Toyota reveals life-sized HiLux Tonka truck

Toyota Australia may well have conceived the ultimate boy’s toy: a life-sized, HiLux-based Tonka truck.

Revealing the HiLux Tonka Concept in Sydney today, the Australian-designed and assembled project re-imagines the sandpit-crawling, backyard-conquering toy familiar with many Australian childhoods.

Building on the success of Australia’s best-selling new vehicle, the Toyota HiLux, the Tonka Concept also ratchets up the off-road capability of Toyota’s SR5 dual cab HiLux model.

“We have taken Tonka out of the sand pit and reinvented HiLux from top to bottom and from nose to tail,” Tonka Concept product design chief Nicolas Hogios said.

“Inspired by the Tonka trucks that kids play with in their backyards, the HiLux Tonka Concept goes way beyond the already hugely capable abilities of HiLux to traverse rocks and other rugged terrain,” he added.

Powered by a carry-over 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, the Tonka Concept tips the scales at a portly 2.4 tonnes – courtesy of additional off-road equipment over and above the standard 2.1-tonne SR5 HiLux.

Toyota has increased ride height by 150mm (six inches), and added a high-riding axle, heavy duty suspension and hefty 35-inch off-road tyres. A 6mm-thick bashplate protects the engine’s sump and other vital components, working in concert with tubular side rails.

Technically, the Tonka Concept stands alone with four-wheel disc brakes (regular HiLux has drum rears), an electronic park brake, wider front and rear tracks and enhanced ground clearance.

It features 4WD portal axle, courtesy of a hub-mounted reduction gearbox, along with heavy duty King Springs with adjustable remote reservoir shocks.

Visually, the bright “Sun Fusion” yellow Tonka stands out with a new front bar which, importantly for today’s safety standards, complies with the standard HiLux’s safety systems. The bonnet is clad in a carbon fibre skin and features a ‘power dome’ profile and air scoops.

The Tonka promises to offer excellent vision courtesy of LED light bars on the roof pod and via clusters of lights integrated into the front bumper.

Further back resides a new tailgate festooned in carbon-fibre, an integrated spoiler and two air vents for optimal air flow.

The vehicle’s added off-road amenity is reinforced by a removable tubular frame designed to keep diesel fuel cans and storage boxes in place. In case disaster strikes and the Tonka somehow becomes stuck, Toyota has fitted a fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and high-lift jack.

The Tonka Concept jointly commemorates Tonka’s 70th anniversary and Toyota’s 80th year as a corporation.

Sadly, according to Toyota, there is no plan for a production version.

“While the HiLux Tonka Concept is not destined for dealer showrooms, adults and kids alike will have the opportunity to share the dream as it tours 4WD shows, field days and expos around the country,” a release from the car maker says.

That said, elements of the Tonka Concept may soon be up for production vehicles in some capacity. Toyota used the unveiling to also confirm a new TRD package for its popular HiLux, encompassing 15 different components.

How it stacks up: Tonka versus regular HiLux SR5