2008 TRD HiLux unveiled
1 Feb, 2008
81 Comments 
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…
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February 1st, 2008 at 11:09 am
OMG did Toyota borrow those pinstripes from the boys at FPV, they bear a striking resemblance to those on the F6X.
So 1980’s. or is that 70’s
We can only hope this thing comes with stability and traction control… probably wont though.
I think i’d rather see a hybrid truck than this.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 11:11 am
So is it turbocharged or supercharged? The writer doesn’t seem to have decided.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 11:12 am
looks pretty sporty (will bling up quite nicely), and probably goes well for a commercial vehicle. What is the pricing?? One area it will be popular in, will be the tradies who want some sporty grunt with the tax benefits.. that is of course if it is 1 tonne capacity?? does anyone know if it is?? that is the main plus it will have over its holden and ford ute competition..
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am
judging by the lack of air vents on the bonnet I would say supercharged!! I must say the bonnet vents look good on the hilux so where have they gone??
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am
Its a supercharger, sorry guys! Was writing the STi at the same time :)
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
The Bonnet vents are on the Diesel, which is turbocharged.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
DOSNT LOOK AS TUFF AS THE HILUX, PUT THE VENTS BACK ON JUST FOR LOOKS….
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Is it the same supercharger as on the TRD Aurion? No intercooler either?
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I know that.. the vents are for the turbo.. not the fact its diesel.. but it would look good on the TRD
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Looks good.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
That is a very nice ute, ooops – i mean offroad vehicle.
I’ll take one thanks. Actually, make that two.
Alot more convincing then the F6X Territory as it has proper offroad credentials.
Well done Toyota
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I tell you what , if it is cheaper than a territory turbo it might actually be a big seller!!
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
cobra, at $75 000 the Territory is not cheap especially considering it has limited offroad ability compared to the Hilux. Overall, i believe TRD has suppplied a more convincing product then Ford has with the F6X.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I reckon Territory and TRD Lux will be very similar in price. I like both applications, obvioulsly the Hilux will be better off road, but the Territory will absolutely blitz it on road!! But honestly, don’t talk the Hilux up too much, we’re only talking about 225kw and approx 400nm.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Must say, the new TRD Lux looks awesome. Will defantly check it out at the Brissy show as with the Aurion. Love the new Kluger and Cruiser aswell. Toyota seems to be going all out these days with some impressive cars hitting the market.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
For Cobra – 4 door utes are no longer “zero substantiation” vehicles, even if they are 1 tonners.
Tax fiend changed the rules because they are now used as family cars.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Is that the Brisbane Broncos in the 3rd picture?
On ten news yesterday, the news reporter ranted on againts the cars not all being “ECO Friendly” showing the 6.0L bage on a Commodore and when they got to the part where the XY Falcon GT-HO might be the highest auction there and he raved with a negitive voice “it only get’s you from A to B”. I was thinking after that, “WTF?”
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
ummm apart from the front bar, looks just like a 4×4 HiLux. At least it does look a little different compared to F6X. But if it was my money I would take the F6X. If I was buying something like these vehicles I would not take them off-road anyway. If you want to go off road buy a TD HIlux or Ranger, much, much better for that.
Can’t see it selling that well, much like the TRD Aurion
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
K. Rash.. I think you are right.. mauybe the next gen territory will be better?? we will see I suppose
Reckless.. not many loopholes left then is there for tax reasons.. are they doing a TRD extra cab or somthing similar??.. maybe that will attract?? and be tax effective
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Cobra, – no, our friend little john showed his colours when treasurer, by inventing a raft of new taxes, and continued his surplus seeking by closing almost all loopholes.
But you can still be very tax effective using a discretionary trust/corporate trustee/super fund structure. This is not as much help to people under 40, but for those who are self employed and over 40 it’s a structure that enables a maximum tax rate of 15% for most income and maybe 30% for some of it.
I haven’t paid more than 15% for a very long time, but I still pay more than $30,000pa in tax so I do my share for the country! That doesn’t include the GST I pay, either.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Forgot to add, I believe a 1 tonner with only 2 doors is still “zero substantiation”, as are vans & trucks.
But say a Vito with 4 doors and second row seat would not be.
Check with your bean counter to be absolutely sure, as I think there is a list of vehicles and their status available.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 4:09 pm
alternatively you just keep a “log book” that is a little creative!!
