2008 TRD HiLux unveiled
February 1, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Toyota Australia has just shown-off the all-new TRD HiLux performance ute. Expected in selected TRD dealers in the second quarter of this year, the supercharged HiLux pumps out at least 225kW and more than 400Nm from its supercharged 4.0-litre V6 engine.
According to Toyota, the popularity of the ute in Queensland was the reason behind the preview of the latest TRD model, the HiLux is currently the best selling vehicle in the sunshine state.
Toyota was quick to point out that this is not just a standard ute with a turbocharger, the TRD HiLux also features upgraded suspension, brakes and styling for a total performance package.
The Japanese company says the new performance ute will be just as practical as it is sporty.
“TRD HiLux is a great workhorse vehicle during the week for transporting tools, hauling a trailer and coping with the roughest terrain. When the weekend arrives, its performance and handling can be used by the whole family – carting dirt bikes and other gear, or towing a boat.” Toyota regional manager Sean Hanley
The TRD HiLux joins its sedan brother the TRD Aurion to complete the current TRD line-up.
More info to follow…
Print it: 
TP, I have to admit that I don’t know about the drums. Someone here mentioned it a week ago and I took it as Gospel. I’ll happily be corrected.
TP you are still clinging to that “curtain-airbags” like it was a life preserver. You seem to keep forgetting that the BA/BF series was a big leap in 2002/03, and it is a very safe vehicle “structually” before the addition of ESP and 5000 airbags.
You keep comparing a 5/6 year old car to the latest (and in some cases, not even released) models despite the fact that Orion will launch early this year.
I would be very surprised if the “new” Orion does not have curtains on at least the upper-spec models.
Speaking of drum brakes, I had to go and look at my brothers 2000 Hilux, sure enough, the bum has drums. I was very surprised. I thought (well, not literally) only 2-star Barinas had a drum back end.
The only advantage I can think of is they make a better park brake .ie. hills, due to the much larger surface area.
Watto, I’m such a cynic on these matters. Would the reason be simply cost?
Thats just one thing Watto… the TRD is also more refined, many a review comparing the TRD to HSV/FPV (which it isnt pitched against) whinge at how it doesnt FEEL all that powerful, thats because unlike FPV/HSV its not meant to provide brute performance, much like the Liberty and Mazda 6 MPS it IS against, its about refined performance.
Hey TP, I just came back from the Brisbane Motor show and I sat in a one and it does have drum brakes.
Also, it ain’t full time AWD as I think I saw somewhere on this site.
To me it feels like a normal Hilux with leather seats in side.
Hey OZ…………do you ever check your PMs?
Geez babe!
That’s funny TP, because I didn’t refute the refinement of any particular car. I was disagreeing with “your” constantly sledging the Typhoon for not having curtain airbags when it is an old car, comparatively speaking.
I know what you are getting at there, some cars don’t give you that warm, “punch in the back” feeling, but seem to get up to speed “deceptively” quickly. That is how you equate the TRD Aurion, correct? I have nothing against that.
My DR-Z400 Suzuki dirt bike is almost as quick as my mates WR Yamahas, but far more reliable. You could say I prefer a TRD dirt bike compared to an HSV/FPV dirt bike.
I have said numerous times I quite like the looks of the TRD Aurion, even you can’t argue with that. The number one thing that turns me off is FWD. I’ve had and driven FWD cars. I much prefer RWD and that is my personal choice.
I wouldn’t buy a TRD Hilux or F6X Territory. Both fine cars, and they ARE NOT in the same class so why compare them?
Any 4WD/AWD bush basher to me (if you really use it for its intended purpose, .ie. not picking up the kids), is going to get scratched, no two ways about it. That rules out any $80k cars immediately.
Give me a 10 year old Landcruiser or Patrol for something that is really supposed to go off-road.
As I’ve said before, my brother is considering trading the Hilux for an RTV ute. More economical, and can still get to the campsites we visit, and he can use its full-length tray for anything, instead of a useless dual-cab (I say useless because there is always two people to a vehicle on our trips, better off with extra tray room).
So “slightly more refined”, I do find that important in my bike, but it only costs $10k odd. Cars, however, when we are talking $60k+ for TRD, HSV and FPV, I’ll take the real performance thanks .ie. RWD.
Andre … I’ve done some beach driving my self. Any 4WD/AWD with a reasonable ground clearance and the right tyres would do the job. Heck, I could get my old Cortina in most spots except where the sand was really soft.
For real 4×4, neither TRD Hilux or F6X Territory come close (to be honest, even a regular hilux doesn’t come close). That isn’t their target though I suspect.
Watto-cobra, with out a word of a lie, about 3 and a bit weeks ago we had to pull out a AWD Territory in a sticky situation with a 4×4 Challenger that had no problems traveling over the same surface along Rules Beach near Baffle Creek in Queensland. A 4×4 will always be the better choice along a beach then a AWD vehicle especially considering the surface has a tendancy change quite rapidly and it is Toyota’s target amoung the other duties a 4×4 is designed to satisfy.
