed manual form or 125kW/400Nm with the new six-speed auto, but it's unclear whether it will be available here.

So far there is no news on the current model's 4.0-litre petrol V6 carrying over to the new model, but entry versions should be powered by a 127kW 2.7-litre petrol four with six-speed manual and auto gearboxes.

Currently in run-out, the existing HiLux remains one of Australia's most popular vehicles outright, but its successor will face stiff competition from Ford's face-lifted Ranger, Mazda's similarly upgraded BT-50, the new Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan's new Navara, all of which will beat it on sale.

As we revealed in February, it will form the basis of the new Fortuner – an all-new seven-seat off-road SUV that will follow the HiLux on sale in Australia for the first time early next year.

This week's world debut will involve the exterior reveal of a high-spec dual-cab flagship such as this one and we don't expect Toyota to confirm any interior or technical details of its vital new HiLux.