There are few
challenges left for Toyota’s mighty Hilux, a car that has toughed it out in the
world’s most extreme environments for decades and which only last year made
history by conquering the Arctic to become the first car to drive to the
Magnetic North Pole. If those achievements alone didn’t leave the competition
reeling, they are about to suffer another high-powered blow.
The
Commercial Vehicle Show marks the debut of a new Hilux version that is set to
become the most powerful production pick-up model on the UK market. With
numbers limited to just 500 units, it also promises to be one of the most
sought-after, too.
It
is equipped with the 3.0-litre D-4D engine that already features in the Hilux
Invincible, but thanks to a Toyota Motorsport diesel engine performance kit,
maximum output is increased to a massive 194bhp (197 DIN hp). This slashes the
nought to 62mph acceleration time from 13.0 to 10.5 seconds (11.4 seconds for
automatic versions).
There
is an even greater hike in torque performance, with a maximum 430Nm (up from
343Nm) sustained all the way from 1,600 to 3,200rpm.
Hilux
is styled to reflect its pre-eminent position in the pick-up market, with
dedicated 15-inch alloy wheels and stainless steel mesh grille. The cabin is finished in a special two-tone grey leather, with heated front seats.
Following
its debut at the CV Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on
15th of April 2008, the new range-topping Hilux will go on sale in the UK in
the summer. Prices and full specification details will be announced nearer the
on sale date.
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