There’s no arguing that the current-gen Toyota Hilux is a bit long in the tooth. It has received several substantial upgrades and facelifts throughout its lifespan, but the bones of the eighth-gen Hilux and its 1GR 2.8-litre engine have essentially been traversing mountains and deserts since 2015.
However, it’s entirely unfair to say the GR Sport is a ‘sticker pack’ aimed at keeping the Japanese brand relevant until the new-gen arrives.
That this vehicle is bred from racing stock – inspired by the 2019 Dakar-winning GR Hilux piloted by Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel – proves that Toyota was serious about positioning a new flagship variant atop its line-up.
For starters, Toyota engineers have squeezed an extra 15kW and 50Nm from the 2.8-litre engine by dialling into the ECU and tweaking the turbocharger characteristics and fuel injection control. This
