Toyota Gazoo Racing Latin America the fourth generation of the Hilux GR Sport (GR-S) that, strictly speaking, it is not a fourth generation, since they have all been produced on the same medium pick-up, but since its original launch in 2018, Toyota has already presented three revisions, the latter being the most global and the deepest of all.
The Hilux GR Sport exhibits a renewed rally-inspired design, as well as increased performance. And it is the brand that focused on fun so that it is a recreational truck with sports overtones, but maintaining the basic qualities of a traditional Hilux, such as robustness, durability and reliability.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport (GR-S IV): mechanical changes
The new Hilux GR-S was jointly developed by Toyota teams in Latin America, Australia, Thailand and Japan, and incorporates several mechanical innovations.
Maintaining its 5.3 m long and 3.0 m between the axles of the normal Hilux, the highlight is the increase in gauge on both trains. It grows 14 cm in front and 15.5 cm in back, thanks to a general redesign of the suspension elementswith longer grilles, a lighter and longer tubular stabilizer bar, new frame mounts and an all-new rear axle.
If we talk about the suspension, there is a new diagram made by Gazoo Racing, with exclusive monotube shocks with larger piston diameter (46mm) and coil springs with increased stiffness. At the front, the shock absorbers are mounted closer to the end, which improves mass control, while at the rear they are mounted outside the frame members, which improves control.
In addition, the Hilux GR-S has an extra 20 mm of ground clearance (323 mm free), and better approach angles, both in attack (30°) and departure (24°) and ventral (30°). These new angles, added to greater clearance, give it substantially greater capabilities.
The last not least mechanical modification is the elimination of the rear drum brakes and their replacement by discs on all four wheels.
What does not change in its mechanics is the engine, keeping the 1GD-FTV engine, a 2.8 Turbodiesel of 201 Hp and 369 Lb-ft. of torque. This block is exclusively associated with a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel levers and a 4WD drive system with gearbox.
Regarding the design, air intakes were incorporated in different points of the front and a fully functional sport spoiler bar was added, which helps prevent air turbulence by improving aerodynamics and fuel economy.
Other cosmetic changes are brake calipers red with the GR-S emblem, new widened fenders, redesigned fenders and new lower bumpers, as well as a front grill with TOYOTA inscription, exclusive to the GR versions.
Toyota says Gazoo Racing added LED headlights, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels Exclusive GR design, cargo cover canvas, black foot sills and black roof.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport (GR-S IV): Cockpit
In the cabin stand out the sports seats with combination of natural and ecological leather in addition to perforated Alcantara-style material with red details.
The upholstery of the ceiling and posts in black color create a sportier environment, where the hallmarks of the GAZOO Racing brand. These are found on the key, the identification plate with the unit number, the headrests, the aluminum pedal board and the exclusive carpet covers for this model.
Regarding equipment, The Hilux GR-S includes a JBL sound system with eight speakers plus subwoofer, 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto wireless connection, dual-zone climate control, multifunction steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors, smart entry system and electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
In terms of security, it has the Toyota Safety Shields package, including adaptive cruise control, frontal pre-collision systeml (emergency warning and braking) and lane change alert, in addition to 7 airbags, isofix anchors, hill assist, traction and stability controls and 360° camera, among others.
Would you like to see this version of Toyota Hilux in Mexico?
