HILUX GR-SPORT ARRIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA – WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

The Toyota Hilux range has become even more appealing with the soon to be launched new flagship Hilux variant, the all-terrain performance GR Sport (expected to enter local showrooms from March 2024).
So what can we expect from the new Hilux GR-S III? Is it just another sticker package? Or are we getting the GR-S that is currently being sold in Australia? I am seriously hoping for the latter.

Let’s assume that the new Hilux GR-S III is the Australian version, we can expect loads of exciting things from this model. Firstly up is the redesigned front, making it look much more beefy. From the outside of the front where the redesigned wheel arches integrates with the bumper, air ducts was added. Additionally, the GR-S grill is slightly upgraded for a more “Tacoma look”, with bold Toyota lettering. It also includes the radar and front camera for the 360° camera and full LED headlights wrapping around to nose of the vehicle.

265/65R17 693 Bridgestone Duelers sits on Black 17” wheels, although the models shown at Toyota’s State of the Motor Industry was fitted with BF Goodrich KO2’s. Suspension in front and rear is new – a different front coil and rear leaf spring tuning further differentiates the GR Sport, and it is equipped with KYB monotube shock absorbers featuring a larger piston diameter.
The removal of the rear sway bar also promotes greater axle articulation and ground contact over uneven surfaces. The new suspension increases the front wheel track by about 135mm and rear tracks by around 155mm, giving it a wider stance than the current GR-S.

Disc brakes on all four corners help greatly to improve stopping power, with 338mm x 28mm four-piston fixed callipers at the front and 312mm x 18mm single-piston floating callipers at the rear, finished in red for an extra visual effect.
In terms of off-roading equipment the Hilux GR-S have underbody protections in the front with recover/ tie down points. In the rear there are actual rated recovery points. On the side there are proper rock sliders than will protect the vehicle when going off road.

So in conclusion, if we are getting the Aussie spec GR-S here in SA it won’t be just a sticker package. The changes will improve the vehicle in some aspects. Yes, we would have loved to see a beefier motor under the bonnet… maybe just have it also available in the 4.0 V6? I doubt we will see a more powerful GR-S in the current generation Hilux, with only a year or so to go before the next generation is set to be launched. In the next generation we will probably see a GR-S very capable of competing with the Ford Raptor.