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Glen, the F6X offers little differance to the other road going FPV’s but TRD is showing some individuality by suppling the market with some real alternatives. The TRD Aurion is a road going rocket while the TRD Hilux is a versatile monster. Despite having only two selections to date under the TRD badge, each vehicle offers something radically different to each other.
I believe TRD will develope nicely in Australia with players like Neil Bates and Simon Evans not only supporting the newly formed team but by racing the ARC TRD Corolla’s and will be participating in such events as Targa Tasmania (among many others)in modified racing Aurions. This is a newly rising breed in Australia and we should be getting behind them.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Reckless,
Firstly mate YOU DONT PAY GST and neither do i nor any other person who has to lodge a quarterly activity statement. the only person who pays it is the ned consumer. GST is great for business.
Cobra045,
whether or not the load capacity is 1 tonne or not wont detract from it. you dont need a 1 tonne rating to be able to tow 1 tonne with it. bugger all load of the trailer actually goes down on the vehicle (if its set up right)
with the size of the tray on duel cabs you wont come near fitting 1 tonne worth of gear in them so the rating is really irrelevant.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Very niiiiiiiiiiice…. AT LEAST 225kw, 400Nm, brake etc upgrades… that will shut up the critiques!
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 5:58 pm
ha ha ha yeah ford and toyota must have got a better deal for buying a combined load of dodgy looking stickers ;)
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 6:01 pm
i do question though why toyota the king of multi fit parts/platforms actually developed 2 different super charged 6cyl motors????
does anyone know if they are going to space out the shockingly close gear ratios?
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Does anyone know how crap the F6X is?
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I only want one if I can have it with drum rear brakes.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
TP, looks like you have to defend a guttless car with barely any power compared to the F6X you hate.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 7:06 pm
TP,
go away mate,
we dont want your bible bashing comments here mate.
you will only appear on this post i suppose untill someone stumps you as usual and you dont show again out of embarrasment. how about responding to previous posts you ignore before you start on new topics.
Golf,
Vote:very clever mate, but good point
February 1st, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Yeah AndrewM Paul hates a car with better, awesome power than this TuRD.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 7:10 pm
All commercial vehicles are 100% tax deductible including dual cab utes. FBT can come into it with a log book if u do less than say 30ks a year in anything else. Is a sliding scale and disappears after about 30k a year of business use.
I wonder how much they put on the TuRD. Double or nothing like the Aurion TuRD. Those Toyota buyers are a gullible lot.
Vote:Check out the matchbox superfast style mags.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Matchbox Superfast, REALCARS? You’ve just aged yourself. Like me, I suppose! :)
Maybe Toyota could put some lovely wooden-spoke wheels on it to go with the drums at the back.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 8:20 pm
HEEEEEEYYYY, maybe it IS a Matchbox Superfast toy! That’ll explain the funny proportions and stripes as well!
I wonder if the doors and bonnet open…
And crash safety? Ha! Young Golfschwein will have to take it down to Dad’s shed to see how well it withstands the vise treatment. He’ll be very annoyed indeed if it pops the rivet under the front chassis, cos all that does is buckle ‘em! Doesn’t look like they’ve been in a crash at all when that happens. Soopa Coopa, on the other hand, was in a very serious crash! The vise did crush the shiny plastic engine hanging off the back of the car, which I suppose lacked authenticity to other youngsters with an eye for detail, but the rest of it was a NCAP one-star DISASTER.
Vote:February 1st, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Must say, the TRD version of the Hilux certainly looks the part. Specifications and equipment levels look good aswell. Will defantly check it out at the show. My guess, the Territory will be a greater turd then the Hilux by a country mile as it would be no good to me on the beach were i spend much of my recreational time camping with the family. My support is with much of the other people, Hilux thankyou.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
Andrew M
“i do question though why toyota the king of multi fit parts/platforms actually developed 2 different super charged 6cyl motors????
does anyone know if they are going to space out the shockingly close gear ratios?”
Andrew, the super charger is not built by Toyota, nor designed by Toyota. It was outsourced to an Australian Engineering company, forgot the name.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
Also REALCARS…
Your not dissing the TRD world wide brand are ya?… which has been established way before the TRD Hilux and Aurion.