Oz, the TRD Hilux is 4×4 not AWD. I am not sure were you are getting that information from but it is certainly inaccurate. May a suggest another source of info.
K.Rashleigh: I never said it was AWD, Read first! I saw the 2nd gear stick in it!
Oz, 6.30pm you referred to AWD not 4WD. Misunderstanding perhaps.
K.Rashleigh, I don’t doubt you, and wouldn’t be surprised. AWD crossovers will never be as capable as a dedicated 4×4. As I said, I got my old Cortina in and out of some sticky situations, but don’t pretend it could’ve survived a huge boggy patch of sand.
For example, we (in a hilux) are always the first to get stuck on the worst tracks and rutted inclines. We get rescued by our mates Patrols and Landcruisers (good old snatch strap or winch) more often than I’d like.
Yes, Hilux may be better than Territory when the going gets rough, but a Landcruiser or Patrol craps on it.
Choose a Terri of you want to seat 5 or 7 in relative comfort and need a little off-road ability. Choose a Landcruiser if you want serious off-road ability. Hilux is in a commercial no-mans land, but that doesn’t stop it selling well *shrug*
K.Rashleigh,
I said its not full time, so I didnt mean it was AWD I forgot to read over it before I submited the comment.
i understood what you meant OZ
TP,
the F6X DOES have curtain airbags
Sorry Golfschwein, I didn’t respond earlier re: drum brakes. Cost could be the only excuse. That would have to be the only reason some small cars have them.
No serious dirt bike had drums (front or rear) after 1990-ish.
i wouldnt have thought drums would be that much cheaper to warrent not having them.
i had brakes fitted to my trailer some time back and drums were actually a little bit dearer than a disc set up.
the only real advantage with the drums appeared to be they didnt need as much space as what the calipers needed, but when set up on a vehicle discs wouldnt need any more space
Andrew M.. sorry about delayed response.. But your resply regarding 1 tonne was not in the right context. My initial comment about it being 1 tonne was for tax deductibility.. if it is below 1 tonne then log book needs to be kept for personal/business use..
ah ok mate,
i just went back and read you comment i replied to about the 1 tonne rating. i initially read tax benefits and 1 tonne rating as 2 separate points.
does it really have to be 1 tonne rating to negate the use of a log book?
I would REALLY hope the Hilux has 4 wheels discs to have any credibility as a ‘performance’ car…. in saying this though rear drums aernt that bad, the front is where all the loads goes under braking, the only reason why I really hate drums is they are an absolute bitch to maintain yourself (springs and all that junk in them)
Yes, front provide %70-%80 of the stopping power. My main problem with drums are they usually disappear when they get submerged .ie. creek crossing.
Andrew M..
it has to be 1 tonne, and it has to be only 2 doors.. otherwise log books required.. hence I sold by BA trayback and replaced it with an xr5 turbo.. trayback wast one tonne.. so if I was going to have a runner for work that needed a log book
I might as well have some fun
Anti spam DB9………….YES……….
Hey Cobra045…….not wrong me too!Fun,Fun ,Fun
what was your BA tray back? obviously not the base tonner model……….
if that is true then i know a hell of a lot of people that dont keep log books yet claim for utes that either have 4 doors or less than the 1 tonne rating.
i thought you initiannly could set a trend of percentage use and that would register for say 5yrs or something.
im actually going to check that out of my own interest.
i know plenty of people whos accountants have advised not to worry about a log book even to begin with
what if they are fleet vehicles??
surely the mines for eg dont get their employees to take the odometer reading each time they start up the 4 door 4×4’s
or company reps for kelloggs, where there staff are given 4 door wagons that arent 1 tonne either.
and how does that go for eg where a company vehicle might be part of a salary package???
i cant be bothered right now but tomorrow im gonna dig a book out.
dont get me wrong, im not doubting you, it just is a bit contrary to what i have thought and heard.
i know that vehicles carrying tools of the trade is a little different too but im gonna have to have a refresher on it ;)
Lol, nice opinions people…
Probably going to be best after we drive the flipping thing to see how she REALLY goes…
Just about ALL commercial vehicles Rodeo, Triton, Navara etc, run drum rear and leaf spring suspension… That’s just the way it seems to be. *shrug*
Driving a TRD Aurion atm, and it’s fantastic… Come from Holden camp driving the good fun 6.0L’s and hey, good bit of grunt is exciting, but re-iterating what someone was saying earlier, something to be said for Toyota refinement, and the Aurion and TRD aurion have that in spades… Foot flat to the floor at 50-70kph in the TRD Aurion, FPV or HSV would not have an easy time staying in front. :)
THIS UTE IS A CITY UTE.
Toyota will create a new class of “prado” style wankers – I just can’t wait!
You will be cut off by one any day now…………
Can’t wait to put Bundy stickers all over it, so it looks like a real ‘Boag machine’