Tardy TRD HiLux

A paperwork snafu is the reason Toyota Racing Development's hot Hilux has only just reached the Australian market. The second model for the fledgling Toyota performance brand, the TRD HiLux was ready for release six months ago, but the company had to submit new paperwork to the Department of Transport and Regional Services.

In the development process it was assumed (incorrectly!) that since the new model's supercharged engine was based on the naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre DOHC V6, that it would be covered by the same certification. That was not the case.

Now that the TRD HiLux is here, Toyota has made it clear that the new model is not just a dual-cab 4x4 looking to capture a share of the sports/commercial market in which HSV's Maloo or the FPV utes dwell. In slotting the supercharged V6 into the engine bay of the HiLux SR5 and tweaking chassis and cosmetic features, Toyota has aimed to produce something like an offroad sports car with some commercial utility.

"Research found that there is a demand for a petrol-based, high-performance, 4x4 double-cab utility that is both a practical work-day vehicle and a recreational vehicle that is capable of going offroad and towing," said David Buttner, Senior Executive Director, Sales & Marketing at Toyota Australia.

"The bottom line message is that TRD HiLux is a performance recreational 4x4 truck which doesn't compromise its working ability, and couples that with quality, durability and reliability intrinsic to the Toyota and HiLux brands."

Available in two grades, the 4000S and 4000SL, the TRD HiLux is based on the standard SR5 with naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre V6.

Both levels of trim come with a supercharged version of the V6, fed by an Eaton M90 charger, aiding the powerplant in achieving 225kW of power at 5400rpm and 453Nm of torque at 3400rpm. The Eaton M90 is the not the same four-lobe supercharger already fitted to the TRD Aurion (more here) but rather a three-lobe unit.

Despite the enhanced output from the forced-induction engine, the TRD HiLux still returns a figure of 12.9L/100km -- the same as the figure for the standard V6 SR5 -- in combined cycle testing.

Developing the supercharger application, Toyota's local engineers worked alongside counterparts in America and the American agents for Eaton superchargers. In the US, the supercharger application will be sold as an aftermarket kit for the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma LCVs.

The standard transmission is Toyota A750F five-speed automatic transmission, driving through a part-time 4WD system (with automatic disconnecting front differential for the 4000SL).

Toyota has introduced the special HiLux as the second phase of the company's plan to familiarise the buying public with the TRD brand.

As well as the high-performance engine, the TRD HiLux -- rebuilt from the SR5 specification by Prodrive -- features Bilstein dampers, upgraded brakes, re-tuned suspension, ROH 17 x 7.5-inch alloys and 265/65 R17 Bridgestone Dueller AT D694 tyres. These combine with extensive changes to the exterior appearance and the interior's comfort and convenience features.

Priced at $59,990, the base 4000S features wheelarch flares, black TRD sports bar, black TRD mesh radiator grille, sports front bumper, side steps with TRD logo, body-coloured rear bumper, blacked-out B-pillars, multi-reflector headlights, grade-specific side tape graphics, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking and DataDot security.

In the cabin, the 4000S is fitted with tonneau hooks, vinyl floor covering, cloth seat trim, dual front airbags, air conditioning, leather-trimmed sports gear-shift lever, cruise control, MP3-compatible CD audio system, coloured-coordinated leather-bound steering wheel, silver instrument binnacle bezel and TRD-branded rubber floormats.

The TRD HiLux 4000SL is priced from $64,990 and adds the following features to the 4000S specification: leather seat trim, carpet floor covering, TRD-branded carpet floormats, six-disc in-dash CD audio system and premium instrumentation. For the higher grade model, Toyota has dropped the tonneau hooks from the specification.

Metallic paint, priced at $300, is the only option for the two grades.

Look out for our launch review of the TRD Hilux soon.

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