They have a good history and success in Japanese tuning and racing.
BTW, as said above, the Super charger was not designed by Toyota. It was by an Australian company. Toyota Japan doesnt realy trust Toyota Australia much at the moment in terms of funding it or sourcing it with actual TRD parts from Japan…. right now its just the name “TRD”.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
The Oribital Company, Harrop Engineering and Prodrive are the main external development groups inconjuntion with the small but motivated TRD team. TRD Australia are on thier own until they prove the potential and then greater funds and export markets will likely be given the green light from the conseravtive hods of TMC.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
“Boss here. You Aussie guys can do this one for now. DON’T SCREW UP!”
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
It is shame Toyota do not sell the Hilux Wagon (SUV) here in austalia like the ones i saw in South America last month.This vehicle is far more attractive than the Hilux ute and Prado.I am sure the Hilux Wagon would be a good selling vehicle here.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Peter W: Are you talking about the Sequoia; FJ Cruiser; Tacoma; 4 Runner; Highlander or the Tundra..?
Vote:as Toyota sell so many different SUVs in the States..
February 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
So far from TRD we have an Awesome Aurion and now a Tough Truck.
LOVE IT !
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Mane Bilstein… TRD, home of the PRACTICAL performane cars. FPV & HSV… home of the performance cars that have everything you CANT use on the streets.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Quote [TP]: TRD, home of the PRACTICAL performane cars. FPV & HSV… home of the performance cars that have everything you CAN’T use on the streets.
Then what the hell does that make Lamborghini Ferrari Koenigsegg Zonda Bugatti etc..?
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
A tough truck with drum rear brakes. Toyota has a sense of humour.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Front Wheel Drive sports cars are “PRACTICAL”?
Great joke TP!
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Must say, the TRD Hilux from Toyota is much better option then the F6X Territory. Looks the part, will check it out some time for sure. Have a nice V6 SR5 at the moment and has been a great all round vehicle. First Toyo i have owned and carn’t say anthing bad about it.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
The TRD and F6X are in different categories.. the TRD is a Utility Vehicle whereas the F6X is a Cross-Over Vehicle. Utes are more aimed at singles where as cross overs are for families
And buyers looking at one wouldn’t really consider or look at the other
I mean do you think a Legal Eagle would really consider a Camry when he can buy an Aston Martin etc.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
No Oz… I mean practical in the sense that it offers good features with performance, even the Typhoon currently does have curtain airbags or the refinment the TRD offers… all about balance, might not have the performance (performance you cant use on road) but its goth other positives.
Golf there is no indication of drum brakes, given they say brake upgrades I would doubt it is drums.
As for comparison with F6X of course but its more comparing FPVs attempt at making an unconventional performance car into one against TRd’s attempt… its obvious which brand has failed miserably.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Watto, I’m such a cynic on these matters. Would the reason be simply cost?
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Hey TP, I just came back from the Brisbane Motor show and I sat in a one and it does have drum brakes.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Hey OZ…………do you ever check your PMs?
Geez babe!
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
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).
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
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.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
K.Rashleigh: I never said it was AWD, Read first! I saw the 2nd gear stick in it!
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Oz, 6.30pm you referred to AWD not 4WD. Misunderstanding perhaps.
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
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*
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
K.Rashleigh,
Vote:I said its not full time, so I didnt mean it was AWD I forgot to read over it before I submited the comment.
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
i understood what you meant OZ
Vote:February 2nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
TP,
Vote:the F6X DOES have curtain airbags
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
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.
Vote:February 3rd, 2008 at 10:22 am
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.
Vote: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
February 4th, 2008 at 9:10 am
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..
Vote:February 4th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
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?
Vote:February 4th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
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)
Vote:February 4th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
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.
Vote:February 4th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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
Vote:I might as well have some fun
February 4th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Anti spam DB9………….YES……….
Hey Cobra045…….not wrong me too!Fun,Fun ,Fun
Vote:February 4th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
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.
Vote: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 ;)
March 4th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
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. :)
Vote:May 5th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
THIS UTE IS A CITY UTE.
Vote:May 5th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Toyota will create a new class of “prado” style wankers – I just can’t wait!
Vote:You will be cut off by one any day now…………
June 11th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Can’t wait to put Bundy stickers all over it, so it looks like a real ‘Boag machine’
Vote: